Can I trim back the leggy fronds?

Yes, you can carefully snip off the longest, weakest fronds to encourage a fuller shape. Use clean, sharp scissors to avoid damaging the rhizome.

Does this plant flower?

Resurrection ferns are non flowering plants that reproduce via spores. They do not need to bloom to be healthy.

Resurrection fern: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Move the plant closer to a window with bright, indirect light.
Look closely at the undersides of the fronds for small brown bumps.
Rotate the mount occasionally so all sides get equal light.

Likely causes

Insufficient light
Most likely
How to tell: The fronds grow long, thin, and sparse as they stretch toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move your fern to a spot with brighter, indirect light. A north or east facing window is usually perfect for this species.
Scale insects
Possible
How to tell: You see small, brown, bump like insects on the undersides of the fronds that sap the plant's energy.
What to do: Gently scrape the bumps off with a soft toothbrush or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Repeat this process weekly until the pests are gone.

Leggy growth in other plants

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.

When to worry

If the plant stops producing new, healthy fronds entirely, it is struggling. It is normal for the plant to look a bit sparse during the winter months when light levels are lower.

Stopping it coming back

Provide consistent bright, indirect light throughout the year. Regularly inspect the fronds for any signs of pests.

Resurrection fern: leggy growth? 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I trim back the leggy fronds?: Yes, you can carefully snip off the longest, weakest fronds to encourage a fuller shape. Use clean, sharp scissors to avoid damaging the rhizome.
Does this plant flower?: Resurrection ferns are non flowering plants that reproduce via spores. They do not need to bloom to be healthy.

Guides to these causes

Scale Insects

Why is my resurrection fern looking thin and leggy?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your resurrection fern?