Dealing with some typical Rabbit Foot Fern problems but failing at their treatment? We have the most effective solutions to help you out!
While Rabbit Foot Ferns stand out with their unique appearance that you’d love to flaunt, right at the center of the shelf! However, this beauty is a bit finicky about its care, so its good to stay informed about the most common Rabbit Foot Fern problems and their solutions to keep your green thumb ready and polished!
Common Rabbit Foot Fern Problems And Their Solutions
1. Limp Fronds
You may notice the fronds sagging and lacking their typical upright stance, particularly at their base, where they meet the rhizomes.
This condition is generally caused by overwatering. Although these ferns thrive in moist environments, too much water can lead to soggy soil, suffocating the roots and preventing them from absorbing necessary nutrients and water.
How To Fix?
To remedy this, place your plant in a location with mild sunlight to encourage the top inch of soil to dry out thoroughly. And, water only after the topsoil has dried, and always ensure that any excess water can drain freely from the pot.
This helps to simulate a more natural drying process akin to the plant’s native environment.
2. Brown Tips and Fronds
Native to the tropical forests of Fiji, this fern loves a humid atmosphere. So, when the air gets dry, the delicate fronds lose moisture, leading to brown fronds and crispy edges that spread inwards over time. Unlike those caused by extreme sunlight that occurs on the exposed portions, this browning tends to be more uniform across the entire frond.
How To Fix?
Group the humidity-loving plants together for a mini-environment of higher humidity thanks to the collective release of moisture from the plants. Alternatively, you can set the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water to boost the moisture around the plant through evaporation.
You can also mist the plant with lukewarm water to boost moisture in the air. However, don’t go overboard with this, as too much moisture can cause fungal issues.
3. Black Rhizomes
Some brown discoloration on the rhizomes is normal, but extensive blackening or mushy patches accompanied by a foul smell indicate a sure sign of root rot, which could be a death knell for your fern. This is a sign of fungal disease that thrives in constantly wet conditions and can quickly claim your fern’s life.
How To Fix?
Carefully take your fern out of its pot to get a good look at the rhizomes. Using sterilized pruning shears, trim away any parts that are blackened or mushy. Then, repot the plant in a fresh potting mix that drains well.
Be mindful about your watering habits going forward. To avoid similar issues, keep the soil moist but not soggy.
4. Leaf Discoloration Or Slow Growth
This might happen due to aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites, which are the common hitchhikers on rabbit foot fern. These pests love to munch on the leaves, sucking out the sap and hence weakening your plant. The first signs are stippled yellowing, white patches and unusual leaf holes that later turn to slow or stunted growth.
How To Fix?
Look for unusual clusters on the undersides or new growth and isolate the plant once you spot it. For a mild case, try blasting them off with a strong stream of water.
For tougher situations, go with a neem oil spray. Just mix 2 teaspoons of neem oil and 1 teaspoon of mild liquid soap with a quart of water. Shake well and spray directly onto the affected areas of the plant, covering both the sides of the leaves thoroughly.
It’s best to apply this treatment in the early morning or late evening to avoid the sun burning the leaves. Repeat the application every week for at least a month or until you see improvement.
5. Small Brown Bumps on the Stems
These small, hard, brown bumps are scale insects that also tend to suck out the sap off your plants, leaving them weak and malnourished. This generally manifests as distorted growth, yellow leaves that get brown over time and ultimately die.
How to Fix?
Remove the pests manually either by scraping them off with some pointed object or by wiping them with a Q-tip soaked in rubbing alcohol. However, these pests are stubborn. Even after you clear away all the visible adults, the younger, smaller ones often quickly take their place.
Once you’ve dealt with the visible insects, spray the plant with neem oil solution every few weeks to prevent reinfestation.
