Should I remove yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip off yellow leaves at the base to keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps the plant focus energy on healthy growth.

Does yellowing mean it needs fertilizer?

Usually no. Yellowing is more often related to water or light. Only fertilize sparingly during the growing season with a diluted liquid feed.

Northern maidenhair fern: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil for signs of waterlogging.
Look at the light levels where the plant sits.
Inspect the roots for brown or mushy sections.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and may feel soft or mushy. The soil stays wet for a long time and might smell sour.
What to do: Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Too much light
Possible
How to tell: The leaves look washed out and yellow, especially if they are exposed to direct sunlight. These ferns prefer shade.
What to do: Move the fern to a spot with partial or full shade. Avoid any area where direct sun hits the foliage.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your northern 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 yellowing spreads rapidly across the whole plant, it is a serious issue. A single yellow leaf at the base of the plant is often just an old leaf dying off.

Stopping it coming back

Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the plant is never sitting in standing water.

Northern maidenhair fern: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your northern 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

Should I remove yellow leaves?: Yes, you can snip off yellow leaves at the base to keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps the plant focus energy on healthy growth.
Does yellowing mean it needs fertilizer?: Usually no. Yellowing is more often related to water or light. Only fertilize sparingly during the growing season with a diluted liquid feed.

Why are my Northern maidenhair fern's leaves turning yellow?