When it comes to diseases and pests, ferns can 'rival' many other plants. Normally they are extremely healthy and not very attractive to fungi, pests and the like. But there are exceptions…

Diseased fern fronds should always be removed immediately

Most ferns are disease resistant

Usually, ferns are not afflicted by disease. In the rarest of cases, fungal diseases appear. These are usually caused by care errors, in particular incorrect watering or a location that is too damp and boggy.

Root rot in particular occurs quickly if a fern is watered too generously and frequently and the drainage may not be right. In such a case, the fern cannot be helped. Better prevent it by ensuring good drainage and only watering again when the top layer of soil has dried.

Pests that attack indoor ferns in particular

If the site conditions do not meet the fern's requirements, the plant will be weakened and pests will have an easy time of it. While pests such as snails prefer to stay away from ferns in the wild, indoor pests like to infest a fern. The following pests can make life difficult for him:

  • spider mites
  • fungus gnats
  • scale insects
  • leaflets

Fight the pests

Since you don't eat the fern, you can radically fight the pests with alcohol. Soft soap (€44.90) also helps if you apply it to the fronds with a hand sprayer. A combination of soft soap and alcohol is best. The fungus gnats are drawn to their doom with yellow boards.

Remove diseased fronds and adjust care

In many cases, the fern can still be saved. A brown frond or two does not mean its end. Now is the time to act:

  • cut off the diseased fronds
  • Check the drainage and repot/transplant if necessary
  • If necessary, choose a new location: bright, semi-shady to shady, high humidity
  • fertilize lightly if necessary

tips and tricks

Many newcomers mistake the spores on the underside of the fronds for fungi or a dangerous disease. But they are completely normal and not an indication of care mistakes, but that the fern reproduces.

Category:

Vegetable garden