Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Feel the texture of the fronds to see if they are dry.
- Check the humidity levels in the room.
- Verify your watering schedule is consistent.
Likely causes
Low Humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The tips of the fronds become dry, crispy, and brown while the rest of the leaf remains green.
What to do: Mist the fern frequently throughout the day to keep the air around it moist. You can also place it near a humidifier or in a bathroom with good light.
Inconsistent Watering
PossibleHow to tell: The fronds feel brittle and the tips brown because the plant is not getting enough water between soakings.
What to do: Soak the mount or pot thoroughly every 2 to 7 days. Ensure the plant is fully hydrated before letting it dry slightly.
Find out what's wrong with your resurrection 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
Brown tips are a warning sign that the plant is struggling with its environment. If the brown area moves down the entire frond, the plant is severely dehydrated.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a regular misting routine and never let the mount dry out completely for long periods.
Resurrection fern: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your resurrection 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
- Should I trim the brown tips?
- You can trim the brown tips with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
- How do I know if it is dry enough to soak?
- The resurrection fern is famous for curling up when dry. If you see the fronds starting to curl, it is time to soak the plant immediately.
More problems with Resurrection fern
- Why are my resurrection fern leaves curling up?
- What are these brown bumps on my resurrection fern?
- Why is my resurrection fern looking mushy?
- Why are my resurrection fern's leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my resurrection fern drooping?
- Why is my resurrection fern losing its fronds?
- Why is my resurrection fern looking thin and leggy?
Back to the Resurrection 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.