Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hi Darlene
I'm having a real problem with my fairly new Boston Fern.
I have grown them several times before with great luck and beautiful results in spite of my limited knowledge.
I bought a large new one.... probably a 12 " pot jammed with fronds. It wouldn't thrive.....kept getting brown, dried up leaves that continually shed to the floor. I thought,because it was so large and crowded in the pot that I'd transplant it into a larger container. I used my compost soil which I've had great luck with.
It seemed to get better for a week and now is getting the brown leaves again.
I water once a week as I always have before with my ferns. Not too wet.....not too dry.
What am I doing wrong? Can you help me?
I appriciate any advice you can give me. My other Boston Ferns grew large, long and gorgeous. I'm stymied.
Thanks for your attention......God bless.....
Sue
Answer -
Sue,

You didn't say where you live but here in northern Indiana it has been so hot and dry that everything needs watered daily.  I suggest you water more often, at least every other day. Ferns like to be pretty moist. If you have more questions let me know where you have it hanging and how much light it gets. If it starts raining more you can cut back on the watering. Good luck.

Darlene
Hi Again and thanks for the swift answer.
Sorry my first question was so vague.
I live in upstate N.Y. but have my ferns as houseplants. My newest fern is in a place in my house that I have previously had ferns that liked their area.
Does your answer mean that you feel the brown, falling leaves are caused by dryness? If so, I'll water more often. Or is another cause likely? I'm at a loss.
Thanks so much, Darlene for your help. It's appriciated......
Sue

Answer
Sue,

Brown leaves on a fern are usually caused by one of 3 problems.
1. The humidity is too low.  Have you done anything that would cause the humidity to go down? A new, more effecient air conditioner? Maybe it's just that it is hotteer so you  are running the air conditioner more?

2. It is getting less light. Has anything changed that would affect the light? New drapes? New tinted windows?

3. You have changed something about how you wwater it? A larger of smaller water pitcher?

Or maybe you just go an extremely tempermantal fern. Let me know what you figure out. It would be happier outdoors hanging on a porch or in a shady tree. Goodluck.

Darlene