Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the trunk to see if it is dry.
- Check if the plant is in direct sunlight.
- Verify the soil moisture level.
Likely causes
Dehydration
Most likelyHow to tell: The fronds lose their rigidity and hang downward. The fibrous trunk will feel dry and light.
What to do: Soak the trunk thoroughly with a hose or watering can. Maintain a schedule of watering every 2 to 4 days to keep the trunk damp.
Heat Stress
PossibleHow to tell: The plant droops during the hottest part of the day even if the soil is moist. This happens when the plant loses water faster than it can absorb it.
What to do: Move the fern to a shadier location. Ensure it is protected from direct afternoon sun.
Find out what's wrong with your soft tree 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 fronds do not perk up after a thorough watering, the plant may be suffering from root damage. Normal drooping during extreme heat is usually temporary.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant in a shaded area and ensure the trunk is watered regularly during the growing season.
Soft Tree Fern: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your soft tree 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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Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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Questions people ask
- Should I stake the fronds?
- Staking is usually not necessary. Once the plant is properly hydrated, the fronds should regain their natural shape.
- How much water does a tree fern need?
- The trunk acts like a sponge. You should water it until it is saturated, ensuring it stays damp throughout the season.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Soft Tree Fern
- Why are my soft tree fern's frond tips turning brown?
- What are these bumps on my soft tree fern's fronds?
- Why are my Dicksonia antarctica fronds turning yellow?
- Why is my tree fern dropping its fronds?
- Why are there spots on my Dicksonia antarctica?
- Why is my Dicksonia antarctica showing signs of root rot?
- Why is my soft tree fern looking leggy?
- Why are my Dicksonia antarctica fronds curling?
Back to the Soft Tree 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.