What to Do When Maidenhair Fern Leaves Turn Yellow? Causes and Solutions

The maidenhair fern is highly adaptable and easy to grow, suitable for year-round indoor potting, and is one of the most common green plants in the home. Its plant form is elegant and graceful, with high ornamental value, but many people often encounter the problem of yellowing leaves when growing maidenhair ferns. Let's take a look together below at what to do when maidenhair fern leaves turn yellow!

Yellowing leaves caused by excessive light

[Cause of yellowing] The maidenhair fern is a shade-loving plant. If exposed to strong direct sunlight, it easily causes scorched leaf edges and yellow, withered leaves.

[Solution] When growing outdoors, pay attention to shading, but it also needs sufficient sunlight to grow. Indoors, it is best to place the pot on a windowsill on the east or north side of the room for care.

Yellowing leaves caused by insufficient watering

[Cause of yellowing] During the growth period, the maidenhair fern needs sufficient watering and high air humidity to maintain dark 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, the maidenhair fern needs to be misted on the stems and leaves 2~3 times a day.

Yellowing leaves caused by improper fertilizing

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

[Solution] The maidenhair fern does not need much fertilizer. Generally, applying a dilute cake fertilizer solution once every 2~3 weeks is sufficient. Adding a small amount of calcium fertilizer will produce even better results.

Yellowing leaves caused by unsuitable soil

[Cause of yellowing] The maidenhair fern grows quickly and needs repotting every spring. It prefers loose, well-draining, fertile calcareous sandy loam. When repotting, pay attention to soil selection. If the soil does not match the growth habits of the maidenhair fern, it easily leads to poor growth, and the leaves begin to turn yellow and drop.

[Solution] The potting soil can be made by mixing equal parts of loam, leaf mold and river sand.

Yellowing leaves caused by improper pruning

[Cause of yellowing] During care, if dead leaves are found on the maidenhair fern, they should be trimmed promptly to keep the plant fresh and attractive and to encourage new leaf growth. Otherwise, the branches and leaves become too messy and crowded, leading to weak growth and yellowing leaves.

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