Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the soil moisture to see if it has been dry for too long.
- Look for heat sources like radiators near the plant.
- Inspect the leaves for signs of pests that might cause damage.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The tips turn crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf feels thin. The soil is bone dry for too long.
What to do: Increase your watering frequency slightly so the soil does not stay dry for extended periods. Ensure you soak the soil thoroughly until water runs out the bottom.
Low Humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The tips brown slowly over time even when the soil moisture is correct. This is common in dry, indoor winter air.
What to do: Keep the plant away from heat vents or drafty windows. You do not need to mist the plant, as this can cause fungal issues.
Find out what's wrong with your spiral aloe
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
Minor browning on the very tips is usually just cosmetic. If the brown area starts spreading down the leaf, you have a bigger issue.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant in a stable environment away from extreme heat or cold drafts.
Spiral aloe: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your spiral aloe and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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Questions people ask
- Should I trim the brown tips off?
- You can snip the brown parts off with clean scissors for aesthetics. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.
- Is tap water causing the brown tips?
- Sometimes mineral buildup in tap water can cause tip burn. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Spiral aloe
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.