Causes and Solutions for Withered Leaves on Maidenhair Fern

Maidenhair fern, also known as wire grass, wire fern and so on, 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 to be repotted every spring. It prefers loose, well-drained, fertile calcareous sandy loam. When repotting, attention must be paid to the choice of soil. If the soil is unsuitable, it can easily cause the leaves of the maidenhair fern to turn yellow and drop.

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

Improper Pruning

[Cause] During care, dead leaves found on the maidenhair fern should be removed 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 weakened growth and yellowing leaves.

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

Insufficient Watering

[Cause] During the growing 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, its leaves will turn yellow or develop curled, scorched edges.

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

Excessive Light

[Cause] Maidenhair fern is a shade-loving plant. Direct strong sunlight can easily cause scorched leaf edges and yellow, withered leaves.

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

Improper Fertilizing

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

[Solution] The maidenhair fern does not need much fertilizer. Generally, applying a thin cake fertilizer solution once every 2 to 3 weeks is sufficient. If a small amount of calcium fertilizer can be added, the effect will be even better.

Overwatering

[Cause] Maidenhair fern likes a high-humidity environment, but if watered too much, it can also cause water accumulation, leading to dry and withered leaves.

[Solution] During normal care, the maidenhair fern should follow the principle of less watering and more misting. In northern areas where the air is dry, consider placing a tray of water under the pot to increase air humidity.

Precautions

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, it should be watered thoroughly. In addition to keeping the potting soil moist, attention should also be paid to maintaining high air humidity.

3. Sunlight: Maidenhair fern prefers bright, diffused light and is afraid of direct sunlight. If the light is too strong, the leaves will turn yellow and withered or even die. In summer, appropriate shading can be provided. Prolonged direct strong light will cause most of the leaves to turn yellow and withered.

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

5. Fertilizing: Apply a thin liquid fertilizer 2 to 3 times a month to the maidenhair fern. When fertilizing, do not stain the leaf surface to avoid causing leaf rot. An appropriate amount of lime and crushed eggshells should be added 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 to 1500 times dilution of 70% thiophanate-methyl can be used for control. If there is damage from scale insects, a 1000 times dilution of 40% omethoate can be used for control.

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