The Rabbit Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis) is a popular houseplant known for its distinctive furry rhizomes and delicate fronds. Browning leaves are a common issue, but understanding the reasons and implementing appropriate care can help maintain its vibrant foliage. This guide explores common causes of browning leaves and provides solutions to keep your fern thriving.
Common Causes of Brown Leaves and Solutions
Rabbit Foot Ferns thrive in tropical environments, making them sensitive to humidity, watering, and light conditions. Addressing these factors is often the first step in resolving browning fronds.
Low Humidity
Rabbit Foot Ferns require consistently high humidity, ideally between 40% to 50%, to prevent their delicate fronds from drying out. Dry indoor air, especially with heating or air conditioning, causes frond tips to become crispy and brown. This browning often appears as dry, brittle tips or edges.
To increase humidity:
Mist fronds daily with distilled or filtered water for temporary relief.
Place the fern on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot does not sit directly in the water to prevent root rot.
Use a room humidifier for consistent moisture levels.
Group the fern with other plants, as they release moisture through transpiration.
Watering Issues
Both insufficient and excessive watering can lead to browning leaves, with differing symptoms. Underwatering causes widespread browning and crispiness as the plant dehydrates; the soil will be completely dry, and fronds may droop.
Conversely, overwatering leads to soft, mushy browning, often with yellowing leaves and a musty smell, due to root rot from waterlogged soil. To water properly, allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering thoroughly, ensuring complete drainage. Check soil moisture by inserting a finger about an inch deep; water if dry. Good drainage holes are essential.
Light Exposure
Rabbit Foot Ferns prefer bright, indirect light, similar to their forest canopy habitat. Too much direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day, can scorch fronds, causing brown patches or crispy tips.
Insufficient light, though less common for browning, can lead to general decline and pale fronds. Place the fern near a north or east-facing window for ideal indirect light. If direct sun is strong, use sheer curtains to diffuse it. Rotate the pot periodically for even light exposure.
Water Quality and Fertilization
The quality of water impacts Rabbit Foot Fern health, as they are sensitive to chemicals in tap water. Chlorine and fluoride can accumulate, causing leaf tip burn or browning, often seen as brown edges or tips.
Use filtered, rainwater, or distilled water. If using tap water, let it sit for 24 hours to dissipate chlorine. Over-fertilization causes salt buildup, leading to brown or burnt leaf tips and stunted growth. Under-fertilization can cause pale or yellowing fronds. During the active growing season (spring and summer), fertilize sparingly with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half or quarter strength, every 4-6 weeks. Always water before fertilizing to prevent root burn. Occasionally flush the soil to remove excess salt buildup.
Preventative Care for Healthy Ferns
Consistent care routines are fundamental for maintaining Rabbit Foot Fern health and preventing browning. A stable environment minimizes stress. Maintain stable temperatures, ideally between 60-75°F (15-24°C), and avoid drafts from windows, doors, or vents.
Ensure the potting mix is well-draining but retains some moisture, such as a peat-based mix with perlite. Repot every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and provide adequate growth space, especially if rhizomes become too dense. During repotting, ensure fuzzy rhizomes are not buried too deeply, as they prefer to sit on or just above the soil surface.
Pruning Browned Fronds
Pruning browned or dead fronds improves the fern’s appearance and encourages new growth. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, sterilizing them before and after use to prevent disease spread.
Cut dead or discolored fronds at their base, close to the rhizome, being careful not to damage the fuzzy rhizomes. Remove only affected foliage, leaving healthy fronds intact. Pruning can be done as needed, but the active growing season (spring to early summer) is ideal for more extensive trimming. Regular removal also improves air circulation, deterring fungal issues.