Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Evergreen wood fern · Dryopteris intermedia

Why are my Evergreen wood fern's leaves curling?

It is less common for this fern to have curling leaves unless it is dealing with dry air or underwatering. Check the soil moisture first.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

curling leaves on a plant
Photo: Freshclover, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Feel the soil to see if it is bone dry.
  2. Check the fronds for crispness or brittleness.
  3. Look for signs of pests like scale on the undersides of the fronds.

Likely causes

  1. Underwatering

    Possible

    How to tell: The fronds feel crisp and start to curl inward or droop. The soil will be dry and pulling away from the edges of the pot.

    What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure the soil is evenly moist but not soaking wet.

  2. Low Humidity

    Possible

    How to tell: The edges of the fronds curl and turn brown. The plant looks dry despite regular watering.

    What to do: Mist the fronds occasionally or group the fern with other plants to create a humid microclimate. A humidifier is the best way to maintain consistent moisture.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your evergreen wood 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

If the curling is accompanied by brown, crispy edges, the plant is severely dehydrated. It is normal for new, unfurling fronds to look curled until they fully mature.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain consistent soil moisture and keep the humidity levels stable.

Evergreen wood fern: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your evergreen wood 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Why are my new fronds curled?
That is perfectly normal. New fronds emerge as tight coils called fiddleheads and will unroll as they grow.
Can I mist my fern?
Yes, misting can help increase humidity, but it is not a substitute for proper watering. Focus on keeping the soil consistently moist.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Evergreen wood fern

Back to the Evergreen wood 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.