Why is my Boston Fern Turning Brown?

Hi Liz,

 

Brown fronds on your Boston fern are usually the result of over-watering. Allow the top 30% of the soil of a Boston Fern to dry-out before  watering the plant. The fronds or leaves may even turn a pale green which indicates the fern needs water. Watering with “hard water” causes white marks to appear on the leaves of a Boston fern. A Boston fern is more drought-resistant than most ferns so when in doubt, don’t water.

Brown tips on the fronds are caused by too much fertilizer. Feed a Boston fern monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer when the plant is actively growing. Dilute the plant food to 1/4 to 1/2 the recommended strength to prevent the ends of the fronds (leaves) from burning.

You can read all my care tips for a Boston Fern in the Popular Houseplant section of the website.

https://www.houseplant411.com/houseplant/boston-fern-how-to-grow-care-for-a-boston-fern