Fern care can be tricky. Have you ever been saddened to see a pretty, fluffy green fern turn yellow? My neighbor, who is kind, told me the secret to the big, pretty ferns that hang from her porch. I’m going to share that trick with you in this post. Be sure to watch the video, where I explain it step by step.
Ferns are beautiful, delicate plants that can add grace and elegance to any indoor or outdoor space. However, over time, even the lushest ferns can start to look faded, with leaves turning yellow or brown. If your ferns are looking a little lackluster, don’t despair – there are several simple steps you can take to bring back their vibrant green color. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top tips and tricks for greening up your ferns and restoring their natural beauty.
Why Do Fern Leaves Turn Yellow or Brown?
Before jumping into solutions, it’s helpful to understand some of the common reasons behind fading ferns:
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Insufficient Light – Ferns thrive in bright, indirect light. Too much sun can scorch their delicate leaves, while too little light leads to yellowing.
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Underwatering – Ferns need consistently moist soil Allowing the soil to dry out completely can cause leaves to brown and shrivel,
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Overwatering – While ferns want moist soil soggy conditions lead to root rot. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
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Low Humidity – Ferns naturally grow in tropical environments with high humidity. Dry indoor air can lead to leaf yellowing.
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Nutrient Deficiencies – Lack of key nutrients like nitrogen, magnesium, and iron can cause chlorosis (yellowing leaves).
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Pests & Diseases – Spider mites, thrips, and fungal issues can also contribute to leaf discoloration.
Give Your Ferns a Nutrient Boost
One of the best ways to bring back the rich green color of faded ferns is to give them a boost of essential nutrients. Here are some easy nutrient solutions:
Use Epsom Salts
Epsom salt contains magnesium, an important mineral for healthy chlorophyll production. Dissolve 1/4 cup Epsom salts per gallon of water. Use this solution to thoroughly water the soil around your ferns. The magnesium will be quickly absorbed by the roots and leaves. For best results, apply weekly.
Apply Liquid Fertilizer
Look for a balanced houseplant fertilizer, following package directions for proper dilution and application. Apply monthly to ensure ferns get a steady nutrient supply. Focus on options containing iron and magnesium for maximum greening power.
Add Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds are a free, natural source of nitrogen, potassium, and other key minerals. Mix some grounds into the fern’s soil or make ‘fertilizer tea’ by steeping grounds in water overnight before applying. The nutrients will feed beneficial microbes in the soil.
Optimize Growing Conditions
While nutrients are critical, ferns also need the right care and environment to thrive. Make adjustments to factors like light, water, and humidity.
Find the Perfect Light Balance
Place ferns in bright, filtered light. Avoid direct hot sun which can scorch delicate leaves. Sheer curtains or placement in east-facing windows work well indoors. Move outdoor ferns under shade trees or patio covers.
Water Thoroughly and Consistently
Check soil daily and water ferns when the top inch becomes dry. Water until it drips from the drainage holes, ensuring full saturation. Consistency is key, allowing soil to dry out causes leaf browning. For outdoor ferns, install a drip irrigation system on hot days.
Increase Humidity
Ferns naturally thrive in tropical environments. Indoors, use a humidifier nearby or place ferns on pebble trays to boost moisture. Frequent misting also helps. Outdoors, group ferns together to create a microclimate effect.
Ensure Adequate Air Circulation
While ferns like humidity, stagnant air encourages fungal disease. Use small fans to gently circulate air around ferns. Prune plants to open up dense foliage and avoid overcrowding.
Treat Pests & Diseases
Sometimes no amount of nutrients or perfect growing conditions can override issues like pests and diseases. Take action to diagnose and treat any underlying problems.
Identify the Culprit
Check closely for signs of spider mites, thrips, scale, or fungus. Treat each pest specifically using appropriate organic sprays like neem oil or insecticidal soap. Remove any badly infected fronds.
Adjust Watering Habits
Overwatering encourages fungal growth, while dry soil stresses plants. Aim for moist but not soggy soil. Allow pots to drain fully and empty saucers after watering.
Improve Air Flow
Stagnant, humid conditions foster diseases. Prune dense growth and space plants out more. Run fans periodically to keep air moving.
Rejuvenate Older Ferns
Mature ferns or overgrown specimens may need some rejuvenation to look their best. Try these tips to refresh overgrown ferns:
Prune Old Fronds
Carefully trim off any yellow, brown, or damaged fronds using sterile pruners. This focuses the plant’s energy into new growth. Always cut at the base of the stem.
Divide Rootbound Plants
Gently shake the fern from its pot and separate into smaller sections if the root mass is dense. Replant divisions in fresh potting mix to renew growth.
Repot in Fresh Mix
Every 2-3 years, repot ferns in new, sterile potting mix. This prevents nutrient deficiencies and provides a soil reset. Trim back extra long roots before repotting.
Potting Mix Tips for Greener Ferns
The right potting mix creates ideal growing conditions for vibrant ferns by retaining moisture while still draining well. Follow these tips:
Use a Peat-Based Mix
Avoid standard potting soil, as it can compact over time. Opt for mixes containing peat moss, as well as perlite or vermiculite for drainage. Or create your own mix.
