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Boston fern · Nephrolepis exaltata

Why is my Boston fern dropping leaves?

Boston ferns are notorious for shedding tiny leaflets when they experience a sudden change in their environment. Check the humidity levels in your home first, as dry air is the most common culprit.

Check these first

  1. Check the soil moisture level immediately.
  2. Look for heating vents blowing directly on the plant.
  3. Feel the air around the plant to see if it feels dry.

Likely causes

  1. Dry Air

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaflets turn brown and fall off at the slightest touch. This often happens during winter when indoor heating is running.

    What to do: Use a humidifier nearby to keep the air moist. You can also move the fern to a bathroom where the air is naturally more humid.

  2. Inconsistent Watering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil is completely dry and pulling away from the sides of the pot. The plant looks wilted and sheds leaflets rapidly.

    What to do: Soak the root ball thoroughly by placing the pot in a sink filled with a few inches of water for 20 minutes. Resume a schedule where you water every 3 to 7 days.

Find out what's wrong with your boston 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

Some shedding is normal when you first bring a fern home as it adjusts to your space. Worry if the plant is losing large amounts of foliage daily.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant away from drafts and maintain a steady, moist environment.

Keep your boston fern healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Will the bare stems grow new leaflets?
Usually, the bare stems will not regrow leaflets. It is best to prune the empty stems back to the soil line to encourage fresh, full growth.
Does moving the plant cause leaf drop?
Yes, Boston ferns dislike change. If you move it to a new room, expect a little bit of shedding while it acclimates.

More problems with Boston fern

Back to the Boston fern guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.