Can I trim the brown tips off?

Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Try to follow the natural shape of the leaf tip for a cleaner look.

Is tap water causing the brown tips?

It is possible if your water has high mineral content. Try using filtered or distilled water for a few weeks to see if it helps.

Silver Sword Philodendron: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top inch of soil to check for dryness.
Check the humidity levels in your room.
Examine the leaf tips for a crispy texture.

Likely causes

Low humidity
Possible
How to tell: The leaf tips become dry, crispy, and brown while the rest of the leaf remains green. This often happens in dry indoor air during winter.
What to do: Group your plants together to create a microclimate or use a humidifier nearby. You can also place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
Inconsistent watering
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn brown because the plant is cycling between being too dry and too wet. The soil may feel very hard or pull away from the edges of the pot.
What to do: Stick to a schedule where you water when the top inch of soil is dry. Ensure you soak the soil thoroughly until water drains out of the bottom.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your silver sword philodendron

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.

When to worry

A few small brown tips are usually just a reaction to dry air. Worry if the brown patches are spreading rapidly across the entire leaf surface.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain consistent moisture and keep the plant away from heating vents or cold drafts.

Silver Sword Philodendron: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your silver sword philodendron 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I trim the brown tips off?: Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Try to follow the natural shape of the leaf tip for a cleaner look.
Is tap water causing the brown tips?: It is possible if your water has high mineral content. Try using filtered or distilled water for a few weeks to see if it helps.

Why are the tips of my Silver Sword leaves turning brown?