Check these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is dry.
- Check the plant's location for drafts.
- Ensure the plant is not in direct, scorching sun.
Likely causes
Dehydration
Most likelyHow to tell: The fronds look limp and hang downward. The soil will be dry and pulling away from the sides of the pot.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough watering until water drains from the bottom. You may need to soak the pot in a basin of water for 15 minutes if the soil is bone dry.
Temperature Stress
PossibleHow to tell: The plant droops suddenly after being placed near a drafty window or air vent. Ferns dislike sudden temperature shifts.
What to do: Move the plant to a stable location away from heaters, air conditioners, or cold drafts. Keep it in a room with consistent temperatures.
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
If the plant does not perk up within a few hours of watering, it may be suffering from root damage.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a regular watering schedule and keep the plant in a spot with stable, warm temperatures.
Golden leather fern: drooping? 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- How often should I water this fern?
- Aim for every 2 to 4 days. Always check the soil first to make sure it is damp but not soaking wet.
- Will my fern recover from drooping?
- Yes, if the cause is lack of water, it should bounce back quickly after a good soak. If it stays droopy, check the roots for rot.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Golden leather fern
- Why are my Golden leather fern's tips turning brown?
- Why are my Golden leather fern's leaves turning yellow?
- Why does my Golden leather fern have brown bumps?
- Why is my Golden leather fern wilting?
- Why is my Golden leather fern losing fronds?
- Why does my golden leather fern have spots on its fronds?
- Why is my golden leather fern looking leggy?
- Why are the leaves on my golden leather fern curling?
Back to the Golden leather fern guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.

