Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the air around the plant for drafts.
- Feel the soil to ensure it is still damp.
- Inspect the underside of the fronds for tiny brown bumps.
Likely causes
Low Humidity
Most likelyHow to tell: The fronds become crisp and brittle before falling off entirely. You may notice the tips turning brown first.
What to do: Place your fern on a tray filled with pebbles and water to boost local moisture. Mist the foliage daily or keep it in a bathroom with a window.
Temperature Fluctuations
Most likelyHow to tell: Fronds drop suddenly after being placed near a drafty window or a heating vent. The plant looks healthy otherwise but sheds quickly.
What to do: Move the pot to a stable location away from air conditioning vents or radiators. Keep the ambient temperature between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Find out what's wrong with your maidenhair 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.
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When to worry
It is normal for a few old fronds to drop as new ones unfurl. Worry if the entire plant is shedding rapidly or if the crown looks bare.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain consistent humidity and keep the plant away from sudden temperature shifts.
Keep your maidenhair spleenwort 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 grow back after losing all its fronds?
- If the rhizome is still firm and healthy, it can regrow. Keep the soil damp and provide consistent shade while waiting for new growth.
- Does this plant go dormant?
- It may slow down in winter, but it is an evergreen fern. It should not lose all its fronds unless stressed.
More problems with Maidenhair spleenwort
- Why are my Maidenhair spleenwort's tips turning brown?
- Why do I see brown bumps on my Maidenhair spleenwort?
- Why are my Maidenhair spleenwort's leaves turning yellow?
- Why does my Maidenhair spleenwort have root rot?
- Why is my Maidenhair spleenwort drooping?
- Why are there spots on my Maidenhair spleenwort?
- Why is my Maidenhair spleenwort looking leggy?
- Why are my Maidenhair spleenwort leaves curling?
Back to the Maidenhair spleenwort 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.