Troubleshooting
Painted Fern 'Burgundy Lace' problems — and how to fix them
Painted Fern 'Burgundy Lace' (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Burgundy Lace') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Browning, crisped frond edges
From dry soil or low humidity. Maintain even soil moisture, raise humidity indoors, and shelter from hot sun and drying wind.
Loss of burgundy colour
Too much direct sun fades the red; too little light mutes it. Bright dappled shade brings out the strongest wine tones, especially on new fronds.
Winter die-back
Normal for a deciduous fern. Fronds die down in autumn; cut them off, keep the crown lightly moist, and it returns in spring.
Slugs on emerging fronds
Tender spring crosiers are prone to grazing. Use barriers or wildlife-safe slug deterrents around the crown.
Prevent painted fern 'burgundy lace' problems before they start
Most painted fern 'burgundy lace' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for painted fern 'burgundy lace' in general rather than its problems? Read the full painted fern 'burgundy lace' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Painted Fern 'Burgundy Lace' problems — FAQ
Why is my painted fern 'burgundy lace' browning, crisped frond edges?
From dry soil or low humidity. Maintain even soil moisture, raise humidity indoors, and shelter from hot sun and drying wind.
Why is my painted fern 'burgundy lace' loss of burgundy colour?
Too much direct sun fades the red; too little light mutes it. Bright dappled shade brings out the strongest wine tones, especially on new fronds.
Why is my painted fern 'burgundy lace' winter die-back?
Normal for a deciduous fern. Fronds die down in autumn; cut them off, keep the crown lightly moist, and it returns in spring.
Why is my painted fern 'burgundy lace' slugs on emerging fronds?
Tender spring crosiers are prone to grazing. Use barriers or wildlife-safe slug deterrents around the crown.