Fern Care: Why Your Fern Keeps Dying (And How to Fix It)

Ferns are gorgeous. Lush, delicate, and impossibly green. They look like they belong in a rainforest fairy tale.

They also die constantly. Crispy tips, brown fronds, and general sadness are the norm for indoor ferns.

The problem is not you. The problem is that ferns need humidity and consistency, and most homes offer neither.

Here is how to keep a fern alive anyway.

Why Ferns Are Hard Indoors

Ferns evolved in humid forests with dappled light and evenly moist soil. They have delicate fronds and shallow roots that dry out fast.

Indoor air is dry (especially in winter). Watering schedules are inconsistent. Light is often too bright or too dim.

If you can replicate their natural conditions, ferns thrive. If not, they suffer.

Best Ferns for Beginners

Not all ferns are equally difficult. Start with these:

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) - Classic, lush, moderately forgiving.

Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium aureum) - More drought-tolerant than most ferns.

Kangaroo Paw Fern (Microsorum diversifolium) - Thick fronds, handles dry air better.

Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) - Compact, handles lower humidity.

Avoid (for now):

  • Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum) - Beautiful but extremely fussy.
  • Staghorn Fern (Platycerium) - Needs mounting and high humidity.

Light

Ferns prefer low to medium, indirect light.

Best light:

  • North or east-facing window
  • Bright, indirect light (no direct sun)
  • Bathrooms with natural light are ideal

Signs of too little light:

  • Slow or no growth
  • Fronds losing color

Signs of too much light:

  • Fronds bleaching or yellowing
  • Crispy, brown edges

Watering

Ferns like evenly moist soil. Not soggy. Not dry. Evenly moist.

This is the hardest part.

How to water:

  1. Check the soil daily in hot weather, every few days otherwise
  2. Water when the top half-inch feels dry
  3. Water thoroughly until it drains
  4. Keep the soil lightly moist at all times

How often?

  • Spring and summer: Every 3 to 5 days
  • Fall and winter: Every 5 to 7 days

Signs of overwatering:

  • Yellowing fronds
  • Mushy stems
  • Root rot

Signs of underwatering:

  • Crispy, brown fronds
  • Fronds curling inward
  • Soil dry and pulling away from pot edges

Pro tip: Ferns are happier with consistent light watering than alternating between soaking and drought.

Humidity

This is non-negotiable. Ferns need high humidity.

Ideal humidity: 50 to 70 percent.

How to increase humidity:

  • Use a humidifier (the only reliable solution)
  • Place on a pebble tray with water
  • Group with other plants
  • Keep in a bathroom with a window

Do not rely on misting. It barely raises humidity and can encourage fungal issues.

Signs of low humidity:

  • Brown, crispy frond tips
  • Fronds curling inward
  • New growth dying before it unfurls

Soil and Pot

Ferns like rich, moisture-retentive soil that drains well.

Best soil:

  • 2 parts potting mix, 1 part peat moss, 1 part perlite
  • Or African violet mix

Pot requirements:

  • Must have drainage holes
  • Plastic pots hold moisture longer than terracotta (helpful for ferns)

Temperature

Ferns prefer cool to moderate temperatures.

  • Temperature: 60 to 75 F
  • Avoid: Hot rooms, heating vents, temperatures above 80 F

Fertilizer

Ferns are light feeders.

  • Fertilize once a month in spring and summer
  • Use diluted liquid fertilizer (half strength)
  • Skip in fall and winter

Pruning

Remove dead or brown fronds as they appear.

How to prune:

  • Cut fronds at the base with clean scissors
  • This encourages new growth

Do not trim healthy fronds just because they look a little crispy at the tips. Ferns recover slowly.

Common Problems

Brown, crispy frond tips

Low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increase humidity and check soil moisture daily.

Entire fronds turning brown

Underwatering, low humidity, or too much sun. Move to a shadier spot and increase humidity.

Yellow fronds

Overwatering or poor drainage. Let the soil dry slightly and improve drainage.

Slow growth

Not enough light or nutrients. Move to a brighter spot and fertilize monthly during growing season.

Why Bathrooms Are Perfect for Ferns

Bathrooms often have:

  • High humidity (from showers)
  • Moderate light (north or east-facing windows)
  • Consistent temperatures

If you have a bathroom with a window, try growing a fern there first.

What To Do Next

  • If your home is dry, invest in a humidifier before buying a fern
  • If ferns keep dying, try Boston Fern or Blue Star Fern (more forgiving)
  • If you want an easier alternative, try Peperomia or pothos instead
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