My fern is giving me the finger…
So this guy looks like he’s flipping me off, and I can’t blame him. I’m not sure why ferns and I don’t get along— I’m thinking it’s a humidity thing— but he’s been slowly sagging since I bought him. Last week I trimmed all of his crunchy leaves, and now he looks bald. 😵💫🫠
The only ferns I have that seem successful are the ones inside of closed terrariums. Is the only option for this guy a humidifier? I’ve moved him to the bathroom where it’s a little more humid, but I’m not sure that’s doing much.
#FernFriends #BlueStarFern #fernfrustrations #helpneeded
The only ferns I have that seem successful are the ones inside of closed terrariums. Is the only option for this guy a humidifier? I’ve moved him to the bathroom where it’s a little more humid, but I’m not sure that’s doing much.
#FernFriends #BlueStarFern #fernfrustrations #helpneeded
5ft to light, indirect
4” pot with drainage
Last watered 1 year ago
8
Gorgeous plant even if it's being a grump so far. You could maybe try top dressing with damp moss or a humidity tray? They're cheaper than a humidifier and less maintenance.
I use moss as a top dressing for my blue oil fern and after I also adjusted its soil, it gave me a new leaf. I mist the moss regularly and (try to) never let it dry out.
I use moss as a top dressing for my blue oil fern and after I also adjusted its soil, it gave me a new leaf. I mist the moss regularly and (try to) never let it dry out.
@ballondusoleil I like this idea. I’m pretty sure this guy is in the same nursery pot he came in. I got him at a quality plant shop, so I’m sure he has some nice soil, but a revamp couldn’t hurt. I may give that a try!!
@AloeThereFronds Hi Indigo, you may find this Growing Joy with Plants episode interesting, at least to know you are not the only one who struggles with ferns
https://growingjoywithmaria.com/ferncare/
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4nfddyqGlzqXcDqpREchFH?si=RrERVXV6TAWBuko4nyerLg
https://growingjoywithmaria.com/ferncare/
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4nfddyqGlzqXcDqpREchFH?si=RrERVXV6TAWBuko4nyerLg
I took have awful trouble with ferns! But it's not humidity that's the problem in my flat... I "rescued" a Kangaroo Paw, who was THE most rootbound plant I've ever seen and (I didn't know this at the time) had root rot... I don't know about yours, but KPFs have super strong web of really fine roots (so it's really impossible to tell if any are rotten, unless they come away in your hand!).
For a while he was doing great after a repot, then suddenly I had yellowing and blackening leaves and he's bald again... BUT!... Recent signs of new growth 🥳💚 I had to strip away half of his root mass in the end and DOWNSIZE his pot accordingly... And he seems to be making a comeback, but I'm not counting my chickens yet! Lol 😂
I put mine in a 1:1:1 mix if coir, perlite and moss, so it drains really fast but also retains moisture (since they like to be constantly damp) and I only water him when the top is just dry to the touch. I'll let you know how I get on! 🤦♀️😂
Great idea about top dressing the soil and keeping him moist that way (plus evaporation from the mid will raise the general humidity around his leaves) just be careful not to overwater like I did! Xx
For a while he was doing great after a repot, then suddenly I had yellowing and blackening leaves and he's bald again... BUT!... Recent signs of new growth 🥳💚 I had to strip away half of his root mass in the end and DOWNSIZE his pot accordingly... And he seems to be making a comeback, but I'm not counting my chickens yet! Lol 😂
I put mine in a 1:1:1 mix if coir, perlite and moss, so it drains really fast but also retains moisture (since they like to be constantly damp) and I only water him when the top is just dry to the touch. I'll let you know how I get on! 🤦♀️😂
Great idea about top dressing the soil and keeping him moist that way (plus evaporation from the mid will raise the general humidity around his leaves) just be careful not to overwater like I did! Xx
I don’t think it’s humidity with this one, I think she is just overwatered. The blue star get is an epiphyte and does not actually need much water at all. I have mine sitting on top of of a lava rock, virtually no soil at all. Every day I water the lava while making sure there is some water in the bowl not touching the roots. I’ve done this for a couple years now and he absolutely hogs the bookshelf he is on while growing his way down to the shelf below it as well. She has multiplied several times over. If you want to keep it in the pot, that is fine but use a very well draining soil, treat it sort of like and orchid and he will perk back up! 🌿.
Yellow and blackened leaves are a sign of root rot so definite check those roots for root rot and cut any rotted root off and then dip the bottom of plant and roots in 3 parts water/ 1 part water to kill any leftover bacteria. Before you use that pot again, be sure to sterilize it and scrub it good you can use your peroxide mix again otherwise your problem will come right back. Also sterilize that soil or throw it out and start fresh.
Yellow and blackened leaves are a sign of root rot so definite check those roots for root rot and cut any rotted root off and then dip the bottom of plant and roots in 3 parts water/ 1 part water to kill any leftover bacteria. Before you use that pot again, be sure to sterilize it and scrub it good you can use your peroxide mix again otherwise your problem will come right back. Also sterilize that soil or throw it out and start fresh.