What to Do When Maidenhair Fern Leaves Wither? Find the Cause and Fix It in Time

Maidenhair fern, also known as wire grass and iron-wire grass, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Adiantum in the family Pteridaceae. It is highly adaptable and easy to cultivate, making it suitable for year-round indoor potted display. Small pots can be placed on a desk or coffee table, while larger pots can be used to decorate the windowsill, hallway or living room of a shaded room. It is also a good material for cut foliage and dried flowers. Now let us take a look at what to do when maidenhair fern leaves wither!

Unsuitable Soil

[Cause]Maidenhair fern needs repotting every spring. It prefers loose, well-drained, fertile calcareous sandy loam. When repotting, pay attention to the choice of soil; unsuitable soil can easily cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop.

[Solution]Maidenhair fern likes calcium fertilizer. When dividing and repotting, add a small amount of lime and crushed eggshells to the pot to supplement some calcium fertilizer.

Improper Pruning

[Cause]During care, dead leaves of maidenhair fern should be cut off promptly to keep the plant fresh and attractive and to encourage new leaf growth. Otherwise, the branches and leaves will become too messy and crowded, leading to weak growth and yellowing leaves.

[Solution]When the leaf clusters of maidenhair fern become too dense, the old leaves can be properly pruned each autumn.

Insufficient Watering

[Cause]During the growing period, maidenhair fern needs sufficient watering and high air humidity to maintain deep green leaf color. If water supply is insufficient or the air is dry, the leaves will turn yellow or develop curled, scorched edges.

[Solution]During the peak growing season, maidenhair fern needs to be misted on the branches and leaves 2-3 times a day.

Excessive Light

[Cause]Maidenhair fern is a shade-loving plant. Direct exposure to strong light can easily cause scorched leaf edges and yellowing leaves.

[Solution]When grown outdoors, maidenhair fern needs shading, but it also needs sufficient sunlight. Indoors, it is best to place the pot on a windowsill facing east or north.

Improper Fertilizing

[Cause]Improper watering and fertilizing of maidenhair fern can stain the leaf surface, causing the leaves to turn yellow and affecting the ornamental effect.

[Solution]Maidenhair fern does not need much fertilizer. Generally, applying dilute cake fertilizer water once every 2-3 weeks is sufficient. Adding a small amount of calcium fertilizer will give even better results.

Overwatering

[Cause]Maidenhair fern likes a high-humidity environment, but overwatering can also cause waterlogging, which leads to dry, withered leaves.

[Solution]When caring for maidenhair fern on a regular basis, follow the principle of watering less and misting more. In dry areas of the north, consider placing a tray of water under the pot to increase air humidity.

Notes

1. Soil: Maidenhair fern prefers loose, well-drained, fertile calcareous sandy loam. For potting, the growing medium can be made by mixing equal parts of loam, leaf mold and river sand.

2. Watering: Maidenhair fern likes a moist environment. During the peak growing season, water thoroughly; besides keeping the potting soil moist, also ensure relatively high air humidity.

3. Sunlight: Maidenhair fern likes bright, indirect light and fears direct sun exposure. Too much light will cause the leaves to turn yellow or even die. In summer, shade appropriately; prolonged direct strong light will cause most of the leaves to turn yellow.

4. Temperature: Maidenhair fern likes warmth and is also cold-tolerant. The suitable growing temperature is 21-25°C during the day and 12-15°C at night. In winter, it should be moved into a greenhouse.

5. Fertilizing: Apply dilute liquid fertilizer 2-3 times a month to maidenhair fern. When fertilizing, do not stain the leaf surface, as this can cause leaf rot. Add an appropriate amount of lime and crushed eggshells to the potting soil. In winter, reduce watering and stop fertilizing.

6. Pests and diseases: Maidenhair fern often suffers from leaf blight. In the early stage, Bordeaux mixture can be used for control; in severe cases, a 1000-1500 times dilution of 70% thiophanate-methyl can be used. If there are scale insects, a 1000 times dilution of 40% omethoate can be used for control.

7. Pruning: After autumn begins, as the temperature drops, maidenhair fern enters a slow-growing stage, and the old leaves gradually turn yellow. At this time, they should be cut off.