Why are my ferns turning black?

It’s a sign that your fern is healthy. Your fern will also experience some natural browning as it ages. As new growth emerges, the oldest leaves at the bottom of the fern will wither and turn brown to black to make way for new growth. This is totally normal.

How often do you water Boston ferns?

Water the fern when the soil becomes damp. Do not allow the soil to dry out. This may mean watering twice a week or daily in hot weather. The frequency will change depending on the temperature and moisture in your home.

How do you bring a Boston fern back to life?

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.

Why are the tips of my plant turning black?

Plants naturally use and lose water through their tissues each day. Leaf tips turn brown when that lost water can’t be replaced for some reason. This includes providing the plant with too much water, too little water or too much fertilizer. Root damage or distress also prevents roots from doing their job.

What are the black droppings under my ferns?

Caterpillars are one of the most common pests that affect Boston ferns, and they are usually easy to spot since the worms are clearly visible to the naked eye. Caterpillars can also leave noticeable excrement behind on the leaves of Boston ferns, which usually resembles thin black pellets.

What is wrong with my Boston fern?

Why is My Boston Fern Turning Brown? Boston fern browning may be caused by poor soil, inadequate drainage, lack of water or humidity, too much light, excess salt, or simply mechanical injury. Or, if you fertilize too frequently and don’t leach the soil, the salt buildup will make the fern discolor.

Why do fern leaves turn brown?

Fern leaves turn brown because of low humidity and underwatering. Ferns are tropical plants that need humid conditions. The humidity indoors is often too low which saps moisture from the leaves causing them to turn brown, crispy, dried out with a dying appearance. The tips of ferns turn brown due to underwatering.

Why is my Boston fern drying out?

Boston fern browning may be caused by poor soil, inadequate drainage, lack of water or humidity, too much light, excess salt, or simply mechanical injury. If your cat tends to chew on the leaves, the tips will turn brown and die.

Will a Boston fern come back?

Their roots remain alive, and their feathery top growth returns in spring. Evergreen ferns such as Boston fern, however, keep their fronds in winter and continue to grow year-round, never entering a state of dormancy. They require their care, watering and feeding to remain the same throughout the year.

Why are my houseplants leaves turning black?

Over-watering plants can cause a plant’s leaves to turn black. Often by this stage, the plant has irreversible rot and cannot be saved. To prevent this, don’t let your plants sit in too much water and make sure that the pot it’s in has a hole at the bottom so any excess water can escape.

Why are the leaves on my Boston fern turning brown?

As new growth emerges, the oldest leaves at the bottom of the fern will wither and turn brown to black to make way for new growth. This is totally normal. Cut away the discolored leaves to keep the plant looking fresh. Boston fern fronds turning brown or black may also signal trouble, however.

How do you prevent Boston Ferns from getting root rot?

The best way to prevent a Boston fern from getting root rot is to buy disease-free plants and pathogen free potting soil. You can also check in your garden store for chemicals that control this disease in Boston ferns. These tips are also appropriate for preventing and treating other Boston fern diseases such as Rhizoctonia aerial blight.

Do Boston ferns need a lot of light?

Although many gardeners consider tropical ferns low-light plants, Boston ferns need adequate light. If they do not get a medium amount of light – at least two hours of indirect light all year round – their fronds become long and pendulous. This is termed weak frond and is resolved by increasing light.

Is your Boston fern being attacked by diseases?

If your fern doesn’t get the best care – or even if it does – it may be attacked by Boston fern diseases. Read on to learn more about diseases of Boston fern plants.