Should I cut off the yellow fronds?

Yes, you can trim them back to the base with clean scissors. This keeps the plant looking tidy and helps it focus energy on new growth.

Can low humidity cause yellowing?

Yes, dry air can stress the plant. Try misting the fronds or placing the pot on a tray of pebbles and water.

Black spleenwort: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the soil to see if it is soggy.
Check the location to ensure it is not in direct sun.
Inspect the undersides of leaves for scale insects.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The fronds feel soft or mushy and the soil stays soggy for days.
What to do: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape freely.
Too much direct sun
Most likely
How to tell: The yellowing appears on the fronds most exposed to harsh light.
What to do: Move your fern to a spot with partial or full shade. Keep it away from windows where direct sun hits the foliage.

Yellow leaves on 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

It is normal for the oldest, lowest fronds to yellow and die back as the plant grows. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the entire plant.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant in a shaded, humid spot.

Black spleenwort: yellow 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.

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

Questions people ask

Should I cut off the yellow fronds?: Yes, you can trim them back to the base with clean scissors. This keeps the plant looking tidy and helps it focus energy on new growth.
Can low humidity cause yellowing?: Yes, dry air can stress the plant. Try misting the fronds or placing the pot on a tray of pebbles and water.

Why are my Black spleenwort leaves turning yellow?