Troubleshooting
Resurrection Fern problems — and how to fix them
Resurrection Fern (Polypodium polypodioides) 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.
Frond curling and browning
Normal desiccation response — the plant is not dead. Simply water or mist thoroughly and fronds will unfurl within hours.
Root rot when overwatered in substrate
Avoid waterlogged conditions. The rhizomes rot if kept continuously wet. Allow slight drying between waterings.
Scale insects
Can colonise the creeping rhizomes. Remove manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or treat with neem oil.
Failure to attach to mount
Tie the rhizomes to the mount with soft twine or string initially; once roots grip the surface the ties can be removed.
Prevent resurrection fern problems before they start
Most resurrection fern issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Resurrection Fern problems — FAQ
Why is my resurrection fern frond curling and browning?
Normal desiccation response — the plant is not dead. Simply water or mist thoroughly and fronds will unfurl within hours.
Why is my resurrection fern root rot when overwatered in substrate?
Avoid waterlogged conditions. The rhizomes rot if kept continuously wet. Allow slight drying between waterings.
Why is my resurrection fern scale insects?
Can colonise the creeping rhizomes. Remove manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or treat with neem oil.
Why is my resurrection fern failure to attach to mount?
Tie the rhizomes to the mount with soft twine or string initially; once roots grip the surface the ties can be removed.