Tips and edges turn brown and soft rather than dry and papery, and the soil stays damp for days. Damaged roots can’t supply the leaf tips.
The fix
Let the soil dry out and water again only once the soil has dried out completely. If the base is soft or the roots are brown and mushy, unpot it, trim the soft roots, and repot in fresh, fast-draining mix. Wear gloves before cutting or dividing. The sap can irritate skin. Keep cut pieces out of reach of children and pets, and wash your hands after handling.
Other possible causes
Not a match? Compare the signs below to find the one you have.
Tap-water minerals and salts (a smaller factor here)
How to tell
Snake plant tolerates tap-water minerals better than more sensitive foliage plants (calatheas, prayer plants), so this is rarely the main cause. Salts can still build up in a mix that’s never flushed, though.
The fix
If tips keep browning despite correct watering, flush the mix thoroughly with plain water every few months to clear any accumulated salts.
Fertilizer burn (easy to cause on this plant)
How to tell
Tips brown within a week or two of a feed. This plant needs little fertilizer, so feeding stronger or more often than the label directs can scorch it.
The fix
Flush thoroughly with plain water. Then feed no more than once a month from April to September, diluted as the label directs.
Occasional dry spells (a minor factor here)
How to tell
Because snake plant goes long stretches between waterings by design, the very oldest leaf tips can dry and brown even with correct care. This is a much smaller factor than on thirstier plants and rarely the main cause.
The fix
Water according to moisture, only when the soil has dried out completely. Check drainage and do not add water just because a tip is brown or a calendar says it is time.
Dry heat from a radiator or vent
How to tell
Tips brown mainly on the side facing a radiator or heater vent. Snake plant does well at 30–60% humidity, so ordinary room air is rarely the cause on its own.
The fix
Move it away from the heat source. It doesn’t need misting or a humidity tray.
Too much direct sun
How to tell
Dry brown patches or scorched edges show up where strong sun hits the leaf. Snake plant wants bright, indirect light.
The fix
Move it back from the glass, or filter the strongest sun with a sheer curtain.
Thrips
How to tell
Silvery patches with tiny black dots point to thrips.
The fix
Rinse the plant, cut off the worst leaves and treat in rounds, as the thrips guide explains.