Make a Custom Blend
Combine 2 parts peat moss, 1 part perlite, and 1 part compost or leaf mold. This DIY mix will have excellent water retention and aeration for healthy roots and growth.
Add Special Fertilizers
When repotting, incorporate controlled-release fertilizer granules into the potting mix according to package directions. The nutrients release slowly over many months.
Top Dress Annually
Apply a thin layer of worm castings or compost over the soil surface each spring. The nutrients slowly filter down with watering and offer a gentle feeding.
Fertilizing Tips for Long-Term Results
Proper fertilizing keeps ferns looking lush long-term. Follow these tips when using fertilizers:
Fertilize Weekly at Half-Strength
It’s easy to overdo fertilizer on delicate ferns. Use half the recommended strength and apply weekly or with each watering for gradual nutrient delivery.
Slow-Release is Best
Look for slow-release pellet or spike fertilizers that provide a slow, steady feeding over many months. Avoid fast-acting liquid formulas that can burn roots.
Take a Break in Winter
Ferns grow more slowly in winter. Stop fertilizing October through February to prevent buildup of excess salts in the soil during dormancy.
Flush Soil Annually
To prevent nutrient buildup, leach pots with clean water in spring before fertilizing resumes. Run several gallons through each pot.
Troubleshooting Browning or Yellowing Leaves
If your ferns start fading to yellow or brown again after greening them up, review these common troubleshooting issues:
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Brown leaf edges – Inconsistent watering. Ferns want steady moisture.
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Brown spots – Possible disease like bacterial leaf spot. Improve air circulation.
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Yellow new growth – Probably iron deficiency. Apply chelated iron supplement.
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Yellow older leaves – Natural aging. Prune old fronds to stimulate new growth.
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Whole fronds yellow – Could indicate overwatering, soggy soil, or lack of nutrients.
By understanding the specific causes behind leaf discoloration, you can pinpoint solutions to keep ferns green and healthy.
Enjoy Vibrant, Graceful Ferns
With a little detective work and focused troubleshooting, you can get those faded ferns looking lush and vibrant again. Simply boosting nutrients, optimizing conditions, and properly caring for your ferns can work wonders. Use this comprehensive guide to diagnose any issues and implement the best solutions for greening up your ferns. In no time, you’ll be enjoying the graceful, vibrant beauty these woodland classics add to any space.
Watering Ferns: Overwatering or Underwatering
Ferns may yellow in response to overwatering or underwatering. They need evenly moist soil so that they don’t dry out. However, too much moisture is as bad as too little because excess water can cause root rot. Make sure the pots’ bottoms have drainage holes so the roots don’t stay in water. This is an important part of taking care of ferns.
How to Care for Ferns Outside
If you want to grow ferns outside, you should choose a type that does well in your yard without much work. Here are a few fern varieties that are relatively easy to take care of:
- Christmas fern – likes full or partial shade
- Lady fern – tolerates sunlight pretty well; prefers moist soil. Caution: this fern is poisonous to pets!.
- Button fern doesn’t need high humidity and is great for an indoor garden because the leaves stay small enough to handle.
- Boston fern, also called sword fern, needs a cool, shady place to grow.
- Maidenhair fern – needs humid, shady environment with moist soil
- Wood fern – very adaptable and hardy
- This fern grows best in hanging baskets and likes bright light but not direct sun.
I Stopped Killing Ferns Once I Learned This
FAQ
How do I make my ferns green again?
Does Epsom salt make ferns green?
Why are my ferns turning pale green?
How can I make my ferns look better?
Does Epsom salt make ferns bright green?
Epsom salt can help make your fern plants bright green, increasing their vibrancy. The salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is a naturally occurring mineral compound made of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. It’s usually used in baths for muscle relaxation and joint pain, and comes in the form of colorless, crystal flakes.
How do you keep ferns from turning yellow?
If your ferns look faded or are turning yellow, then all you need is 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt mixed in 1 cup of water to bring their color back up. However, if you prefer bottom watering your plants, you can also fill a 5-gallon bucket with water and add 2 to 5 tablespoons of Epsom salt.
Why do ferns turn green when it rains?
Also, the slower the water is applied, the better the absorption rate will be into the soil. If there’s a long rain in the forecast, I move the ferns out into the yard to be watered naturally. The pH in the rain is typically lower than tap water, which will gives the ferns a nice green up in color.
How do you water ferns in a bucket?
However, if you prefer bottom watering your plants, you can also fill a 5-gallon bucket with water and add 2 to 5 tablespoons of Epsom salt. Plop your fern into the bucket, and let it soak up the water. Do this once a week for the best results.
How do you help ferns get water?
So I figured out a way to help the ferns get the water they need and cut down on my need to water them as much. Once a week (usually the day I cut the grass and am doing outside yard work), I fill 2 large buckets with water, take the ferns down, and dip the ferns into the water.
Do ferns need foliar fertilizer?
The foliar application will make your ferns lush and healthy. You can also mix a pinch of Epsom salt in a balanced fertilizer before applying. Or, if you like, administer the dose of 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt around the base of your plants once a month until you see the favorable results.