Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if the soil is dry and pulling away from the pot.
- Feel the weight of the pot to see if it is very light.
- Check for cold or hot drafts near the plant.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems look limp and the soil is pulling away from the sides of the pot. The plant feels light when you lift it.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough soak until water runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a schedule of watering every 3 to 7 days.
Temperature Stress
PossibleHow to tell: The plant droops suddenly after being placed in a drafty area. The leaves may look healthy but lack turgor pressure.
What to do: Move the plant away from cold windows or hot air vents. Keep the ambient temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Find out what's wrong with your climbing 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
If the plant does not perk up within a few hours of watering, it may have root damage. Temporary drooping after a move is normal.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant in a stable environment away from drafts and maintain consistent soil moisture.
Climbing fern: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your climbing 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- How fast should it recover after watering?
- Most ferns will perk up within 2 to 6 hours after a good watering. If it takes longer, the roots may be damaged.
- Does this plant need a lot of water?
- Yes, it prefers to stay evenly moist. It does not tolerate drying out like some other houseplants.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Climbing fern
- Why are my Japanese climbing fern's tips turning brown?
- Why are my Japanese climbing fern's leaves turning yellow?
- Why does my Japanese climbing fern have pests?
- Why is my Japanese climbing fern suffering from root rot?
- Why is my Japanese climbing fern dropping leaves?
- Why does my Japanese climbing fern have spots on its leaves?
- Why is my Japanese climbing fern getting so leggy?
- Why are my Japanese climbing fern's leaves curling?
Back to the Climbing 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.