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Evergreen wood fern · Dryopteris intermedia

Why is my Evergreen wood fern showing signs of root rot?

It is less common for this fern to get root rot unless it is sitting in soggy soil for too long. Check the soil moisture and the smell of the roots first.

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root rot on a plant
Photo: Ninjatacoshell, CC BY-SA 3.0

Check these first

  1. Touch the top inch of soil to see if it is wet.
  2. Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
  3. Lift the pot to check if it feels unusually heavy.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Possible

    How to tell: The fronds turn yellow or brown and mushy at the base, and the soil stays wet for more than a week.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the plant is in a pot without drainage, move it to one that has holes.

  2. Poor Drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil long after you have finished watering. The pot may feel heavy and waterlogged.

    What to do: Repot the fern into a mix that includes perlite or orchid bark to improve airflow. Ensure the pot has at least one large drainage hole at the bottom.

Root rot 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 base of the stems is black and slimy, the rot has likely spread too far. It is normal for a few older outer fronds to die back as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top inch of soil is dry and always empty the saucer after watering.

Evergreen wood fern: root rot? 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

Can I save a fern with root rot?
Yes, if you catch it early. Trim away the black, mushy roots with clean scissors and repot in fresh, well draining soil.
How often should I water my fern?
Check the soil every 3 to 7 days. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

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.