Hi all! I have this fern that I bought a month ago from the department store and have been keeping in a higher up place with no direct light but not in complete darkness. I watered it maybe 3-4 times during her life. Naturally, when I saw it dead I assumed it was due to underwatering and/or lack of extra humidity. However, this semester I’m taking phytopathology and I remembered that there can be a hidden cause for sudden withering. Below you can see my findings, including the pictures from my joke of a microscope. What is that? Is that normal fern fluff? Is it MITES? is it a fungi?
by loveNoelle29
2 Comments
Nephrolepis (like most ferns really) are so temperamental under normal/low humidity. I’ve tried everything with mine, changed the substrate three times, more water less water more light less light. Sometimes it grows faster but it will still shed fronds if the humidity isn’t trough the roof. Now, I see that you haven’t repotted yours from its original substrate so it’s also possible it became hydrophobic and isn’t absorbing as much water as you think, try to keep the substrate of ferns evenly moist without letting it fully dry out. When you touch the bottom of the substrate it should always be somewhat moist. Also these ferns are light loving, and in my experience can handle and appreciate a few hours of direct light, especially in the morning (no more than 2/3). I can’t really tell if it’s in a bright position by the pic but just make sure it’s no more than 10/15 cm from a window
Shit is dry
