Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) growing indoors may look a bit spare in winter or early spring. Brown tipping of the fronds (leaves) is most likely a result of low humidity and perhaps drying out a little too much between winter waterings. The indoor environment may also be a little too drafty or cold.
Should I cut brown leaves off Boston fern?
Cutting back brown fronds is good practice, and almost always benefits the plant. As well as improving the appearance of the fern, it reduces the risk of disease and stimulates new, healthy growth.
What does an overwatered Boston fern look like?
The first sign that a fern is overwatered is usually yellowing or wilted leaves. One surefire way to determine if it’s time to water a Boston fern is to touch the soil with your fingertip. If the surface of the soil feels slightly dry, it’s time to give the plant a drink.
What to do when fern leaves turn brown?
As it grows, the tips of the fronds may find themselves sitting in bright sunlight, and they may bleach out, turn pale, or turn brown and crispy. When this happens, you can either transplant the fern to a shadier location or add plants or hardscaping to create more shade.
What causes brown leaves on Boston ferns? – Related Questions
How often should Boston ferns be watered?
Many people fear they will overwater their fern but Boston ferns crave water and need daily watering when outdoors, especial on hot summer days. On really hot days it’s a good idea to water your fern twice a day.
How do you tell if a fern is over or Underwatered?
You can tell if your fern is under-watered if you notice reduced growth or wilting and/or shriveling of the leaves. Pay attention to the wilting leaves, as this could also mean that the plant is getting too much water. If the wilted leaves are turning yellow or falling off, then your Fern is being over watered.
Do ferns come back after turning brown?
Outdoor ferns turn brown with a dying appearance naturally in the Fall before Winter. The fern grows new green leaves the following Spring. Outdoor ferns can also turn brown if the soil is too dry or they are in too much sun. Outdoor ferns require moist soil and shade to prevent the leaves turning brown.
Should I cut off old fern leaves?
Simply snip off any dead or ragged fronds before the new crosiers (leaf buds) start to unfurl in spring. Cut them off at the base with secateurs or snips, taking care not to damage any newly developing fronds. Clear away the debris to encourage good air circulation.
Can you revive brown plant leaves?
The fix: Leaves that are brown in the middle might signal that you need to repot your plant in new soil. For those plants with brown edges on their leaves, a thorough watering and more regular misting should do the trick.
How often should I water a fern?
A large fern may require watering daily, while a small fern in the bathroom – where the humidity is high – may require less frequent watering. The key is to water the fern before the soil dries, but to avoid soggy soil. This means good drainage is vital to the health of indoor ferns.
Should I cut off brown leaf tips?
When you see dead leaves, dormant stems, or brown parts of leaves, cut them away. It’s fine to pluck dead leaves or stems with your hands when possible, just don’t pull too hard, or you may damage the healthy part of your plant. For tougher stems or to remove brown leaf tips and edges, use scissors or pruning shears.
What does Epsom salt do for ferns?
They help in chlorophyll production, healthy plant growth, and resistance against diseases and pest. Both of them are required if you want to grow Lush and Green Ferns.
Should ferns be misted daily?
Using a mist spray three or four times a day will help to maintain luxuriant growth. Misting is good for broad-leaf ferns and those of simple-leaf forms. Use less spray on crinkled varieties, which tend to collect moisture and hold it, contributing to development of fungus.
Is Miracle Grow good for ferns?
Use Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food for larger Boston ferns and those grown outdoors, and Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food for smaller indoor Boston ferns. The amount you use to fertilize your fern will vary depending on its size, so be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
How do you perk up a Boston fern?
Trim the drooping fronds back to about 2 inches long and leave any healthy upright fronds in the center of the plant intact. If all fronds are drying and dying, trim them all to 2 inches. Clean out the dead leaves and check the soil for offsets — baby ferns — which can be separated and planted in their own pots.
How do I keep my Boston fern healthy?
Situate Boston ferns indoors in bright, indirect sunlight away from drafty doors and heating vents. Provide as much humidity as possible and carefully monitor the soil to ensure plants stay consistently moist. You can set the plants on pebble trays filled with water, so long as the pot does not sit in standing water.
How do you fix a brown Boston fern?
How Do I Fix Brown Fronds on Boston Fern?
- Repot Boston ferns using a mixture of 50% peat moss, 12% horticultural bark, and the rest perlite. This will have the excellent drainage the plant requires.
- Use a water-soluble plant food mixed to half the recommended strength every two weeks and once per month in winter.