Troubleshooting
Squirrel's Paw Fern problems — and how to fix them
Squirrel's Paw Fern (Davallia bullata) 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 tip browning
Most commonly caused by low humidity or fluoride sensitivity in tap water. Switch to rainwater or filtered water, raise humidity with a pebble tray, and keep away from draughts and heating vents. Trim brown tips with clean scissors if aesthetics are important.
Rhizome rot from overwatering
Soft, dark, mushy rhizomes result from constantly wet conditions. Allow the medium to partially dry between waterings and ensure the container drains freely. Remove rotted rhizome sections and avoid replanting in heavy, moisture-retentive compost.
Mealybugs
White, cottony clusters in the crevices where fronds meet rhizomes. Wipe off with a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol, then apply neem oil spray or insecticidal soap. Repeat applications every 7 days for at least a month to break the life cycle.
Prevent squirrel's paw fern problems before they start
Most squirrel's paw fern issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for squirrel's paw fern in general rather than its problems? Read the full squirrel's paw fern care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Squirrel's Paw Fern problems — FAQ
Why is my squirrel's paw fern frond tip browning?
Most commonly caused by low humidity or fluoride sensitivity in tap water. Switch to rainwater or filtered water, raise humidity with a pebble tray, and keep away from draughts and heating vents. Trim brown tips with clean scissors if aesthetics are important.
Why is my squirrel's paw fern rhizome rot from overwatering?
Soft, dark, mushy rhizomes result from constantly wet conditions. Allow the medium to partially dry between waterings and ensure the container drains freely. Remove rotted rhizome sections and avoid replanting in heavy, moisture-retentive compost.
Why is my squirrel's paw fern mealybugs?
White, cottony clusters in the crevices where fronds meet rhizomes. Wipe off with a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol, then apply neem oil spray or insecticidal soap. Repeat applications every 7 days for at least a month to break the life cycle.