Boston Fern Problems: Causes & Quick Fixes
Quick answer
Boston Fern is prone to 16 common issues - each link below is a plant-specific fix guide.
Boston Fern problems
Use the guides below to diagnose and fix common issues on Boston Fern. Each problem page explains why it happens on this species and what to do first.
Or use our problem diagnosis tool to narrow down symptoms.
Common problems on Boston Fern
Brown Tips
MediumLikely cause: Low humidity (primary cause), fluoridated water, or cold draughts.
Quick fix: Humidifier 60–80% RH. Filtered water. Move away from draughts and heating vents.
Full fix guide →Yellow Leaves
MediumLikely cause: Drought stress - soil drying out fully - or overwatering in dark conditions causing root stress.
Quick fix: Check moisture every 3–4 days. Maintain consistently moist but not waterlogged soil.
Full fix guide →Root Rot
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Overwatering
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Underwatering
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Spider Mites
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Mealybugs
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Aphids
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Leggy Growth
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Slow Growth
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Wilting
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Drooping Leaves
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Low Humidity
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Not Enough Light
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Fungus Gnats
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Mold on Soil
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →