Crispy fern

Discussion in 'Other Plants' started by beanybob, Sep 28, 2021.

  1. beanybob

    beanybob Gardener

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    I went away recently and asked a friend to water my houseplants, which she did... except for my small button fern which she thought was fake! It's now very crispy...any hope for it? I've given it a good soak but not sure how far to cut the leaves back, if at all.
    Couldn't see a houseplant section, sorry if this is in the wrong place. Thank you!

    PXL_20210928_115617277.jpg
     
  2. Sian in Belgium

    Sian in Belgium Total Gardener

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    Poor little thing!

    Assuming that all the leaves are crispy…
    I would be tempted to cut away all of the fronds back to just above the soil/corm (or whatever the fern heart is called). Then keep it moist - you may see some new growth coming from the centre in a month or so. You’ve nothing to lose, after all:dunno:
     
    • Agree Agree x 3
    • beanybob

      beanybob Gardener

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      Thank you Sian, I shall give it a haircut and hope for the best! :)
       
    • Loofah

      Loofah Admin Staff Member

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      Water with rainwater if possible, they don't like hard water from the tap
       
    • Sirius

      Sirius Total Gardener

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      Looks like a Pellaea rotundifolia
      These can take a dry period better than most other ferns.
      So it may be salvageable.

      Give it a good soak, keep slightly damp, and it will hopefully come back.
       
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