Inconsistent or under-watering
How to tell
The soil dries out hard between waterings, so the tips (the last to get water) crisp first.
The fix
Water more evenly: check the soil regularly and don’t let it go completely bone dry, then soak thoroughly.
Brown leaf tips on lace fern: causes and fixes
Quick answer
Brown, crispy tips on your lace fern have a few possible causes, and on this plant the likeliest is dry air. The full list is below.
Most likely cause
Dry air (low humidity). Raise humidity: group plants together, sit the pot on a tray of damp pebbles, or run a humidifier. Misting helps only briefly.
Other possible causes
Not a match? Compare the signs below to find the one you have.
Hard-water minerals and accumulated salts
How to tell
Tips brown slowly over months despite even watering, and a white crust builds up on the soil surface or the pot rim. Hard water or fertilizer salts can leave this crust. It does not identify fluoride injury.
The fix
Switch to rainwater or distilled water, and flush the pot occasionally to wash out built-up salts.
Fertilizer burn
How to tell
Tips brown within a week or two of feeding, sometimes with a white crust on the soil surface or the pot rim. It follows feeding too often or too strong.
The fix
Flush thoroughly with plain water and feed less often, always diluted.
Too much direct sun
How to tell
Dry brown patches or scorched edges show up where strong sun hits the leaf. Lace fern wants bright, indirect light.
The fix
Move it back from the glass, or filter the strongest sun with a sheer curtain.
Prevention
Keep humidity up for thirsty tropicals, water before the soil goes bone dry, use rainwater or distilled water if your plant is sensitive, and feed lightly.
More for your lace fern
All lace fern guides
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