What To Do When Your Bird’s Nest Fern Has Yellow Leaves

A bird’s nest fern is a popular and relatively easy-to-care-for houseplant. Its lush green fronds emerging from a central rosette give it a distinctive look that adds a bit of tropical flair to any indoor space However, if your bird’s nest fern suddenly develops yellow leaves, it’s usually a sign that something is wrong.

Yellowing leaves on a bird’s nest fern is often the plant’s way of communicating that it’s stressed and unhappy with its current care and conditions. But never fear – with some troubleshooting and adjustments you can get your fern back to good health. Here’s your guide to the common causes of yellow leaves on bird’s nest ferns and what to do about them.

What Causes Bird’s Nest Fern Leaves to Turn Yellow?

There are several factors that can cause the leaves of a bird’s nest fern to turn yellow, including:

• Overwatering – Excess moisture leads to root rot and inability to take up nutrients This is the most common reason for yellow leaves on this plant,

• Underwatering – Lack of adequate water causes the leaves to dry out and yellow.

• Too much sun – Direct sunlight scorches the leaves. These ferns need bright but indirect light.

• Low humidity – Bird’s nest ferns prefer high humidity. Dry air causes leaf yellowing and tip burn.

• Cold temperatures – Temps below 60°F (16°C) can stress the plant and cause yellowing.

• Soil problems – Poorly draining or dense soil deprives roots of air and nutrients.

• Pests – Spider mites, scale, and mealybugs feed on plant sap and cause yellowing.

• Diseases – Fungal or bacterial diseases cause leaf yellowing and drooping.

• Incorrect fertilizing – Too much or too little fertilizer leads to nutrient deficiencies.

• Transplant shock – Repotting or moving the fern can temporarily stress it.

• Normal aging – Older fronds naturally yellow and drop off over time.

How To Fix A Bird’s Nest Fern With Yellow Leaves

If your bird’s nest fern has yellow leaves, take these steps to get it healthy again:

1. Diagnose the underlying problem

Look for clues to pinpoint the cause, like wet soil, webs or insects, sudden location change, etc. Check the plant thoroughly and consider recent care.

2. Adjust watering habits

If overwatered, allow soil to dry out completely before watering again. Water less frequently. If underwatered, give plant a thorough soaking and water more often.

3. Improve light conditions

Move plant away from direct sun. Provide bright indirect light from an east or west window. Use sheer curtains to filter harsh light.

4. Increase humidity

Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or frequent misting to raise humidity around the fern to 60% or higher.

5. Maintain ideal temperatures

Keep the plant between 60-80°F (16-27°C). Move away from drafty areas, heaters, and air conditioners.

6. Repot if necessary

Repot in fresh, well-draining potting mix if soil is dense, depleted, or rootbound. Trim off any rotten roots.

7. Treat pests or diseases

Isolate plant and treat any pests with appropriate organic insecticides. Remove diseased fronds and treat fungi with neem oil.

8. Adjust fertilizer

Leach excess salts from soil if over-fertilized. Apply balanced liquid fertilizer at half-strength every 2-4 weeks during growth.

9. Increase air circulation

Improve airflow around the plant to prevent diseases. Rotate the plant periodically for even growth.

10. Prune affected foliage

Remove any severely yellowed or dying leaves. This focuses the plant’s energy on new growth.

How To Prevent Yellow Leaves On A Bird’s Nest Fern

Once you’ve fixed any immediate issues causing yellowing, keep your bird’s nest fern happy and healthy with these care tips:

• Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering.

• Provide bright, indirect light or partial shade. Rotate the plant occasionally.

• Mist frequently and use a humidifier to maintain 60-70% humidity.

• Keep temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid drafty spaces.

• Repot when rootbound into a slightly larger pot with drainage holes.

• Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

• Prune off any dead, yellowed, or damaged fronds at the base.

• Check often for pests like spider mites and treat quickly before they spread.

• Provide good air circulation and avoid overcrowding to prevent fungal disease.

• Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings and drain excess water from cachepot/saucer.

With the proper adjustments to its care, a bird’s nest fern with yellowing leaves can make a full recovery. Consistent moisture, bright indirect light, warmth, and high humidity are key to keeping this tropical plant happy and its fronds a vibrant, healthy green.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bird’s Nest Ferns With Yellow Leaves

Why are the older leaves on my bird’s nest fern turning yellow?

As a bird’s nest fern matures and produces new fronds, it’s natural for some of the older leaves to turn yellow and drop off. This by itself is not a cause for concern, unless the yellowing is excessive or combined with wilting or other issues.

How can I revive my bird’s nest fern once the fronds turn yellow?

Start by diagnosing and addressing the underlying cause, like overwatering or low humidity. Prune off severely affected leaves. Improve care going forward and new green growth should replace yellowed areas. Recovery takes time so have patience.

What is a sign my bird’s nest fern is getting too much sun?

If the fern is placed in direct sun, the fronds closest to the light source may become yellow or brown and crispy. The plant needs to be moved farther away from the window or provided with filtering curtains.

Should I cut off the yellow leaves on my bird’s nest fern?

Yes, you can prune off any fronds that are completely yellowed or brown. Use clean scissors or shears and cut the leaves at the base. This helps rejuvenate the plant. But leave any fronds that are only partially yellowed.

How often should I water a bird’s nest fern if the leaves are yellowing?

When trying to correct yellowing from overwatering, allow the soil to dry out more between waterings. Wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Then resume a regular schedule, watering when the soil is partly dry.

What is the ideal humidity level for a bird’s nest fern?

Bird’s nest ferns thrive in humid conditions between 60-70% humidity. If the air is too dry and humidity is low, yellowing fronds may develop. Using a humidifier and misting the plant regularly can help increase humidity.

With some attentive care and troubleshooting, a bird’s nest fern with yellow leaves can recover and regain its lush green beauty. Monitor the plant closely, address any issues promptly, and provide the right growing conditions for this tropical favorite.