Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Touch the top inch of soil to check for dryness.
- Inspect the area around the plant for cold drafts or heat sources.
- Lift the pot to see if it feels unusually light.
Likely causes
Dehydration
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels bone dry and the fronds look limp or wilted.
What to do: Submerge the pot in a basin of water for 15 minutes to rehydrate the peat based soil. Afterward, allow all excess water to drain out completely from the bottom holes.
Temperature Shock
PossibleHow to tell: The plant droops suddenly after being placed near a drafty window or a heater vent.
What to do: Move the fern to a stable spot away from direct airflow. Keep the ambient temperature between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Find out what's wrong with your mother 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
If the fronds remain limp after a thorough watering, the roots may be damaged. It is normal for the plant to look slightly tired if it has been sitting in a dry room for too long.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain consistent soil moisture and keep the plant in a spot with steady, moderate temperatures.
Keep your mother fern healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Will my fern perk back up after watering?
- Yes, if the drooping was caused by thirst, you should see the fronds recover within a few hours of a deep soak.
- Does humidity affect drooping?
- Low humidity often causes crispy tips, but it can also contribute to overall plant stress that leads to drooping.
More problems with Mother Fern
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.