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Silver tree fern · Alsophila dealbata

Why are my silver tree fern's leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves on a silver tree fern usually point to overwatering or poor drainage. Check the soil to see if it is waterlogged or sitting in standing water.

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yellow leaves on a plant
Photo: Trio3D, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Check the soil for excess moisture.
  2. Look at the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
  3. Assess the light level in the current location.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The fronds turn yellow and may feel mushy. The soil stays wet for a long time and might have a sour smell.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top few inches of soil dry out. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and is not sitting in a saucer of water.

  2. Low light

    Possible

    How to tell: The fronds turn a pale yellow and the plant looks stretched out. This happens if the fern is kept in a dark corner.

    What to do: Move the plant to a brighter spot with indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can burn the leaves.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your silver tree 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.

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When to worry

It is normal for the oldest, lowest fronds to yellow and die off as the plant grows. Worry if the yellowing is widespread across the whole plant.

Stopping it coming back

Use a well-draining potting mix and never let the plant sit in standing water. Provide bright, indirect light.

Silver tree fern: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your silver tree 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.

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Questions people ask

Should I remove yellow leaves?
Yes, you can snip off yellow leaves at the base. This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth.
Does yellowing mean I need to fertilize?
Not necessarily. Over-fertilizing can actually cause yellowing. Check your watering and light first.

More problems with Silver tree fern

Back to the Silver tree 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.