Troubleshooting
Dryopteris ludoviciana problems — and how to fix them
Dryopteris ludoviciana (Dryopteris ludoviciana) 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.
Drying out
As a wet-soil species it browns rapidly if the ground dries. Keep the soil reliably moist to wet and mulch to retain water.
Sun scorch
Direct sun bleaches and crisps the glossy fronds. Provide partial to full shade.
Cold damage in hard winters
Evergreen fronds can brown in unusually cold snaps near its northern limit. Cut back damaged fronds in spring and apply a protective mulch over the crown.
Slug grazing of croziers
Unfurling spring fronds attract slugs and snails. Protect young growth with barriers or wildlife-safe controls.
Prevent dryopteris ludoviciana problems before they start
Most dryopteris ludoviciana issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for dryopteris ludoviciana in general rather than its problems? Read the full dryopteris ludoviciana care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Dryopteris ludoviciana problems — FAQ
Why is my dryopteris ludoviciana drying out?
As a wet-soil species it browns rapidly if the ground dries. Keep the soil reliably moist to wet and mulch to retain water.
Why is my dryopteris ludoviciana sun scorch?
Direct sun bleaches and crisps the glossy fronds. Provide partial to full shade.
Why is my dryopteris ludoviciana cold damage in hard winters?
Evergreen fronds can brown in unusually cold snaps near its northern limit. Cut back damaged fronds in spring and apply a protective mulch over the crown.
Why is my dryopteris ludoviciana slug grazing of croziers?
Unfurling spring fronds attract slugs and snails. Protect young growth with barriers or wildlife-safe controls.