Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Inspect the roots for mushiness or a bad smell.
- Check the stems for small brown bumps.
- Ensure the plant is not sitting in standing water.
Likely causes
Root rot
Most likelyHow to tell: The base of the fronds turns black or mushy and the plant smells musty.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any brown, slimy roots. Repot into fresh, well draining soil and reduce your watering frequency.
Scale insects
PossibleHow to tell: Small brown bumps appear on the stems or undersides of the fronds.
What to do: Gently wipe the fronds with a damp cloth or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Repeat this weekly until the pests are gone.
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Minor leaf loss can happen during seasonal changes or if the plant is adjusting to a new home. Worry if you see significant leaf loss or mushy stems.
Stopping it coming back
Use a well draining potting mix and inspect your plant for pests every time you water.
Black spleenwort: leaf drop? 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can scale insects kill my fern?
- If left untreated, they can weaken the plant significantly. Catching them early makes them much easier to manage.
- Why are the fronds falling off at the base?
- This is often a sign of root rot from overwatering. Check the soil to ensure it is not staying wet for too long.
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 looking leggy?
- Why are my Black spleenwort leaves curling?
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.