Boston ferns are treasured houseplants known for their graceful, cascading fronds that add an elegant, old-fashioned feel to any indoor space But these beauties can be finicky, and it’s common to see brown tips or edges appear on the fronds If your Boston fern is turning brown, don’t panic! With some detective work and a few easy fixes, you can get your fern back to perfect green health.
Common Causes of a Boston Fern Turning Brown
There are several key reasons why a Boston fern may start to turn brown:
-
Underwatering – Boston ferns need consistently moist soil. If the soil dries out too much between waterings, the fronds will likely turn brown. Aim to water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.
-
Overwatering – While Boston ferns like moisture soggy soil can cause root rot and brown fronds. Allow the soil to partly dry out between waterings.
-
Low humidity – Ferns naturally thrive in tropical environments with high humidity. Brown tips often indicate the air is too dry. Mist the fern daily or use a humidifier.
-
Excess sunlight – Direct sun will scorch the delicate fronds. Locate in bright indirect light, but no direct sunlight.
-
Hard water – Tap water high in minerals can build up in the soil and cause browning. Use distilled or rain water if possible.
-
Compacted soil – Tight, dense soil prevents oxygen from reaching the roots. Repot in fresh, loose potting mix.
-
Pests – Insects like spider mites can feed on and damage the fronds. Check closely for webs or bugs.
-
Poor drainage – Standing water leads to root rot. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and well-draining soil.
-
Salt buildup – Excess fertilizer salts accumulate and burn the tips of the fronds. Flush the soil regularly to remove salts.
How To Fix and Prevent Brown Boston Fern Fronds
If your Boston fern is turning brown, take action to get your plant healthy again:
-
Check soil moisture – Feel the soil to determine if the fern is being over or underwatered. Adjust your watering frequency accordingly.
-
Mist frequently – Use a spray bottle to mist the fronds daily or several times a week. This mimics the plant’s native humid environment.
-
Use a pebble tray – Place pebbles and water in a tray under the pot. The evaporating water increases humidity around the plant.
-
Move away from direct sun – Relocate to a spot with bright, indirect light to prevent sun scorch. East or north facing rooms are ideal.
-
Repot annually – Refresh the potting mix yearly so salts don’t accumulate. Use a soilless, peat-based mix.
-
Wash fronds – Gentle wipe leaves with damp cloth to remove dust buildup, which can block light.
-
Trim brown tips – Removing dead sections improves appearance and encourages new growth. Make cuts just above healthy green fronds.
-
Treat pests – Isolate and spray infected plants with insecticidal soap. Be sure to treat undersides of leaves.
-
Add a humidifier – Room humidifiers are an excellent way to provide optimal moisture levels, especially in dry climates.
Keeping Boston Ferns Vibrant and Green
Caring for ferns can seem challenging, but focusing on providing the right moisture, humidity, and light will keep your Boston fern lush and beautiful for years to come.
Check the plant regularly for signs of stress like browning. As soon as any discoloration appears, evaluate your care techniques and make adjustments. Respond promptly to environmental issues before they take hold.
With a little attentive care, these elegant plants will reward you with cascades of deep green, healthy fronds. Don’t let a few brown tips scare you off from enjoying one of the most graceful and satisfying houseplants you can grow.
Common Causes of Boston Fern Turning Brown and How to Fix Them
Here is a summary of the most common reasons a Boston fern’s fronds may turn brown and the recommended solutions:
| Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Underwatering | Water more frequently, when top 1″ of soil is dry |
| Overwatering | Allow more time between waterings for soil to partly dry out |
| Low humidity | Mist leaves daily, use a pebble tray, or get a humidifier |
| Too much sun | Move to a spot with bright indirect light, not direct sun |
| Hard water | Use distilled or rain water |
| Compacted soil | Repot in fresh, loose potting mix |
| Pests | Check for bugs and treat with insecticidal soap |
| Poor drainage | Ensure pot has drainage holes, use well-draining potting mix |
| Fertilizer buildup | Flush soil regularly to remove excess salts |
The key is to observe your plant closely, identify any issues promptly, and take corrective action to restore the optimal growing conditions Boston ferns need. With a bit of attentive care, your fern will thrive indoors and enhance your living space with its graceful greenery.
