hello! i’m a new plant mom and i’m trying really hard to keep my plants happy and healthy whilst learning how! i recently got this birds nest fern - and in the past week some of the leaves are turning brown and yellow. some leaves also feel very dead (thin and crispy) unsure what i’m doing wrong !!! help!
I am a few months in and killed a few of mine by overwatering. I have since learnt more and what I can advise is either switch to semi-hydro or self watering pots. However with your set up again you could change the soil to a more chunky airy mix to give roots oxygen and when watering find a bowl add water and place your nursing pot in the plant will take up the water it needs and you can put it back your your deco pots.
1 LikeOkay I shall look into those - I’ve been bottom watering in the nursing pot (I’ve actually only watered it once since getting it as the soil was wet when I bought it) I’ll perhaps look at changing the soil! Thanks !!
0 Likes I always change soil when I purchase plants as you never know what they come with pests etc. And when you report just check the roots are healthy soak in some hydro peroxide solution for 15 mins dry and repot.
2 LikesYeah I probably should have - was just hopeful it would be fine! I’ll try and do this tomorrow - how is best to tell if the roots are healthy? I’ve done a bit of research but still confused!
0 Likes If they are brown, smudgy, hallow break off easy, bad smell thats sign of root rot. Healthy ones should be firm white or tan.
0 LikesDefinitely a watering issue. Let the soil completely dry between waterings and use a well draining soil mix. These don’t do well with soil that stays wet too long. Check the roots and if they are still good, remove the outer leaves that are dying and try lightly sprinkling remaining roots with cinnamon and replant. Maybe add perlite and orchid bark or other fillers to allow more drainage. 🤞🏽🤞🏽
2 LikesI have only watered it once since getting it ( soil was wet when I bought it and I let it go bone dry ) but I’ll definitely check the roots and soil ! Thanks!!
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Ferns are hard to figure out for me. I've killed every fern I've ever had. I stopped buying them years ago but i still love them. Good luck with it.
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Same! I've learned I'm not cut out to be a fern parent sadly lol
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