Nothing ruins the beauty of a peace lily faster than brown, crispy leaves! If yours is looking a little worse for wear, don’t panic—there are plenty of reasons this can happen, and most have easy fixes.
I’ve rounded up 20 surprising causes behind those browning leaves, along with simple ways to get your plant back in top shape. A little troubleshooting can make all the difference in keeping your peace lily lush and healthy.
Let’s get those leaves looking green and gorgeous again!
1. Too Much Sun Exposure
Sunburn isn’t just for people—it can happen to your Peace Lily too! If your plant is in a spot where it gets direct sunlight, you may notice those pretty leaves turning brown and crispy. Peace Lilies love bright, indirect light, but they definitely don’t want to be basking in full sun all day.
To fix this, gently move your Peace Lily to a location where it can still enjoy plenty of light, but with some shade. It’s like finding the perfect sun hat for your plant—plenty of sunshine without the burn!
2. Overwatering
It’s tempting to show your plant some love by watering it constantly, but here’s the thing: overwatering is actually one of the most common mistakes with Peace Lilies. When the soil stays soggy for too long, the roots start suffocating, causing the leaves to turn brown, especially at the tips.
To avoid this, let the top few inches of soil dry out before watering again. And if you notice any standing water in the pot’s saucer, be sure to dump it out. Your Peace Lily will thank you for the extra breathing room!
3. Underwatering
On the flip side, if you’ve been neglecting your Peace Lily, it could be just as unhappy. Brown tips or edges are often a sign that it hasn’t been getting enough water. These plants like their soil to be consistently moist, but not soggy.
To fix this, water your Peace Lily thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. You’ll know you’re on the right track when the leaves perk up and start showing their healthy green hue again.
4. Poor Drainage
Having a pot with poor drainage is like putting your Peace Lily in a swimming pool that it can’t get out of. Without good drainage, water builds up at the bottom of the pot, leading to root rot, which makes the leaves turn brown.
If your pot doesn’t have proper drainage holes, it’s time to switch to one that does. Make sure to also add a layer of pebbles or small rocks at the bottom to help the water flow out more easily. This small change can save your Peace Lily from a soggy death!
5. Low Humidity
Peace Lilies are native to tropical climates, so they love humidity. If the air in your home is dry, especially in winter, you might start seeing brown spots and crispy edges on the leaves.
You can fix this by placing your Peace Lily on a humidity tray filled with pebbles and water or misting the leaves regularly. A humidifier in the room can also work wonders. This extra moisture will have your Peace Lily looking lush and happy!
6. Fertilizer Burn
Fertilizing is great for your plant, but too much of a good thing can lead to fertilizer burn. If you’ve been overfeeding your Peace Lily, especially with strong, concentrated fertilizers, the leaves can start turning brown at the tips.
To fix this, dilute the fertilizer or cut back on how often you feed your plant. A gentle, balanced fertilizer used sparingly will keep your Peace Lily thriving without the risk of a brown-tipped disaster.
7. Temperature Extremes
Peace Lilies love warmth, but they don’t want to be too hot or too cold. Exposure to drafts, sudden temperature changes, or cold windows can cause the leaves to turn brown.
Try to keep your plant in a warm, consistent environment—ideally between 65-80°F (18-27°C). If you’re worried about cold drafts, simply move it away from windows and doors that let in chilly air. Keeping the temperature steady is key to keeping your plant happy and green!
8. Pests
Sometimes, the culprit behind those brown leaves isn’t the environment at all—it’s tiny, pesky bugs! Aphids, spider mites, and scale insects can infest your Peace Lily, sucking the life out of it and causing brown spots.
Inspect the leaves regularly for tiny creatures or webbing. If you find any, gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or use insecticidal soap to remove the pests. A healthy Peace Lily is a pest-free Peace Lily!
9. Root Bound
If your Peace Lily has been in the same pot for too long, it could be root bound, meaning the roots are cramped and can’t grow properly. This can lead to the plant struggling for nutrients and water, which results in brown leaves.
If you notice the plant has outgrown its pot, it’s time to re-pot. Choose a container that’s one size larger and gently loosen the roots. This fresh space will give your Peace Lily room to grow and flourish again!
10. Improper Soil
The type of soil you use plays a major role in the health of your Peace Lily. If the soil doesn’t drain well or isn’t nutrient-rich, your plant may struggle, causing those brown tips.
The best soil for a Peace Lily is light, well-draining, and slightly acidic. If your current soil isn’t cutting it, consider repotting with a mix designed for houseplants or make your own by blending potting soil with perlite or sand for better drainage.
11. Chlorine in Tap Water
Peace Lilies are sensitive to the chemicals in tap water, especially chlorine and fluoride. These chemicals can accumulate in the soil, leading to brown leaf tips over time.
If your tap water is high in these chemicals, it’s best to let the water sit out overnight before using it on your plant. Alternatively, use filtered water or rainwater to keep your Peace Lily happy and healthy. Your plant will appreciate the extra effort and thrive without the chemical overload!
12. Aging Leaves
Sometimes, a few brown tips are just a sign of aging leaves. Peace Lilies naturally shed older leaves to make room for new growth. If you notice a few brown edges here and there, it could simply be time for the plant to let go of its older foliage.
Gently trim the brown tips with clean scissors, and don’t worry—your Peace Lily will continue to thrive with fresh, new leaves popping up in no time!
