Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Touch the soil to see if it feels dry.
- Check the humidity levels in the room.
- Inspect the fronds for signs of pests.
Likely causes
Low humidity
Most likelyHow to tell: The tips turn brown and brittle while the rest of the frond stays green. This happens often in homes with central 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 daily with room temperature water.
Inconsistent watering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels dry to the touch and the fern looks slightly wilted. Royal ferns need consistently damp soil to thrive.
What to do: Check the soil every 2 days and water thoroughly whenever the top inch feels dry. Ensure the pot has drainage holes so the roots do not sit in stagnant water.
When to worry
If the browning spreads rapidly to the entire frond, the plant is likely suffering from severe dehydration. A few brown tips on older fronds are normal as the plant grows.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a humid environment by grouping plants together.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your royal fern.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Should I trim the brown tips off?
- Yes, you can trim them 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 water is very hard, the mineral buildup can cause tip burn. Try using filtered or rainwater if the problem persists.
More problems with Royal fern
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.