Troubleshooting
Hare's Foot Fern problems — and how to fix them
Hare's Foot Fern (Phlebodium pseudoaureum) 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.
Rotting rhizomes
Caused by burying the furry rhizomes or keeping the mix soggy. Plant shallow with the rhizomes on the surface and let the top dry between waterings.
Browning frond edges
Low humidity or mineral build-up. Raise humidity and water with rain or filtered water; this fern dislikes salts.
Loss of blue colour
Too little light greens out the silvery-blue fronds and stretches growth. Move to brighter indirect light.
Scale and mealybugs
Hide on rhizomes and frond undersides. Inspect regularly and treat with horticultural soap or oil.
Prevent hare's foot fern problems before they start
Most hare's foot fern issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common hare's foot fern problems — our other guide for the same plant
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Hare's Foot Fern watering schedule
- Hare's Foot Fern light requirements
- Best soil mix for hare's foot fern
- Hare's Foot Fern temperature & humidity
- Full hare's foot fern care guide
Looking for hare's foot fern in general rather than its problems? Read the full hare's foot fern care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Hare's Foot Fern problems — FAQ
Why is my hare's foot fern rotting rhizomes?
Caused by burying the furry rhizomes or keeping the mix soggy. Plant shallow with the rhizomes on the surface and let the top dry between waterings.
Why is my hare's foot fern browning frond edges?
Low humidity or mineral build-up. Raise humidity and water with rain or filtered water; this fern dislikes salts.
Why is my hare's foot fern loss of blue colour?
Too little light greens out the silvery-blue fronds and stretches growth. Move to brighter indirect light.
Why is my hare's foot fern scale and mealybugs?
Hide on rhizomes and frond undersides. Inspect regularly and treat with horticultural soap or oil.