maidenhair fern

Question

A couple of months ago I was given a maidenhair fern. Due to neglect, I believe I have a problem. The leaves have all turned brown. It was left in the wind one day and copped a flogging. It may have also been over watered, as I was doing it and so was my son. I have now moved it indoors into the lounge which gets the eastern morning sun. What can I do to restore it to health and how do I look after it from here?

Answer 1

Yeah, if the leaves have all turned brown, you’ve got a problem. In my experience, maidenhair fern is a rather touchy plant to grow indoors, because it is very finicky, and responds to conditions beyond its liking by dying rather emphatically. If you left it outdoors, it may have got too much light, it probably went too dry – they HATE getting dry – then it may have got too wet. If you take it indoors where you won’t forget it, give it medium light (light is good if there’s enough for you to read comfortably,) and keep it moist but not soaked, it may regrow. You can cut off the brown fronds, they won’t come back. Hate to say it, but probably the whole plant is a goner. If you’re interested in houseplants, the plants in this article are great in the home also: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/best-office-plants-good-plants-for-the-office-environment.htm