Boston Fern (indoor ferns) â common problems
Find the symptom you're seeing for the likely cause and fix.
Likely cause: Low humidity, common in winter and on thin-leaved types.
Fix: Double-pot in moist sphagnum moss or mist occasionally; place near a bathroom/kitchen.
Likely cause: Soil allowed to dry out completely.
Fix: Keep consistently moist; never let it dry out fully; cut back to ~2 in to regenerate if needed.
Likely cause: Over-fertilizing.
Fix: Fertilize at half strength once monthly, April-September only.
Likely cause: Root rot from poor drainage or overwatering.
Fix: Use well-draining soil; don't let water stand in the pot.
Likely cause: Common fern pests.
Fix: Hand-pick or rinse outdoors; test any pesticide on a small area, as many injure ferns.
Source: extension care guide. Symptoms often overlap â match the conditions (light, watering, humidity) to your situation.
Other houseplants
General care guidance from university extension sources â not a substitute for diagnosing your specific plant and conditions. How this works.