Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Touch the top inch of soil to see if it is dry.
- Check the humidity levels in your room.
- Inspect the fronds for signs of pests that might be stressing the plant.
Likely causes
Low humidity
Most likelyHow to tell: The tips turn brown and brittle while the rest of the frond stays green. This often happens in winter when indoor heating dries out the air.
What to do: Group your ferns together to create a humid microclimate. You can also place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water, making sure the bottom of the pot does not touch the water.
Inconsistent watering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels bone dry and the fronds look slightly wilted. If you let the soil dry out completely between waterings, the tips will suffer first.
What to do: Water your fern every 3 to 7 days when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry. Ensure you soak the soil thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes.
Find out what's wrong with your rabbit's foot 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
It is normal for the oldest, lowest fronds to brown and die off as the plant grows. 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 steady watering schedule.
Rabbit's Foot Fern: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your rabbit's foot 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.
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Questions people ask
- Should I trim the brown tips off?
- Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
- Will the brown tips turn green again?
- No, once a leaf tip has turned brown and crispy, it will not recover its color. Focus on preventing new growth from developing the same issue.
More problems with Rabbit's Foot Fern
Back to the Rabbit's Foot Fern guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.