Can I prune the leggy fronds?

Yes, you can trim back the longest, weakest fronds at the base. This helps the plant focus energy on new, more compact growth.

Will more light make it grow faster?

It will encourage fuller, healthier growth, but do not move it into direct sun. Too much sun will cause permanent damage to the fronds.

Why is my Black spleenwort looking leggy? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Assess the light intensity in your current location.
Check the distance from the nearest window.
Measure the humidity levels around the plant.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Possible
How to tell: The fronds grow long and thin with large gaps between the leaflets. The plant looks sparse rather than full and bushy.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with brighter, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which will burn the delicate fronds, but ensure it gets plenty of ambient brightness.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The fronds may stretch out while the edges look dry or brittle. This fern tolerates average household humidity well, but very dry air can make the edges of its fronds brittle.
What to do: Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase local humidity. Alternatively, group it with other plants to create a more humid microclimate.

Leggy growth in other plants

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.

When to worry

You should worry if the stems become so weak they cannot support their own weight. It is normal for older fronds to look slightly different than new growth as they age.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in consistent, bright indirect light and maintain high humidity levels year round.

Black spleenwort: leggy growth? 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I prune the leggy fronds?: Yes, you can trim back the longest, weakest fronds at the base. This helps the plant focus energy on new, more compact growth.
Will more light make it grow faster?: It will encourage fuller, healthier growth, but do not move it into direct sun. Too much sun will cause permanent damage to the fronds.

Why is my Black spleenwort looking leggy?