Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Silver Philodendron · Scindapsus pictus

Why are my Scindapsus pictus leaves getting brown tips?

It is less common for this plant to have brown tips, which usually happens when the air is too dry or the water quality is poor. Check your humidity levels first to see if the air is drying out the leaf edges.

Check these first

  1. Feel the soil to ensure it is not bone dry.
  2. Check the air humidity level in the room.
  3. Inspect the leaf tips for a crispy texture.

Likely causes

  1. Low Humidity

    Possible

    How to tell: The tips turn crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf stays green. This often happens in winter when heaters run constantly.

    What to do: Group your plants together to create a humid microclimate. You can also place a pebble tray filled with water under the pot or run a humidifier nearby.

  2. Mineral Buildup

    Possible

    How to tell: The tips brown slowly over time, even with regular watering. This is often caused by salts or chlorine found in tap water.

    What to do: Switch to filtered or distilled water for a few weeks to see if the browning stops. You can also flush the soil with plenty of water to wash out excess minerals.

Find out what's wrong with your silver 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

Worry if the brown area spreads rapidly toward the center of the leaf. A tiny bit of crispiness on the very tip is usually just a sign of normal indoor conditions.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant away from direct heating or cooling vents. Maintain consistent humidity levels throughout the year.

Keep your silver 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?
Yes, you can trim them for aesthetic reasons. Use clean scissors and cut just outside the green tissue to avoid damaging the healthy part of the leaf.
Does misting help with brown tips?
Misting only provides a temporary boost in humidity that lasts for a few minutes. It is better to use a humidifier or a pebble tray for lasting results.

More problems with Silver Philodendron

Back to the Silver 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.