Why Are My Plant Leaves Turning Brown?
Direct Answer
Brown leaf tips are almost always caused by low humidity or inconsistent watering. Brown patches or spots suggest sunburn, disease, or root problems. Check: is the browning on tips/edges (humidity/watering issue) or in the middle of leaves (sunburn/disease)?
| Brown Pattern | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Crispy tips | Low humidity | Mist, humidifier, or pebble tray |
| Tips + edges | Under-watering | Water more consistently |
| Bleached patches | Sunburn | Move away from direct sun |
| Spots with halos | Fungal/bacterial | Remove affected leaves, improve airflow |
| Mushy brown | Overwatering/rot | Reduce watering, check roots |
| Lower leaves only | Natural aging | Normal — simply remove old leaves |
Related Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, fully brown leaves won't recover and should be removed. For partially brown leaves, you can trim just the brown edges with clean scissors, cutting slightly into the green tissue. This improves appearance without removing the entire leaf.
No, brown leaf tissue is dead and cannot regenerate. The plant will produce new healthy leaves once the underlying cause is fixed, but existing brown tissue will not recover. Remove fully brown leaves to redirect the plant's energy.
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