
Brown Tips on Houseplants: Water, Salts, and Dry Air
Check the root ball, fertilizer history, water source, and air near the leaves. Brown tips are permanent, but the cause of fresh tip burn can be corrected.
Read the guidePlant profile
Croton leaves naturally contain yellow and other colors. Loss of firmness, repeated leaf drop, sticky residue, or mite stippling distinguishes damage from a healthy pattern.
Check this plant
Keep evenly moist during active growth, with drainage.
Very bright light; acclimate to direct sun gradually.
Drainage
medium
Root rot risk
medium
Ask whether leaf drop started after purchase or relocation.
Check for drafts and cold glass before moving again.
Inspect colorful leaves for mites if the plant looks dusty or speckled.
Useful guides

Check the root ball, fertilizer history, water source, and air near the leaves. Brown tips are permanent, but the cause of fresh tip burn can be corrected.
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Check for a dry root ball, wet decay, pests, or a recent temperature or light change. Follow the matching rescue route and keep healthy tissue.
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Low light tends to change new growth over time. Excess sun can scorch exposed leaves quickly. Compare growth, damage location, and recent placement changes.
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Feel the root ball before watering. Dry soil, wet roots, and a dry center after repotting can all leave a peace lily limp.
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Check leaf age, moisture inside the root ball, and pest marks to decide what a yellow monstera leaf needs.
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Use the spot’s location, texture, and change over time to decide whether to check roots, exposure, pests, or leaf disease.
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