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Why is my indoor plant turning brown? Here are three possible reasons

Take note of the warning signs before it's too late.
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Brown leaf tips may mean your indoor plant is feeling a little under the weather. 

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Watch: Tips And Tricks To Keep Your Indoor Plants Looking Lush And Full Of Life

When your previously green and happy plant starts to look unhealthy, it can be tricky to work out what’s going wrong.

The culprit for browning leaves or unusual spots could be a number of things. Is it a disease or a nutrient deficiency? Has it gotten too hot, or is it positioned in too much sun? 

Although, if your indoor plant is beginning to turn brown, it is most likely to do with it’s living conditions.

Let’s take a look at the three most common houseplant problems and how to remedy them. 

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1. Inconsistent watering

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(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Brown tips on the end of your indoor plant leaves means that you may need to rethink how you’re watering.

Excessive watering in one sitting means that a plant absorbs all the water and dries out too much before the next watering. With the exception of succulents and cacti, houseplants usually prefer a steady stream of moisture, rather than a heavy watering stint. 

To remedy inconsistent watering patterns, the easiest method is to simply set out a schedule.

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When watering, it’s always recommended to water until run off appears in the drainage holes. Then, remove the saucer and empty out any excess water, so root rot doesn’t occur. 

2. Salt build-up

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(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Salt-build up is caused by use of fertiliser over time, or using soft water. This can cause browning of leaves and damage to the health of your potted plant. 

Although potted plants do require nutrients, especially in the initial stages of planting and establishment, continually supplying them with fertiliser may dominate the soil and build up salt. Too much salt equals inhabitable soil.

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If you think that the soil has a high-amount of salt, and your plant is beginning to turn brown, the easiest way to change this outcome is simply by replacing the soil with fresh potting mix. 

3. Lack of moisture

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(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Finally, a lack of moisture or dry air can cause the leaves and outer edges of your houseplant to turn brown.

Most common houseplants are used to hotter, wet conditions of the jungle, which is why they are often well suited to bathrooms and the heat of the indoors.

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However, when using heaters or air conditioners, the air can become dryer than normal and affect the health of your plant. The best way to avoid this issue is by spraying or misting the leaves of your plant every so often, in addition to its regular watering. 

Grouping houseplants together in small clusters can also bring up humidity levels, and doesn’t it look so nice when your plant has a friend?

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