Should I trim the brown tips off?

Yes, you can trim them with clean scissors. Cut just inside the brown area, leaving a tiny sliver of brown so you do not damage the healthy green tissue.

Does misting help with brown tips?

Misting provides only temporary relief and is not very effective. Using a pebble tray or a humidifier is a much better long term solution.

Why are my spider plant's leaf tips turning brown?

Check these first

Check if your tap water contains high levels of fluoride or chlorine.
Feel the air around the plant to see if it feels very dry.
Inspect the soil to ensure you are not letting it dry out completely for too long.

Likely causes

Fluoride sensitivity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips turn crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf remains green. This happens because spider plants are sensitive to chemicals found in standard tap water.
What to do: Switch to distilled, filtered, or rainwater for your next few waterings. If you must use tap water, let it sit out in an open container for 24 hours before using it to allow some chlorine to evaporate.
Low humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips dry out and turn brown, especially during winter when indoor heating is running. The leaves may also feel brittle to the touch.
What to do: Group your plant with others to create a microclimate or place it on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Avoid placing the plant directly in front of heating vents or radiators.

When to worry

It is rarely a sign of a dying plant, but rather a cosmetic issue. You should only worry if the browning starts moving rapidly down the entire leaf toward the base.

Stopping it coming back

Use filtered water consistently and keep the plant away from dry heat sources like vents.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your spider plant.

This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf 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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Questions people ask

Should I trim the brown tips off?: Yes, you can trim them with clean scissors. Cut just inside the brown area, leaving a tiny sliver of brown so you do not damage the healthy green tissue.
Does misting help with brown tips?: Misting provides only temporary relief and is not very effective. Using a pebble tray or a humidifier is a much better long term solution.