Should I trim the brown tips off?

Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Does this fern need a humidifier?

It thrives in high humidity, so a humidifier is a great way to keep it happy indoors.

Golden leather fern: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the soil to see if it feels dry.
Check the air humidity near the plant.
Inspect the pot for proper drainage holes.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips turn crispy and brown while the rest of the frond looks healthy. This happens often in homes with air conditioning or heating.
What to do: Mist the fronds daily with a spray bottle. You can also place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase moisture in the air.
Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels dry to the touch and the fronds are losing their vibrant color. The plant needs consistent moisture to stay green.
What to do: Water your fern every 2 to 4 days to keep the soil damp. Ensure the water drains through the bottom so the roots do not sit in stagnant pools.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your golden leather fern

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

A few brown tips are normal as fronds age, but if the browning spreads rapidly, your plant is stressed.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently damp and maintain high humidity levels year round.

Golden leather fern: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your golden leather fern and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I trim the brown tips off?: Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does this fern need a humidifier?: It thrives in high humidity, so a humidifier is a great way to keep it happy indoors.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Golden leather fern's tips turning brown?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your golden leather fern?