Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Touch the trunk to see if it feels dry.
- Check the soil moisture two inches down.
- Observe the air circulation around the plant.
Likely causes
Low Humidity
Most likelyHow to tell: The tips turn crisp and brown while the rest of the frond looks healthy. This happens often in heated indoor spaces or during dry summer spells.
What to do: Mist the trunk daily with water. You can also place the fern in a naturally humid spot like a sheltered patio or bathroom.
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The entire frond may start to feel brittle and the trunk feels dry to the touch. The plant needs consistent moisture to transport water to the tips.
What to do: Water the trunk directly every 2 to 4 days. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
When to worry
It is normal for the oldest bottom fronds to brown as they age. Worry only if the new growth is showing brown tips.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the trunk consistently moist throughout the growing season to ensure steady water delivery to the fronds.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your soft tree fern.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Should I trim the brown tips off?
- Yes, you can trim them for aesthetic reasons. Use clean, sharp scissors and cut just above the healthy green tissue.
- Does my fern need a pebble tray?
- A pebble tray helps slightly, but misting the trunk is much more effective for a tree fern.
More problems with Soft Tree Fern
Back to the Soft Tree 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.