13. Stress from Moving
Transplant shock is real. If you’ve recently moved your Peace Lily to a new location or repotted it, it may experience stress that causes the leaves to turn brown. This is especially true if the move included changes in light, temperature, or humidity.
Give your plant a little time to adjust and try to keep its environment stable. With some patience and TLC, it’ll bounce back and continue to thrive in its new spot.
14. Poor Air Circulation
Just like us, plants need good airflow to thrive. Stagnant air can encourage mold, fungus, and stress in Peace Lilies, leading to brown spots.
If your plant is in a corner or space with poor circulation, it’s time to find a better spot. A gentle fan or a more open space will help keep the air moving and your plant healthy. Fresh air = happy plants!
15. Root Rot
Root rot can be sneaky, showing up as brown, mushy spots on your Peace Lily’s leaves. This condition is usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage, and if not addressed quickly, it can kill the plant.
If you suspect root rot, carefully remove the plant from its pot and check the roots. Trim away any black or mushy roots and re-pot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil. Your Peace Lily will appreciate the fresh start!
16. Too Much Fertilizer
If you’ve been feeding your Peace Lily too much, you might start seeing those brown edges as a sign of nutrient overload. Just like humans can get an upset stomach from too much food, plants can get “burned” by excessive fertilizer.
To fix this, cut back on the fertilizer and rinse the soil with water to flush out any excess nutrients. A balanced approach to feeding will keep your plant healthy and happy!
17. Too Little Light
We all know Peace Lilies love light, but they don’t want to be in the direct sun. If your Peace Lily isn’t getting enough light, the leaves may turn brown and the plant will stop thriving.
Consider moving it to a brighter spot that still offers indirect sunlight. A little more light can make all the difference, and your Peace Lily will thank you by producing lush, healthy leaves!
18. Too Much Nitrogen
Too much nitrogen in the soil can cause Peace Lily leaves to turn yellow or brown, starting from the tips and spreading. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers can be a culprit if used too frequently.
Make sure you’re using a balanced fertilizer to avoid an overload of nitrogen. By following the right feeding schedule, you’ll avoid burning your plant and keep it looking vibrant and green.
19. Transplant Shock
Transplanting a Peace Lily can be a big deal for the plant, and it might take a little time to adjust. During this adjustment period, it’s normal for the plant to experience a bit of stress, which can cause browning.
Give your Peace Lily a few weeks to settle in and avoid making any sudden changes during this period. Patience will reward you with a flourishing plant!
20. Chemical Exposure
Your Peace Lily can be sensitive to harsh chemicals, whether it’s household cleaners or pesticides. If you’ve used any strong chemicals near your plant, they might have made their way to the leaves, causing brown spots.
To avoid this, keep your Peace Lily away from areas where chemicals are used. If you suspect exposure, gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
21. Root Damage
Sometimes, while repotting or moving the plant, the roots can get damaged. This can cause stress to the plant, resulting in brown or discolored leaves.
Always be gentle when handling the roots and try not to disturb them too much. If you do notice any root damage, trim away the affected areas and re-pot the plant in fresh soil. Your Peace Lily will bounce back with a little extra care!
22. Poor Pot Size
If your Peace Lily is in a pot that’s too small, the roots might not have enough space to grow, leading to brown leaf tips. It’s important to make sure your plant has enough room for its roots to spread out.
Repotting into a larger pot can give your Peace Lily the space it needs to thrive. Choose a pot that’s just one size larger than the current one to avoid overwhelming the roots.
23. Excessive Watering at Night
Watering your Peace Lily at night can lead to root rot and browning leaves, as the plant sits in water for longer periods without drying out. To prevent this, try to water your plant in the morning or early afternoon when the soil can dry out more quickly.
This simple timing trick will help your Peace Lily avoid the risk of root rot and keep those leaves lush and green.
24. A Sudden Change in Watering Routine
Peace Lilies like consistency, and if you suddenly change the watering schedule or quantity, it can stress the plant and lead to brown spots on the leaves. Stick to a regular routine, watering when the top inch of soil feels dry, and try not to skip a watering session or overdo it.
Your plant will appreciate the predictability and stay healthier for it.
25. Airborne Pollutants
Believe it or not, even the air around your Peace Lily can affect its health. Things like smoke, dust, or other pollutants can damage the leaves and cause them to brown.
Keep your plant in a cleaner environment away from air pollutants, and periodically wipe the leaves to keep them dust-free. A cleaner atmosphere will keep your Peace Lily happy and looking its best!
26. Water Temperature
Cold or hot water can shock your Peace Lily, causing brown spots and leaf damage. To keep your plant happy, make sure to use room-temperature water when watering.
This small adjustment can make a huge difference in the health of your plant, as it’s much less stressful than using water that’s too hot or too cold.
27. High Salt Content
Excessive salt buildup in the soil can cause the Peace Lily’s leaves to brown at the tips. This often happens when you’ve been using too much fertilizer or hard water.
To solve this, flush the soil with water every few months to clear out any salt buildup. Your Peace Lily will love the fresh, salt-free soil and be much healthier for it.
28. Aging Plant
Sometimes, it’s just the natural aging process. Older Peace Lilies may shed leaves, and this is completely normal. If your plant is still growing well and thriving, a few browning leaves are nothing to worry about.
Just trim the brown edges, and enjoy watching the new, fresh leaves take their place. A little aging is no reason to panic—your Peace Lily is still doing just fine!