brown tips on Rattlesnake Plant
Quick answer
If your Rattlesnake Plant has brown tips, the most likely cause is: Brown leaf tips and edges on a rattlesnake plant (Calathea lancifolia) come from two causes the book names for the broader Calathea group: the chemicals in ordinary tap water, and indoor humidity that is too low — both of which scorch the leaf margins even when the rest of the plant looks healthy.
Start here:
- 1. Switch to distilled water or rainwater when watering, since calatheas are sensitive to the chemicals in tap water.
- 2. Raise humidity around the plant by placing it near a humidifier, on a pebble tray, or by frequent misting, and keep it within 65–77°F (18–25°C) away from drafts and indoor heating sources.
Why Rattlesnake Plant gets brown tips
rattlesnake plant
Brown leaf tips and edges on a rattlesnake plant (Calathea lancifolia) come from two causes the book names for the broader Calathea group: the chemicals in ordinary tap water, and indoor humidity that is too low — both of which scorch the leaf margins even when the rest of the plant looks healthy.
How to reverse brown tips on Rattlesnake Plant
- 1
Switch to distilled water or rainwater when watering, since calatheas are sensitive to the chemicals in tap water.
- 2
Raise humidity around the plant by placing it near a humidifier, on a pebble tray, or by frequent misting, and keep it within 65–77°F (18–25°C) away from drafts and indoor heating sources.
Keep brown tips off this Rattlesnake Plant
Use only distilled water or rainwater, keep humidity high with misting or a pebble tray, and never let the rattlesnake plant sit next to radiators or drafty windows so the leaf margins stay clean.