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Help! Why Are My Bird's Nest Fern's Leaves Wilting?

The beautiful Bird’s Nest Fern is far from your typical fern variety. Named for the way its foliage grows from its nest-like center, Bird’s Nest Ferns are a hardy and lush indoor fern variety with thick, verdant leaves that unfurl luxuriously. But although its care routine is very simple in comparison to most ferns, it does require a specific watering regimen. Diverting from this is the most common cause of curling leaves in Bird’s Nest Ferns. Don’t fret! Just read on to learn how to correct your Bird’s Nest Fern’s curling leaves.

Overwatering

Like most ferns, Bird’s Nest Ferns prefer for their soil to be consistently moist, but not drenched. If you suspect that you’ve provided your fern with too much water, you’ll need to allow its soil to dry out: not entirely, but to reach an even and consistent level of moisture, before watering again.

Incorrect Watering

It is paramount that you never water the Bird’s Nest Fern’s center. Always water around the outermost edges of your Bird’s Nest Fern, which will allow the water to be pulled in by the plant in all the right places. Watering directly in the center of the “nest” can result in a bogged-down, waterlogged fern which may ultimately require repotting to rectify.

Repot When Needed

If your Bird’s Nest Fern has become severely waterlogged, it is at risk of root rot, which can ultimately result in the plant losing all viability. Don’t be afraid to repot in instances like these. Simply plan on getting a little dirty. Move outside or spread newspaper on the floor, then remove the fern from its plastic nursery pot and shake off as much of the old soil as you can, so that you can see the roots. Roots that are severely rotted can be trimmed off with clean, sharp scissors. Then, place the plant in the center of the pot, add new soil (avoid replacing more than 1/3 of the overall soil at one time) and pat the soil down firmly. Water the soil thoroughly until moist, not drenched, and place the plant in an area with bright indirect light. Your plant will take 2-4 weeks to settle from the shock and adjust, but it should mitigate the issue of further root rot developing.


Bird’s Nest Fern

Verdant, resilient and deeply hued, this indoor fern variety boasts lush foliage, which grows in wavy fronds from the plant’s center, resembling a bird’s nest. The Bird’s Nest Fern prefers medium to bright light, consistent moisture and steady humidity.

Help! Why Are My Bird's Nest Fern's Leaves Yellow and Pale?

The Bird’s Nest Fern is the champion of the indoor ferns. Both low-maintenance and vibrant, its unique foliage sets it apart, and it’s far and away the easiest indoor ornamental fern to care for. Named for the way its quill-like leaves grow from a nest-like center, the Bird’s Nest Fern is a lush choice for tabletops and they make gorgeous centerpieces. But although it is low-maintenance, it is somewhat sensitive to light, which can result in pale and/or yellowing leaves. Not to worry! Read on to learn our simple steps on how to correct leaf discoloration and keep your Bird’s Nest Fern healthy and happy.

Pale Leaves: Too Much Light

Bird’s Nest Ferns have a preference for medium, indirect light. Too much bright light is simply too different from the light that they receive in their native, tropical environments, which are both moist and filtered by the canopies of other plants inhabiting the same biome. If your Bird’s Nest Fern is in a spot where it receives direct natural light, it will need to be moved to a space that receives diffuse, medium light. Similarly, if it is in a spot that receives bright light from artificial appliances, it will likely need to be moved to a space with light that is more gentle and less direct.

Yellow Leaves: Overwatering

Yellow leaves are one of Mother Nature’s most common signs of overwatering. This symptom can be seen consistently across many plant families, and the Bird’s Nest Fern is no exception. If its leaves are yellow, sagging, and have the appearance of holding a lot of moisture within them, the fern is likely overwatered. Remember that your Bird’s Nest Fern needs its soil to be kept consistently moist, not drenched. And never water directly within the center of the plant’s nest- always water along the outer edges of the plant’s soil. A watering can with a narrow spout can assist you with this.

If you’re concerned that your fern has been severely overwatered, lift it out of its ceramic pot (still within its plastic nursery pot) and check the ceramic for any signs of standing water. If water has pooled within it, dump it out. Allow the plant’s soil to dry to a consistently moist state before returning the fern to its ceramic pot, then resume your watering schedule: always aiming for consistent moisture, not soaking.

Further Support

If you follow the steps above and the condition of your Bird’s Nest Fern’s does not improve, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Plant Doctor Service. Just log into your Leon and George account and select “Contact Plant Doctor” from the menu. Then, upload photos of your plant as a whole, as well as close-ups of any areas exhibiting a pale or yellow tone, and provide details on the water your fern receives (both how much, and how often) as well as a description of its lighting environment. The Plant Doctor team will get back to you within 1-2 business days with an assessment, and guidance on how to get your fern back on track.


