Question
I have had a Bird's Nest Fern for a couple of years now and has done very well until I recently repotted it. Since then all of the mature larger leaves have dried up and I have cut them off. Now the smaller leaves that are still there are bent and really not looking healthy. I usually have new growth coming up in the middle but that is no longer happening. Should I put it back into a smaller pot now or wait, or are there any other suggestions you have??? Please Help!

Answer
Hi Melissa,

Unnecessary repotting is the single most common cause of plant problems. Most plants do not do well in large pots and most folks do not know how to repot properly even when it is necessary. Over sized pots usually lead to root rot.

If you did not disturb the original rootball when you repotted and simply added soil around that rootball, then you can undo the repotting by removing the added soil and putting the original rootball back into its original pot. However, given the degree of deterioration you have described, it still may not recover.

If you removed some or all of the original rootball, then you have no doubt damaged many of the tiny root-hairs and your Fern is unlikely to recover.

I wish I had better news for you.

I have written articles on repotting and Fern care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com