Can I save a completely wilted fern?

Yes, try soaking the entire pot in a bowl of water for 20 minutes. Often, the plant will bounce back if the roots are still alive.

How often should I check the soil?

Check the soil every 2 to 3 days. Maidenhair ferns prefer to stay consistently moist.

Why is my Maidenhair fern drooping? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is dry.
Check if the plant is sitting in a hot or sunny spot.
Ensure the pot has proper drainage holes.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil is dry and the fronds look limp and sad.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough soak until water runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure you keep the soil evenly damp moving forward.
Heat stress
Possible
How to tell: The plant droops even when the soil is damp, often because it is too hot.
What to do: Move the plant to a cooler spot away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Ensure it is in a location with bright, indirect light.

Drooping in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your maidenhair 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

If the plant does not perk up within a few hours of watering, it may be suffering from root damage. If the fronds are yellowing along with the drooping, it could be a sign of overwatering.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently damp and avoid placing the plant in areas with fluctuating temperatures.

Maidenhair fern: drooping? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your maidenhair 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 completely wilted fern?: Yes, try soaking the entire pot in a bowl of water for 20 minutes. Often, the plant will bounce back if the roots are still alive.
How often should I check the soil?: Check the soil every 2 to 3 days. Maidenhair ferns prefer to stay consistently moist.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why is my Maidenhair fern drooping?