Bird’s Nest Fern

A resilient, low-maintenance and beautifully full indoor fern, the Bird’s Nest Fern’s claim to fame is its luscious, quill-like foliage, which grows in ample fronds from the plant’s center, resembling a bird’s nest. Bird’s Nest Ferns require medium light, consistent moisture and steady humidity. Ideal for tabletops and renowned for their use as eye-catching centerpieces.

Help! Why Does My Bird's Nest Fern Have Brown Tips?

We love the Bird’s Nest Fern for its unique foliage and its disposition as an easy-care indoor ornamental fern. Named for its voluminous shape, with feather-like leaves growing from a nest-like center, the Bird’s Nest Fern is a luxurious and vibrant option for indoor spaces of any style. But although it’s quite low-maintenance as far as indoor ferns go, it can still exhibit stress through browning leaf edges. No need to panic! Read our tips on how to correct browning edges on your Bird’s Nest Fern’s leaves, and how to avoid the issue recurring.

Underwatering

Bird’s Nest Ferns desire consistently moist, but not drenched, soil. Underwatering is a common culprit for browning leaf edges, so be sure to water your fern regularly, by using a watering can with a narrow spout and focusing on the soil’s outer edges. Never water directly within the center of the plant’s nest- this can result in the plant becoming waterlogged, and even experiencing root rot.

Environment Too Dry And/Or Cold

You’re likely aware, but like so many indoor plant varieties, the Bird’s Nest Fern is native to a tropical and moist environment. It can be a challenge to recreate this at home, but we do our best! Ensure that your home maintains a stable, consistent temperature. Temperatures below the 60s can cause your fern to become stressed. The same goes for drafts: it’s vital to keep your Bird’s Nest Fern away from appliances that can create drafts, including AC units, heaters, any other vent, or windows or doors that are frequently opened and closed. Support your fern’s moisture by misting up to three times a week.

More Support

If your Bird’s Nest Fern continues to exhibit browning leaf edges despite following the steps above, our Plant Doctor Service is here to help. Simply log into your Leon and George account and select “Contact Plant Doctor”. Upload photos of your plant as a whole, as well as close-ups of the areas experiencing browning, and provide information regarding the water it is receiving (both how much, and how often) as well as a description of its lighting environment. Our Plant Doctors will get back to you within 1-2 business days with their assessment and guidance to get it back on track.


Bird’s Nest Fern

A luxuriously full and resilient indoor fern variety, the Bird’s Nest Fern boasts lush, quill-like foliage, which grows in frills from the plant’s center, resembling a bird’s nest. The Bird’s Nest Fern prefers medium to bright light, consistent moisture and steady humidity. Ideal for tabletops and as centerpieces.

Help! Why Are My Stromanthe Triostar's Leaves Curling?

The Stromanthe Triostar, or Magenta Triostar, is a gorgeous, multi-hued member of the prayer plant family. With colorful leaves that almost seem to be watercolor-painted, the Triostar is a gorgeous plant for tabletops and a popular centerpiece. But due to its prayer plant status, it can also require a bit of extra care. This plant family loves humidity reminiscent of their tropical origins, and their leaves can show stress when they’re not receiving the moisture they need. Read on to learn more about how to combat curling leaves on your Magenta Triostar.

Underwatering

This plant likes its soil to maintain consistent moisture. This can be tricky as the seasons change, and drafts from appliances like heaters and AC units can affect the rate at which your Triostar’s water is used by the plant. Plan on watering your Triostar as soon as its top 1-2 inches of soil begin to feel dry, and in the event that the Triostar’s soil dries out entirely, water your Triostar from the bottom by removing the plant (still in its plastic pot) from its ceramic pot. Place it in a deep dish of water. Your Triostar will pull the water up through its roots and take what it needs- nothing more.

Insufficient Humidity

It’s great to get in a misting routine with any prayer plant, as it helps to mimic their tropical origins. Mist your Triostar 2-3 times a week, and ensure that your plant is not in the direct path of anything that emits gusts of dry air: heaters, AC units, or windows or doors that are frequently opened and closed.

Water Quality

Prayer Plants like the Magenta Triostar are a bit more picky than other plant varieties as it pertains to the quality of water they receive. Some of the minerals found commonly in tap water, like chlorine, fluoride and hard salts, can cause a particularly discerning prayer plant to become stressed. If you’ve tried everything else and your Triostar is still exhibiting curling leaves, consider leaving a bowl of water out overnight. The oxygenation it undergoes will eradicate some of those minerals. You can then pour the water into your watering can, and water as usual.


