Overwatering
How to tell
Leaves yellow and then drop, and the soil stays wet for days after watering.
The fix
Ease off watering, check drainage, and inspect for rot in the roots if it feels soft.
Lace fern dropping leaves: causes and fixes
Leaf drop on your lace fern has a few possible causes, and on this plant the likeliest is a recent change or shock. Check the list below, and think about what changed in its care or spot recently.
Most likely cause
A recent change or shock. Pick a suitable spot, keep care steady, don’t fertilize, and let it adjust over a couple of weeks. Many plants settle once conditions stop changing.
Other possible causes
Not a match? Compare the signs below to find the one you have.
Underwatering
How to tell
Leaves drop after the soil has been bone dry for a while. Watch for browning lacy foliage first.
The fix
If the soil is bone dry, water thoroughly, then check it more regularly so it doesn’t dry out that far again.
Cold drafts or temperature swings
How to tell
It sits in a draft, near a cold window, or next to a heater, and leaves fall after a cold snap or a sudden temperature swing.
The fix
Move it somewhere with stable, draft-free temperatures.
Too little light
How to tell
It quietly sheds its lower and inner leaves over weeks while new growth stays small and pale. Lace fern wants bright, indirect light.
The fix
Give it a brighter position, out of harsh midday sun.
Prevention
Once it’s in a good spot, leave it there: stability is what stops leaf drop. Keep watering consistent and protect it from cold drafts.
More for your lace fern
All lace fern guides
Keep reading
Related plants
Last reviewed: