Can I save a yellow frond?

Once a frond has turned fully yellow, it will not turn green again. It is best to prune it off to let the plant focus energy on new growth.

Is my fern getting too much sun?

While it likes bright light, direct harsh sun can bleach the leaves yellow. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light.

Golden leather fern: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil is soggy or waterlogged.
Smell the soil for any signs of rot.
Look at the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The fronds turn yellow and feel soft or mushy. The soil may smell sour or look waterlogged.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top inch of soil dry out. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Nutrient Deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn a pale yellow color over time while the plant stops growing. This happens if the soil has been depleted of nutrients.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season. Do not overfeed, as this can burn the roots.

Yellow leaves 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

Old fronds naturally turn yellow and die off, but if new growth is yellowing, you need to act fast.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top layer of soil starts to feel slightly less damp. This swamp fern tolerates wet soil well, but use a pot with drainage holes so water does not sit stale around the roots.

Golden leather fern: yellow leaves? 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

Can I save a yellow frond?: Once a frond has turned fully yellow, it will not turn green again. It is best to prune it off to let the plant focus energy on new growth.
Is my fern getting too much sun?: While it likes bright light, direct harsh sun can bleach the leaves yellow. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light.

Why are my Golden leather fern's leaves turning yellow?