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Hart's tongue fern · Asplenium scolopendrium

Why is my Hart's tongue fern dropping leaves?

It is less common for this fern to drop leaves, so this usually happens when the soil dries out completely or the air is too dry. Check the soil moisture first to see if it has gone bone dry.

Check these first

  1. Touch the top inch of soil to see if it is dry.
  2. Inspect the fronds for any signs of crispiness.
  3. Check if the pot is light and needs water.

Likely causes

  1. Underwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil feels dry to the touch and the fronds look brittle or crispy.

    What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until moisture runs out of the drainage holes. Keep the soil evenly moist by watering every 3 to 7 days depending on your home temperature.

  2. Low Humidity

    Possible

    How to tell: The edges of the fronds turn brown and dry before the whole leaf drops off.

    What to do: Place your fern on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase ambient moisture. You can also group it with other plants to create a more humid microclimate.

Find out what's wrong with your hart's tongue 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 plant is losing many fronds at once, it is in distress. It is normal for the oldest, lowest fronds to yellow and drop occasionally as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain consistent soil moisture and keep the plant away from heating vents or drafts.

Keep your hart's tongue 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.

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Questions people ask

Should I mist my fern to stop leaf drop?
Misting provides only temporary relief and is not as effective as a pebble tray. It is better to focus on consistent soil moisture.
Will the dropped fronds grow back?
No, the fronds that have dropped will not grow back. However, if the rhizome is healthy, the plant will produce new fronds over time.

More problems with Hart's tongue fern

Back to the Hart's tongue fern guide

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.