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Evergreen wood fern · Dryopteris intermedia

Why is my evergreen wood fern dropping leaves?

Leaf drop is less common for this fern and usually happens when the plant is severely stressed by environmental changes. Check for sudden shifts in temperature or light first.

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Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the fronds for brown bumps.
  2. Check the area for cold drafts or heat sources.
  3. Examine the soil for signs of extreme dryness or rot.

Likely causes

  1. Temperature shock

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant drops fronds after being moved to a drafty or cold area.

    What to do: Keep the plant in a stable environment between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing it near doors or windows that let in cold drafts.

  2. Scale insects

    Possible

    How to tell: You see small brown bumps on the undersides of the fronds.

    What to do: Wipe the fronds with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the insects. Repeat this process weekly until the pests are gone.

Leaf drop in 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.

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When to worry

If the plant is losing a large number of fronds at once, it is a sign of significant distress. It is normal to lose a few older fronds as the plant cycles through its growth.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a stable, draft-free location and inspect the fronds regularly for pests.

Evergreen wood fern: leaf drop? 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.

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Questions people ask

Are scale insects hard to get rid of?
They can be persistent, so you must be thorough. Check every frond carefully and keep treating until you see no more bumps.
Does this plant flower?
No, this is a fern and it does not produce flowers. It reproduces via spores found on the undersides of the fronds.

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.