Skip to content

Neon Philodendron · Philodendron hederaceum

Why are the tips of my Neon Philodendron turning brown?

It is less common for this plant to have brown tips, which usually happens due to low humidity or inconsistent watering. Check your soil moisture first to see if you are letting it dry out too much.

Check these first

  1. Feel the top 3 centimeters of soil to check for dryness.
  2. Check the humidity levels in your room.
  3. Look for any drafts from heaters or air conditioners.

Likely causes

  1. Low Humidity

    Most likely

    How to tell: The tips of the leaves become dry, crispy, and brown. This often happens in winter when indoor heating dries out the air.

    What to do: Group your plant with others to create a humid microclimate. You can also place it on a tray filled with pebbles and water.

  2. Inconsistent Watering

    Possible

    How to tell: The brown tips appear alongside soil that feels bone dry. The leaves may also feel slightly limp.

    What to do: Water your plant every 7 to 10 days when the top 3 centimeters of soil feel dry. Ensure you soak the soil thoroughly until water drains from the bottom.

Find out what's wrong with your neon 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

Brown tips are mostly cosmetic and not a sign of a dying plant. You only need to worry if the brown patches start spreading rapidly across the entire leaf.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant away from dry air vents.

Keep your neon philodendron healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

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

Questions people ask

Should I trim the brown tips off?
You can trim them with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Is my tap water causing this?
Sometimes mineral buildup in tap water can cause tip burn. If you suspect this, try using filtered or distilled water.

More problems with Neon Philodendron

Back to the Neon Philodendron guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.