Can I cut off the brown tips?

Yes, just use clean scissors and follow the natural shape of the leaf. Try not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Does tap water hurt my Peace Lily?

Many Peace Lilies are sensitive to chemicals like fluoride found in tap water, which can cause tip burn.

Peace Lily: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the humidity level in your room.
Consider the type of water you use for irrigation.
Look for signs of fertilizer salt buildup on the soil surface.

Likely causes

Low humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips are dry, crispy, and brown while the rest of the leaf looks healthy.
What to do: Mist the leaves regularly or place the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water. You can also use a humidifier nearby to keep the air moist.
Mineral buildup
Possible
How to tell: Brown tips appear despite consistent watering and decent humidity.
What to do: Switch to filtered or distilled water to avoid chlorine and fluoride. Flush the soil with clean water once a month to wash out excess salts.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your peace lily

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

Brown tips are rarely fatal, but they indicate the plant is unhappy with its current environment. You can trim the brown parts off with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant away from heating vents and use filtered water to keep the foliage looking its best.

Peace Lily: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your peace lily 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 cut off the brown tips?: Yes, just use clean scissors and follow the natural shape of the leaf. Try not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does tap water hurt my Peace Lily?: Many Peace Lilies are sensitive to chemicals like fluoride found in tap water, which can cause tip burn.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why are my Peace Lily's leaf tips turning brown?