Magenta Triostar

The definition of a lush and colorful tropical plant, the Magenta Triostar features foliage in shades of deep pink, cream and strawberry, and its quill-shaped foliage creates a full and abundant silhouette. Famed for their popularity as a gorgeous centerpiece for dining and coffee tables.

Why Are My Philodendron's Leaves Curling?
Philodendron Brasil Foliage

Why are my Philodendron’s Leaves Curling?

Philodendrons are such gorgeous accent plants. With their playful heart-shaped and often variegated foliage and tendril-like vines, they have a lush and nostalgic aesthetic that blends well with any space. They’re an easy-care plant variety, which is great! But when they’re in less than optimal health, they can exhibit frustrating curling to their leaves. Read on to learn why, and what you can do about it!

Underwatering

Underwatering is definitely the number one cause of curling and dryness to Philodendron foliage. Be sure to water your plant whenever its topsoil is dry. You can gauge this by lifting off some of your plant’s decorative moss and sticking your finger about two inches down in its soil. If the top two inches of soil are dry, it’s time to water. You will likely find that the soil dries out about every seven to ten days, but this will vary from season to season, so it’s important to check the soil manually.

Lack of Moisture from Atmospheric Dryness

Philodendrons appreciate being misted, especially during the driest months of the year. If you notice curling foliage on your plant, mist it up to three times weekly. You can utilize a watering can that has a mister attachment, like this one here, or buy a mister locally from a nursery or home supply store. Additionally, air conditioners and heaters can both cause spaces to become dry, so be mindful of your plant’s placement in regard to appliances like these. It may need to be moved.

Cold Environment

Philodendrons are also sensitive to cold. There’s not much you can do about the temperature changes brought on by the seasons, but be sure to keep your plant in a space that has a consistent temperature. Move it away from anything that might cause drafts, which can get the plant cold. That means keeping your plant away from frequently opened and closed doors, air conditioners and fans.


Philodendron Brasil - Scandinavian_black.jpg

Philodendron Brasil

A lush and resilient tropical plant, the Philodendron Brasil features heart-shaped leaves, and is a low-maintenance plant variety with a flexible disposition and tolerance for low light and sporadic watering.

Why Are The Tips Of My Snake Plant Turning Brown?
Snake plant brown tips

Why are my the tips of my Snake Plant turning brown?

Snake plants are notoriously resilient plants, however, like all plants they may experience a little discomfort depending on their environment . There are a number of reasons why your Snake plant might be browning. But not to worry, it's very likely that there are no serious issues at play. Take a look below for causes of browning tips, and find a solution that will help your Snake plant achieve greatness!

Inconsistent Watering

If you find that the tips or stalks of your Snake plant are browning, there's a chance that you could be overwatering or underwatering your plant. A simple inspection will let you know which is happening. 

If the Snake plant’s soil is soggy and waterlogged, that means that your Snake is getting too much to drink! Remedy this by waiting for the soil to completely dry out, which can take between ten days and two weeks, then you may water your plant again.

If the Snake plant’s soil is dry, then it could be that your plant is in need of some water. To test the moisture of your plant, you can use a moisture meter, which will help you maintain a healthy and regular watering schedule, which will aid in keeping your Snake’s tips from browning.

Too Much Sunlight

Snake plants may be hardy, but there is a limit to how much sunlight and heat they can handle. Just like you, excessive heat or sun can make your plant uncomfortable or stressed. If your snake plant sits by a window, or simply in a spot that gets a lot of sun, this could be the reason your plant’s tips are browning. If this is the case, you can move your plants to another spot in your house where your plant will get slightly less direct sun. You can monitor it over time to make sure it’s happy and thriving! 

Pests

The possibility of bugs can be an issue for many plants, but don’t panic! There are multiple ways you can treat a pest issue with your Snake plant.

Inspect your Snake plant’s leaves and soil and look for any signs of bugs in either area. They can be small, so be sure to look closely. One common type of pest you may discover is called a mealybug, which will look like little, white cotton spots on the stalks of your Snake. They are considered to be sap suckers, and can slowly dehydrate your plant and steal its nutrients, which can cause browning overtime. Before treating the plant, we suggest removing it from your other surrounding houseplants while it heals, just to ensure the infestation doesn’t spread to other plants in your home.

There are multiple chemical pesticides and insecticides for treating pests, but if you would like a more natural route, you can use Neem oil. Spray it directly on the infestation sites and they will be gone within days, and you can repeat the routine if needed.

When In Doubt, Reach Out

Browning on your Snake plant is most likely not a serious health issue. However, if you are concerned that your Snake plant is showing other signs of distress, our Plant Doctor Service is here to provide guidance. Simply sign in to your Léon & George account, select “Contact Plant Doctor” and get in touch.


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Snake Plant

A popular, air-purifying succulent with a structural shape and an incredibly hardy disposition.