The luxuriant, green leaves of ferns make them a popular indoor houseplant. But with time, these leaves have a tendency to turn yellow, as many gardeners have seen. Numerous things, such as excessive watering, exposure to bright sunshine, or a deficiency in soil nutrients, might contribute to this. We’ll look at the causes of fern leaves becoming yellow in this blog post, as well as some prevention tips.
The Fern Is Not Getting Enough Water
Yellowing leaves on your Fern are often a sign of moisture stress. This occurs when the plant is not getting enough water, causing the leaves to droop in an effort to conserve water.
As the Fern becomes drier, the leaves will turn yellow before eventually falling off. To ensure your plant is getting enough water, check the soil with your finger and establish a regular watering schedule.
Other signs of moisture stress include curling, drooping, and crispy-looking leaves. You should water your Fern weekly or when the surface of the soil feels dry.
The Dangers of Overwatering Your Fern
Overwatering is likely to be the cause of your Fern plant’s yellowing foliage. Ferns need well-draining soil since they are sensitive to wet weather.
To fix this, make sure the soil is completely dry before watering the plant, and check that the container has sufficient drainage.
Repotting the plant into a container with improved drainage holes may also be something you want to think about doing.
Nutrient Deficiency in the Fern
Deficiencies of nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, and iron could be responsible for the yellow leaves on your Fern.
The most notable culprits, as far as deficiency goes, are nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, and iron. Deficits manifest themselves as chlorosis and yellowing of the leaves around their veins.
This gives them a distinct appearance, making them easier to diagnose. The soil will need better-balanced fertilizer or some good, old-fashioned fertilizer to address nutrient deficiencies.
A nutrient may be inhibited from being absorbed if there is too much of it. It is important to keep everything in balance.
How Lack of Light Can Harm Your Fern
Plants will not produce enough chlorophyll if they do not receive enough light. Ferns will suffer from yellowing leaves and poor health as a result.
The light should be adequate for your plants but not too much or too direct, depending on the type of plant. The Fern prefers indirect light.
An east- or north-facing window provides the right amount of light for ferns. Direct sunlight can burn their fronds, resulting in a dry, crispy plant.
Your Fern Is Getting Too Much Light
Despite the fact that your Fern needs light to survive, there is such a thing as too much light. Sunlight that is too bright or excessive will not benefit your plants but instead cause them to overheat and get sunburned.
Unless they love direct sunlight, don’t place plants directly in the sun. In terms of houseplants, make sure that they are at least a few feet away from windows and that they have enough light.
The leaves should be given a break from being overheated and yellowing.
Consequences of Improper Soil pH for Your Fern
It is the pH of the soil that determines the preference of any plant, and it ranges anywhere between 1-14, usually somewhere in the middle.
The soil’s acidity or alkalinity can cause discomfort if it is too alkaline at 14. It is possible that the roots of the plant might even have difficulty absorbing the necessary nutrients from the soil.
The yellowing of a plant’s leaves can be attributed to this factor. The soil pH for ferns should be slightly acidic, between 5.5 and 6.5.
Ferns prefer moist, well-drained soil with good organic matter content and a slightly acidic pH.
You can test the pH of your soil with a pH tester you can purchase online or at a store. Yellow leaves are unlikely to appear if pH is within the correct range.
You might just be able to balance it out properly if it’s too acidic or too alkaline.
Dealing With Pests and Disease On Your Fern
Pests are usually responsible for yellowing leaves on your Fern, so you can easily spot them. It is common for yellow spots to appear around bite marks and bullet marks on plant leaves.
It is possible to see yellowing foliage, as well as the pest itself, if you look closely. In general, aphids, whiteflies, scaly bugs, spider mites, and thrips are the most common pests.
There are numerous species of winged bugs, as well as those that look like scales, fluff, or tiny winged insects. A simple pesticide will usually solve most pest problems.
Neem oil is a natural pesticide that can replace chemical pesticides. It may also be possible to remove the stain with simple dish soap and water.
There are quite a few pests around, and they are normally easy to get rid of.
Is It Possible for Yellowing leaves To Turn Green Again?
While it’s unlikely that yellow leaves will revert back to their vibrant green color, there’s still hope for your Fern.
By identifying the cause of the yellowing and taking action to address it, you can prevent the spread of other leaves. And with a quick pruning of the yellowed leaves, your Fern will have the opportunity for a fresh start and new growth.
Don’t let a few yellow leaves signify the end for your plants, take action and enjoy lush greenery once again.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Fern
What Are Ferns?
Ferns are non-flowering plants that are known for their fronds or divided leaf blades. Ferns typically reproduce through spores and have a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures.
How do ferns reproduce?
Ferns reproduce through spores, which contain the plant’s genetic material. Spores are released from the underside of the fronds and when they land in a moist environment, they can start to grow.
How do you care for ferns?
Ferns prefer a moist, shady environment. They should be watered regularly, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Additionally, fertilizing the soil with a good quality organic fertilizer can help the ferns thrive.
What are some common species of ferns?
Some of the most common species of ferns include Bird’s Foot Fern, Boston Fern, Australian Sword Fern, and Maidenhair Fern.
