If you’ve noticed your Australian tree fern’s fronds starting to droop, don’t panic – this common issue can be fixed with a few adjustments to care. As an Australian tree fern owner myself, I’ve been there! In this article, we’ll explore the potential causes of drooping fronds and how to perk up your plant.
Diagnosing the Droop
The first step is identifying why those fronds are pointed down instead of up Here are some common culprits
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Underwatering – Ferns prefer moist soil, so inadequate water can cause leaves to go limp. Check if the soil is dry an inch below the surface.
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Overwatering – Too much moisture leads to root rot and droopy foliage. Feel if soil is soggy.
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Low humidity – Native to tropical forests, these plants need humidity around 50-60%. Dry air causes drooping.
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Insufficient light – Low light prevents ferns from properly photosynthesizing. Place in bright, indirect light.
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Nutrient deficiency – Lack of nutrients like nitrogen leads to yellowing or drooping leaves. Apply balanced fertilizer.
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Root bound – If potted too long without repotting, roots choke and plant declines. It’s time to size up.
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Pests – Spider mites, scale and mealybugs drink juices, causing leaves to droop. Check undersides for bugs.
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Diseases – Root rots, leaf spot and botrytis cause drooping. Isolate plant if any black/brown spots appear.
Reviving Your Fern
Once you’ve diagnosed the likely cause, it’s time to take action to revive your plant.
If under-watered – Give your fern a good, deep watering over the sink, allowing lots of water to run through the drainage holes. Water more frequently, testing soil dryness regularly.
If over-watered – Stop watering and allow soil to dry out completely before resuming normal watering, less frequently. I like to stick my finger into the dirt to gauge moisture.
If low humidity – Regular misting of fronds or using a humidifier can work wonders. Group plants together to create a beneficial microclimate.
If insufficient light – Transition the fern slowly to a brighter location so as not to shock it. An east or west-facing window is ideal.
If nutrient issues – Apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half-strength every 2-4 weeks in the growing season. Ease up in winter.
If root bound – Gently remove plant from pot and loosen roots before repotting in a larger container with drainage.
If pests – Wipe leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove badly damaged fronds. Apply sticky traps nearby to monitor.
If disease – Remove affected parts immediately. Treat with fungicidal spray and quarantine plant away from others.
Preventing Future Drooping
Once your fern is back in good health, maintaining proper care is key to prevent another drooping episode. Here are some handy tips:
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Water thoroughly only when the top inch of soil is dry. A moisture meter takes the guesswork out.
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Mist fronds or use a humidifier to keep humidity around 40-50%.
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Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during spring through fall.
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Check soil pH – ferns prefer slightly acidic soils around 5.5-6.
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Repot annually in spring before fern becomes root bound.
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Inspect regularly for pests like spider mites – especially under leaves.
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Keep fronds free from dust buildup by occasional showers or use of a damp cloth.
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Provide bright indirect sunlight – a sheer curtain can filter harsh direct sun.
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Rotate plant periodically to encourage even growth on all sides.
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Prune off any dead or damaged fronds with clean scissors to improve appearance.
Emergency Intensive Care
If your fern’s drooping is severe despite your best efforts, it may need emergency intensive care. Try moving it to a shady spot with high humidity, misting leaves frequently with room temperature water. Avoid fertilizing during this ICU period. Remove all limp fronds to reduce demand on the plant. If no improvement after a few weeks, the roots may be too far gone and re-rooting stem cuttings may be needed to salvage the plant. Your local nursery can provide advice on propagation. With time and care though, most ferns can make a full recovery.
Enjoy Your Revived Fern
Paying close attention and adjusting care when you spot drooping fronds early can help nip the problem in the bud. Your vigilance will be rewarded with a lush, vibrant Australian tree fern gracing your indoor or outdoor space. If you’ve rehabbed a droopy fern, I’d love to hear your tips and tricks in the comments!
It can be alarming to notice sudden dramatic leaf drooping on your Fern, but don’t be alarmed! This is almost always easily fixed.
Incredibly dry soil
Your fern likes to be kept consistently moist, so be sure that it’s getting enough water. Keep a consistent watering schedule, when 25-50% of the soil volume is dry. Water thoroughly until you see if flow out of the drainage hole and discard the excess water in the saucer.
If you accidentally let your fern’s soil dry out completely, you may see leaves go limp, droop, and possibly start to wrinkle and brown. If the soil is extremely dry all the way through the pot, a good soak is in order.
Here’s how to bottom water your fern:
- Place your plant in your sink or tub without the saucer. Fill your basin up with about 3-4″ of water. Make sure the water isn’t hot!
- Allow your plant to soak up water through the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot for at least 45 min.
- Feel the top of the soil after your plant has been soaking–has the water reached the top 2-3” of soil?
- If not all the soil feels saturated, water your plant slightly from the top of the soil to help speed up the saturation.
- When your plant’s soil is evenly damp, drain the sink/tub and allow the plant to rest while it drains thoroughly. Place the plant back on its saucer and back in its proper spot.
Keep in mind that when the soil goes from bone-dry to saturated, it can cause stress for your plant and may cause leaves to droop. Give it some time to adjust.
Not enough humidity
Your Fern will thrive in a humid environment. Increase the humidity around your plant by misting the leaves on a regular basis, using a pebble tray, or moving a humidifier nearby.
How do you Revive and Rejuvenate a Declining or Dying Tree Fern – Dicksonia antarctica
FAQ
How to fix a droopy fern?
Why is my kangaroo fern drooping?
How much water does an Australian tree fern need?
Why does my Australian tree fern have leaf spots?
The majority of the time, it is caused by the Cyathea cooperi being overwatered. We urge you to cut off the infected roots and leaves, remove the affected sections of the plant, and then repot your plant in a fresh container with sterile potting soil.
Do Australian tree ferns get dusty?
Your indoor plants’ leaves get dusty just like your furniture does. The problem is that this might prevent photosynthesis from beginning, which would result in the plants gradually losing their color. For your Australian tree fern, this would be a true descent into hell, and it would also appease the pests.
Why is my fern leaf drooping?
It can be alarming to notice sudden dramatic leaf drooping on your Fern, but don’t be alarmed! This is almost always easily fixed. Your fern likes to be kept consistently moist, so be sure that it’s getting enough water. Keep a consistent watering schedule, when 25-50% of the soil volume is dry.
Do Australian tree ferns rot?
Root rot on your Australian tree fern (Cyathea cooperi) can be dangerous if left untreated. In order to keep your plant alive, we strongly suggest that you follow our advice if the signs start to show: blackened and mushy roots. Why does my Australian tree fern have gray mold spots?