Should I trim the brown tips off?

Yes, you can trim the brown tips with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Does tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes, if your water is very high in minerals or chlorine. Try using filtered or rainwater if you suspect your tap water is the culprit.

Why are my Lady fern's tips turning brown? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the top inch of soil to see if it is dry.
Check the air humidity levels in your room.
Inspect the fronds for signs of heat stress.

Likely causes

Low humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips turn crisp and brown while the rest of the frond stays green. This happens often in homes with central heating or air conditioning.
What to do: Mist your fern daily with a spray bottle or place it on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Keep the water level below the bottom of the pot to avoid root rot.
Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels dry to the touch an inch down and the fronds look slightly brittle. Lady ferns need consistent moisture to stay lush.
What to do: Water your fern thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot every 3 to 7 days. Ensure the soil stays evenly moist but never soggy.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your lady 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.

When to worry

It is normal for the oldest, lowest fronds to brown as the plant ages. Worry if the browning is spreading rapidly across new growth.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your fern in a naturally humid spot like a bathroom or kitchen and maintain a strict watering schedule.

Lady fern: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lady fern 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 trim the brown tips off?: Yes, you can trim the brown tips with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes, if your water is very high in minerals or chlorine. Try using filtered or rainwater if you suspect your tap water is the culprit.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Lady fern's tips turning brown?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your lady fern?