Brown spots on leaves are your plant’s way of flagging localised damage — from sunburn and watering issues to fungal problems. Where the spots appear, and whether they are dry and crispy or soft and dark, narrows the cause fast.
What It Looks Like
Brown or tan patches on leaves, sometimes with yellow halos around them. Dry, crispy brown tips or edges usually point to water or humidity stress. Soft, dark, spreading spots can signal fungal leaf spot. Spots confined to one side of the plant often mean sunburn.
Most Common Causes
- Sunburn — harsh direct sun scorches leaves, leaving bleached or brown patches.
- Underwatering or low humidity — dry, crispy brown tips and edges.
- Overwatering — soft brown or black spots, often with mushy stems or yellowing.
- Fungal leaf spot — spreading brown spots with yellow rings, worse in damp, still air.
- Pests — some sap-sucking pests leave stippled or spotted damage.
What to Check First
Feel the soil and check the light. If the soil is bone dry and the tips are crispy, water thoroughly. If it is soggy and the spots are soft, let it dry out and improve drainage. Spots on the sun-facing side only? Move the plant out of direct sun. For plant-specific help, see our guides on aloe vera turning brown, spider plant brown tips, and pothos leaves turning yellow — where brown edges often follow the yellowing.
Browse our Plant Emergencies guides for step-by-step fixes, or check Pests & Diseases if you spot spots, webs, or sticky residue too.