Should I trim the brown tips off?

Yes, you can trim the brown tips with clean scissors to improve the look of the plant. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Does tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes, if your tap water has high mineral content, it can cause tip burn. Try using filtered or distilled water if the problem persists.

Marginal wood fern: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the soil to see if it is dry.
Check the humidity levels in your room.
Inspect the fronds for signs of pests.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips turn crisp and brown while the rest of the frond stays green. This happens often in homes with heating or air conditioning.
What to do: Place a pebble tray filled with water under the pot to increase local humidity. You can also mist the fronds lightly with water every morning.
Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels dry to the touch and the fronds may feel brittle. The plant will look generally thirsty and dull.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a schedule of watering every 3 to 7 days to keep the soil consistently moist.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your marginal 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.

When to worry

It is normal for the oldest, lowest fronds to brown as they age. Worry if the new, emerging fronds show brown tips.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil evenly moist and maintain a humid environment away from direct air vents.

Marginal wood fern: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your marginal 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.

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

Questions people ask

Should I trim the brown tips off?: Yes, you can trim the brown tips with clean scissors to improve the look of the plant. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes, if your tap water has high mineral content, it can cause tip burn. Try using filtered or distilled water if the problem persists.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Marginal wood fern's leaf tips turning brown?