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Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the fronds for small brown bumps.
- Feel the soil to see if it is completely dry.
- Check if the fronds feel brittle or soft.
Likely causes
Scale Insects
PossibleHow to tell: You will see small, brown, bump-like insects clinging to the stems or the undersides of the fronds. These pests suck the sap and cause the leaves to curl and distort.
What to do: Gently scrape the insects off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Treat the entire plant with neem oil once a week for three weeks to ensure all stages of the pest are gone.
Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The fronds start to curl inward and feel crispy to the touch. The soil will feel bone dry deep into the pot.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure you are watering every 3 to 7 days when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Find out what's wrong with your black spleenwort
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
Curling is serious if you see active pests or if the fronds are turning brown and crispy. It is normal for very young, unfurling fronds to look curled until they fully expand.
Stopping it coming back
Check your plant for pests every time you water and keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Black spleenwort: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your black spleenwort 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
- Are these bugs harmful?
- Yes, scale insects drain the plant of nutrients and can cause significant damage if left untreated. They spread easily to other plants, so isolate the fern immediately.
- Should I mist the leaves to stop curling?
- Misting provides only temporary relief and does not solve the underlying issue of pests or dry soil. Focus on consistent watering and humidity trays instead.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Black spleenwort
- Why are my Black spleenwort's frond tips turning brown?
- How do I fix root rot on my Black spleenwort?
- What are these brown bumps on my Black spleenwort?
- Why are my Black spleenwort leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Black spleenwort drooping?
- Why is my Black spleenwort losing its leaves?
- Why is my Black spleenwort looking leggy?
Back to the Black spleenwort 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.