Peace lilies are beloved houseplants known for their elegant white blooms and attractive green foliage. But many plant parents encounter a frustrating issue: brown, crunchy tips on the leaves. Not only does this affect the plant’s appearance, it can also signal underlying care problems that need attention. Understanding why your peace lily has brown tips — and how to fix it — will help you keep your plant healthy and thriving.
One of the most common causes of crispy leaf edges is improper watering. Peace lilies prefer consistently moist soil, but over-watering or letting the plant sit in soggy conditions can lead to root stress, which shows up as brown tips. On the other hand, allowing soil to dry out too much — especially during hot weather or in dry indoor air — can cause dehydration and leaf tip browning. If you want a complete breakdown of all the possible causes and how to address them, this article walks through everything you need to know: brown crunchy tips on peace lily.
Another key factor is humidity. Peace lilies are tropical plants, so they thrive in humid environments. In indoor spaces with dry air — especially during winter when heating systems run constantly — leaf tips can dry out and turn brown. Increasing humidity around your plant using a pebble tray, regular misting, or a humidifier can make a noticeable difference. Simple adjustments like placing the plant near other greenery also help create a more moisture-rich microclimate.
Light exposure plays a role too. While peace lilies tolerate low light, too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and result in browned tips. Conversely, extremely low light can weaken overall growth, making leaf edges more susceptible to damage. Ideally, place your peace lily in bright, indirect light — such as near a north- or east-facing window. For more detailed tips on light, water, and temperature adjustments tailored to peace lilies, check out this helpful guide: what you need to know.
Additional contributors to brown tips can include salt buildup from fertilizer, hard tap water, or chemical sensitivities. Flushing the soil occasionally with distilled or filtered water can reduce mineral accumulation and promote healthier leaf growth.
Keeping your peace lily vibrant doesn’t require perfection — just attentive adjustments based on your plant’s signals. With a bit of care and awareness, you’ll help it recover and produce lush green foliage and beautiful blooms once again.