The Boston Fern: All you need to know
The Boston Fern is one of the most popular of all ferns and definitely a ‘fern’ favourite here at TLB. There’s so much to love about these gorgeous, green beauties. For starters, their lush green, feathery fronds bring a fabulous pop of textured, vibrant green to your home. And not only do they look good, but they also have wondrous air-purifying qualities and they’re pet friendly. With so much to love about these gorgeous houseplants, we think it’s only right that we provide you with some hints and tips for keeping them thriving in your home. Read on for our care guide, shopping inspo and some fun facts too.
Boston Fern Plant Bundles
For a dash of rustic, natural charm and a tropical jungle vibe, give our Fern Trio Plant Gang a try. This fab trio sees the Boston Fern buddied with his relatives; the Blue Star Fern and the Asparagus Fern and they come potted in charcoal and almond natural, stoneware ceramics. Perfectly simple yet stylish green décor.
This isn’t the only plant gang our lovely Boston Fern features in; he’s very popular as you can tell! If the indoor jungle vibe is your thing and you’re on the lookout for a botanical bundle we’ve got some options for you. He features in this Pet-Friendly Plant Gang which is not only super stylish but each of the plants chosen are also perfectly safe if your furry friends decided to have a nibble.
If you loved the idea of keeping this humidity-loving plant happy in your bathroom, think about going big on the botanical bathroom vibes. This fab selection of houseplants and succulents, including our super Boston Fern, is ideal for transforming a lacklustre bathroom into an oasis of green.
Stop Killing Your Boston Ferns! Full Care Guide
FAQ
How to save a brown Boston fern?
Humidity is really important for ferns. If the air is too dry they’ll go crispy. If your fern is looking brown all over, try misting it more and see if it improves over the next few weeks. Even better, put it in the bathroom so it can enjoy the steam from your shower.
How do you revive a dying Boston fern?
Cut off the dead leaves and give it a good soak, then keep watering regularly. It will grow the leaves back with time. It looks like a Boston fern, and they are nearly indestructible.
Why is my Boston fern turning brown and crispy?
Ferns love a humid environment. If the air in the room is too dry, your plant’s leaves might turn brown, especially at the tips. Try increasing the humidity around your fern by placing a tray of water near your plant, misting the leaves regularly, or using a humidifier.
Can ferns come back after browning?
-
Why ferns brown:Browning can be caused by several factors, including:
- Underwatering or overwatering: Ferns prefer consistently moist soil, but not soggy.
- Low humidity: Ferns thrive in humid environments.
- Inadequate light: While ferns generally prefer shade, some species need bright, indirect light.
- Temperature fluctuations: Sudden changes in temperature can stress ferns.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Ferns may need fertilization, especially if they are in a pot.
- Underwatering or overwatering: Ferns prefer consistently moist soil, but not soggy.
-
How to help a browning fern:
- Trim the dead fronds: Remove any brown or dead fronds to allow the plant to focus its energy on new growth.
- Check the soil moisture: Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Increase humidity: Mist the plant regularly or use a humidifier.
- Provide adequate light: Ensure the fern is getting the right amount of light for its specific needs.
- Adjust temperature: Avoid exposing the fern to extreme temperatures.
- Fertilize as needed: Use a balanced fertilizer according to the plant’s needs.
- Trim the dead fronds: Remove any brown or dead fronds to allow the plant to focus its energy on new growth.
-
Signs of recovery:
- New growth: Look for new fronds emerging from the base of the plant.
- Improved color: As the plant recovers, the new fronds should be a healthy green.
- New growth: Look for new fronds emerging from the base of the plant.
-
Important note:If the entire plant is brown and the rhizome is also dead, the fern may not recover.