How to help lemon button fern/erect sword fern thrive?
Hey yall! I’m super new to plants, and I got this lemon button fern back in May. It’s my first ever houseplant that I’ve managed to keep alive for so long, and I’d like to keep it that way as best I can, lol. He’s been growing, but slowly. The best way I could describe it is surviving but not thriving. I have a humidifier nearby and I keep him in a north facing window. I notice the fronds lose leaves the closer they get to the soil. If any of yall have any tips to get him in better shape, I’d really appreciate it! ^_^ #NewPlantMom #PlantTherapy #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddict
6” pot with drainage
Last watered 9 months ago
3
@stortsy Ally First off, congrats on keeping a fern alive this long you’ve already unlocked a secret plant mom level most of us rage quit on Lemon button ferns basically want to live like they’re at an all inclusive spa most of the time that’s exactly what my grandma tells me….. Humidity = VIP lounge access. You’ve got the humidifier, which is great, but think Korean spa vibes they want mist, warmth, and steam like they’re gossiping in a sauna.
Soil check = seat upgrade. Ferns don’t like sitting in soggy swamp water, but they also don’t want desert vibes. Use a chunky, moisture retentive mix (orchid bark + peat + perlite) so their roots feel like they’re in a memory foam mattress, not a bean bag of mud.Light = front row concert tickets, not backstage sunburn. A north facing window is good, but you might want to scoot him closer to brighter indirect light. Think Beyoncé spotlight glow, not forgot to reapply sunscreen in Miami…Frond drop = passive aggressive notes. Those lower leaves dying? He’s basically saying, Excuse me?? Conditions are mid at best. Fresh growth on top = hope. Trim the crispy bits it’s like giving him a haircut before picture day….Bonus trick = buddy system. Ferns grow better when surrounded by other plants it’s like when you bring your shy friend to a party and suddenly they’re the life of the dance floor….So yeah your fern is alive and honestly handsome but lowkey sending you Yelp reviews about his care. Little tweaks and he’ll go from hanging on to taking selfies in the rainforest… you got this!!
Soil check = seat upgrade. Ferns don’t like sitting in soggy swamp water, but they also don’t want desert vibes. Use a chunky, moisture retentive mix (orchid bark + peat + perlite) so their roots feel like they’re in a memory foam mattress, not a bean bag of mud.Light = front row concert tickets, not backstage sunburn. A north facing window is good, but you might want to scoot him closer to brighter indirect light. Think Beyoncé spotlight glow, not forgot to reapply sunscreen in Miami…Frond drop = passive aggressive notes. Those lower leaves dying? He’s basically saying, Excuse me?? Conditions are mid at best. Fresh growth on top = hope. Trim the crispy bits it’s like giving him a haircut before picture day….Bonus trick = buddy system. Ferns grow better when surrounded by other plants it’s like when you bring your shy friend to a party and suddenly they’re the life of the dance floor….So yeah your fern is alive and honestly handsome but lowkey sending you Yelp reviews about his care. Little tweaks and he’ll go from hanging on to taking selfies in the rainforest… you got this!!
@JungleDreamer Thank you so much! I had a feeling he needed a bit more light, and probably a plastic pot and some different soil. Trimming is also a great idea :> Thanks again! I have a tendency to overwater, so I think that’s why ferns seem to work for me even though they’re difficult lol.
@stortsy Ally brighter light and a breathable pot/soil mix will be like moving him into a penthouse with better air circulation. Trimming those crispy bits is basically giving him a glow up haircut. And don’t worry, ferns secretly love people who overwater it’s like bottomless mimosas at brunch for them. You’ve got the perfect setup brewing!