Troubleshooting
Peacock fern problems — and how to fix them
Peacock fern (Selaginella uncinata) 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.
Brown, crispy frond tips and edges
Low humidity or chlorine/minerals in tap water — raise humidity and switch to filtered or rainwater.
Browning, shrivelled fronds throughout
The substrate dried out; this plant has no drought tolerance and may not recover from a full dry-out.
Faded, washed-out colour with no blue shimmer
Too much light or direct sun bleaching the foliage — move it to deeper shade.
Leggy, sparse, thinning growth
Light too dim even for a shade plant, or humidity too low to support dense growth.
Chewed or ragged foliage outdoors
Slugs and snails are the main pests when it is grown as ground cover outside.
Scorched or burnt-looking new growth after feeding
Over-fertilising — dilute feed heavily and only apply in the growing season.
Prevent peacock fern problems before they start
Most peacock fern issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Peacock fern problems — FAQ
Why is my peacock fern brown, crispy frond tips and edges?
Low humidity or chlorine/minerals in tap water — raise humidity and switch to filtered or rainwater.
Why is my peacock fern browning, shrivelled fronds throughout?
The substrate dried out; this plant has no drought tolerance and may not recover from a full dry-out.
Why is my peacock fern faded, washed-out colour with no blue shimmer?
Too much light or direct sun bleaching the foliage — move it to deeper shade.
Why is my peacock fern leggy, sparse, thinning growth?
Light too dim even for a shade plant, or humidity too low to support dense growth.
Why is my peacock fern chewed or ragged foliage outdoors?
Slugs and snails are the main pests when it is grown as ground cover outside.
Why is my peacock fern scorched or burnt-looking new growth after feeding?
Over-fertilising — dilute feed heavily and only apply in the growing season.