Troubleshooting
Woodwardia unigemmata problems — and how to fix them
Woodwardia unigemmata (Woodwardia unigemmata) 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 scorch
Too much direct sun or low humidity browns frond tips and dulls the red new growth. Move to deeper shade and raise humidity.
Crown rot
Waterlogged or poorly drained soil rots the crown. Plant in free-draining humus and never let it sit in standing water.
Frost damage to new growth
Late frosts can blacken emerging fronds. Site in a sheltered spot and mulch the crown over winter in colder zones.
Vine weevil
Larvae can chew roots of container-grown plants. Check the rootball and treat with biological nematodes if plants wilt unexpectedly.
Prevent woodwardia unigemmata problems before they start
Most woodwardia unigemmata issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for woodwardia unigemmata in general rather than its problems? Read the full woodwardia unigemmata care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Woodwardia unigemmata problems — FAQ
Why is my woodwardia unigemmata frond scorch?
Too much direct sun or low humidity browns frond tips and dulls the red new growth. Move to deeper shade and raise humidity.
Why is my woodwardia unigemmata crown rot?
Waterlogged or poorly drained soil rots the crown. Plant in free-draining humus and never let it sit in standing water.
Why is my woodwardia unigemmata frost damage to new growth?
Late frosts can blacken emerging fronds. Site in a sheltered spot and mulch the crown over winter in colder zones.
Why is my woodwardia unigemmata vine weevil?
Larvae can chew roots of container-grown plants. Check the rootball and treat with biological nematodes if plants wilt unexpectedly.