Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Lift the plant to check if it feels light.
- Smell the base of the plant for any signs of rot.
- Observe if the fronds are curling as well as drooping.
Likely causes
Dehydration
PossibleHow to tell: The fronds look limp and begin to curl inward as the plant enters its dormant state to conserve moisture.
What to do: Soak the entire mount or pot in a bowl of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Let it drain well before returning it to its display spot.
Root Rot
PossibleHow to tell: The fronds droop and look mushy or discolored at the base, often accompanied by a damp smell.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and check the roots for mushy or black sections. Trim away dead roots and remount the fern in fresh, well draining material.
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.
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When to worry
Drooping is a sign of distress that requires immediate attention. If the plant does not perk up after a soak, it may have root damage.
Stopping it coming back
Ensure your mount or pot has excellent airflow and never sits in standing water.
Resurrection fern: drooping? 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
- Is it normal for this fern to curl up?
- Yes, this plant is called the resurrection fern because it curls up when dry and uncurls when hydrated. It is a natural survival mechanism.
- How often should I soak it?
- Soak it every 2 to 7 days depending on the humidity and temperature of your home. Always check the plant's condition rather than just following a calendar.
Guides to these causes
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 are my resurrection fern's tips turning brown?
- 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.