1. Low Humidity
Peace lilies are tropical plants and love humid air. When the air is too dry, especially in winter or air-conditioned rooms, the leaf tips dry out and turn brown.
What to do:
- Mist the leaves lightly a few times a week
- Place the pot on a pebble tray with water
- Use a humidifier if possible
- Group plants together to raise humidity naturally
2. Inconsistent or Improper Watering
Peace lilies prefer evenly moist soil. Letting the soil dry out completely—even once—can cause brown tips. On the flip side, constantly soggy soil can stress the roots too.
What to do:
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry
- Water thoroughly, then let excess drain out
- Never let the plant sit in standing water
3. Fluoride and Chemicals in Tap Water
Peace lilies are sensitive to fluoride, chlorine, and salts commonly found in tap water. These chemicals can build up in the soil and damage leaf tips.
What to do:
- Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater
- Let tap water sit out overnight before watering
- Flush the soil every few months with clean water
4. Over-Fertilizing
Too much fertilizer can cause salt buildup in the soil, which burns the roots and shows up as brown leaf tips.
What to do:
- Fertilize only every 6–8 weeks during the growing season
- Use a balanced, diluted houseplant fertilizer
- Skip fertilizing in fall and winter
5. Too Much Direct Sunlight
Peace lilies prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing browning, especially at the tips.
What to do:
- Move the plant away from direct sun
- Place it near a north- or east-facing window
- Use sheer curtains to filter strong light
6. Temperature Stress
Cold drafts, heaters, or sudden temperature changes can stress peace lilies and lead to brown tips.
What to do:
- Keep temperatures between 65–80°F (18–27°C)
- Avoid placing the plant near vents, radiators, or drafty windows
7. Natural Aging
Sometimes, older leaves naturally develop brown tips as they age. If the rest of the plant looks healthy, this isn’t a problem.
What to do:
- Trim brown tips with clean scissors
- Remove old leaves to encourage new growth
How to Fix Brown Tips Already There
Brown tips won’t turn green again, but you can improve the plant’s appearance:
- Use clean, sharp scissors
- Cut along the natural shape of the leaf
- Avoid cutting into healthy green tissue
Quick Peace Lily Care Checklist
- Bright, indirect light
- Consistently moist (not soggy) soil
- High humidity
- Filtered or rested water
- Light feeding only during growth season