heres some pictures.

first one is new growth on the retarded plant.

second one is the "good" plant.

on the good plant, it's not as prevalent as the retarded plant, which leads me to believe that the abnormal root structure of the retarded plant is aiding this deformity. but it scares me that it's happening to both plants, so it must be something I am doing to them. what is it?

some tips are crispy too, just beyond the brown area, and will easily snap off if you crush them with your fingers. Just the tips though, the rest of the leaf seems to be fine.