Sign Up
Click on links below to jump to that question.
- Q.What’s Wrong With My Fern? - I recently asked a question here about my Kimberly Queen Fern; it had a case of powdery mildew which is ...
- Q.What Are The Black Larva Worms That Were On My Fern? - Nothing killed these things. They came inside in fall and I lost the fern. Never had ANY problems with ferns ...
- Q.Do You Ever Trim Autumn Ferns When They Get Too Tall? - They are planted in front of boxwood shrubs and they completely hide the boxwoods.
- Q.Help, My Fern Is Not Doing Well? - I repotted my fern which I think is birds nest but it does not look healthy the stalks are long ...
- Q.What Is Causing The Black Droppings From My Ferns? - Every morning my porch is covered with black droppings that will not blow off. They are wet and stuck to ...
- Q.Potted Fern With Dry/burnt Branches - I need help keeping my fern healthy. It's a large fern, in a pot, very healthy when I brought it ...
- Q.Help With Fern Leaf Bleeding Hearts. Sprout And Die But Will Sprout Again. - I’ve had two plants for several years and not found a spot their happy. I now have them in pots ...
Asked by
aSingularBee on
June 4, 2020Q.What’s Wrong With My Fern?
I recently asked a question here about my Kimberly Queen Fern; it had a case of powdery mildew which is now being treated organically. I no longer mist it as often because it’s usually around 50% humidity where I live. Even though the yellow leaves cleared up a lot, my fern still looks like it’s drying out! It doesn’t look too bad from afar and most of the fronds are alright, but closer up you can see dry greyish leaves and some black tips. I noticed that one of the fronds had dried up leaves that were completely curled into themselves. There are some scars that look like brown indents, but I’m not sure if that’s from my cat or something else. Most of the very young fiddleheads look like they’re doing fine. What’s going on here?
Answered by
BushDoctor on
June 5, 2020
Certified ExpertA.These will be the lasting effects of the powdery mildew. It would be good to prune off any infected tips, and keep treating until the growth come out unaffected. Treat the soil, as well, since spores will be there as well.
Other than this, the plant does look much better than on the last post. Just be sure to let the soil dry out a little, or remain only very slightly moist between waterings. Moist is good, wet is bad. Dry can be bad too, but its better too dry then too wet.
Here is an article to refresh you on fern care, indoors:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ferns-houseplants/growing-ferns-indoors.htm
Was this answer useful?00
Join Us -
Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips!
- Asked by
Anonymous on
June 5, 2020Q.What are the black larva worms that were on my fern?
Nothing killed these things. They came inside in fall and I lost the fern. Never had ANY problems with ferns before.
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
June 9, 2020
Certified ExpertA.The larva could have been from a moth or bug. The next time you bring in plants to winter over, try
treating them with Neem Oil, which is organic and safe for people and pets.
You can treat any plant to make sure you don't bring in unwanted pests into your home.https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/acclimate-plants-indoors-winter.htmWas this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
June 10, 2020Q.Do you ever trim Autumn ferns when they get too tall?
They are planted in front of boxwood shrubs and they completely hide the boxwoods.
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
June 10, 2020
Certified ExpertA.You can cut back old fronds after new growth begins in spring, but I would not "shorten" fronds. That would not look good. Better to move it to a place where it can shine in all its glory.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/autumn-ferns/autumn-ferns-in-gardens.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Sarah 12345 on
June 25, 2020
DD1 2PFQ.Help, My Fern Is Not Doing Well?
I repotted my fern which I think is birds nest but it does not look healthy the stalks are long and a bit limp. Not sure how to rescue this plant?
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
June 26, 2020
Certified ExpertA.I see that it is in a pot within a pot. When watering, the inside pot should be taken out, watered, and drained before returning it. In the photo, it looks like the plant may be overwatered. Even though it prefers moist soil, it doesn't tolerate saturated soil. Let it dry out between waterings and see if that helps. (If the soil is very wet, it wouldn't hurt to repot it in fresh, dry potting mix.) The article below gives more care tips that should help.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/birds-nest-fern/birds-nest-fern-care.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Patsy Braddy on
June 28, 2020
Cleveland, TN 37312Q.What Is Causing The Black Droppings From My Ferns?
Every morning my porch is covered with black droppings that will not blow off. They are wet and stuck to porch concrete.
- Answered by
BushDoctor on
July 1, 2020
Certified ExpertA.Unfortunately, your photo did not come through. There are things that could be likely. Some things that come to mind are spores from the fern, sooty mold from an infection on the fern, and sap from other trees nearby.
Likely, it is spores, in combination with moisture and soil residue. Other than cleaning up after them, there not be a lot that you can do.
In the case of sooty mold infection, you will need a fungicide, but I cannot say that this is what is going on without seeing the issue in question.
Here is an article to help you with outdoor fern care, in the meantime:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/boston-fern/boston-fern-outdoors.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
July 9, 2020Q.Potted fern with dry/burnt branches
I need help keeping my fern healthy. It's a large fern, in a pot, very healthy when I brought it home from the nursery. I placed the pot in a shady area of the yard. Watered lightly 2 times a week, seemed to turn brown within 2 weeks. Now it is half brown and half green. Any advice? I have room in my garden to plant in the ground if that is advisable.
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
July 10, 2020
Certified ExpertA.It really depends on the type of fern it is to know what its care will be. Some like sun, and some like shade. All can succumb to infection if overwatered.
Without seeing it, I will not be able to give you a direct answer on, exactly, what is going on. What I can do is offer you an article on general fern care, and another on fungicide use, as this may be what is affecting your fern.
Here is an article on general fern care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/ferns/taking-care-of-outdoor-ferns.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Dkeller on
July 16, 2020
Newton NJQ.Help With Fern Leaf Bleeding Hearts. Sprout And Die But Will Sprout Again.
I’ve had two plants for several years and not found a spot their happy. I now have them in pots so I can monitor them better. But same results. Grew and now withering I am confused. Not overwatered and not too much sun. Even had them inside away from the extreme heat. The other bleeding hearts are all done for the year and dying back. I hope you can help or this is their last chance.
- Answered by
BushDoctor on
July 17, 2020
Certified ExpertA.Unfortunately, your photo did not come through. This sounds like an infection, whether bacterial or fungal. Typically, this is caused by overwatering.
It is important to let soil dry out, thoroughly, down to 2 or 3 inches between watering. If soil remains moist, then roots can not exchange gasses, or take up nutrients. This leaves the soil susceptible to infection.
I would recommend treating with a fungicide and making sure to let the soil dry out quite thoroughly between watering.
Using a moisture meter might be your best bet here.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
Was this answer useful?00
Do you know a lot about gardening?
Become a GKH Gardening Expert
X
Join Us -
Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips!