What kind of first aid can you give for your ferns plants
Unlike other plants ferns are generally less infested with pests. They are very resistant plants, but their natural resistance can be compromised by mistakes in caring. Ferns require particular conditions for them to grow and placing them in unfavourable positions spells disaster!
Withering fronds
Withering fronds are mainly caused by either little or too much irrigation. Fronds that are faded reveal that the fern is not getting adequate water supplies. When this happens you must irrigate the fern promptly. However do not over irrigate because water logging also results in the fern wilting. The compost pores should not be filled with water all the time because there will be no space for oxygen to penetrate to the roots. Without oxygen the fern will not be able to absorb nutrients and water.
Dried up fronds
This happens when the rootstock of the fern has completely dried out. This condition can easily be treated by immersing the plant in a bath of water.
Pale green leaves
Some ferns do not wither; they just lose their fresh green colour and turn pale green. The feathery divisions then fall off. Pale green leaves are caused by placing the fern in a position that is too dark and too cold. You can protect your fern from this condition by ensuring that the fern receives enough warmth and light.
Brown veins
Brown veins that look like little lines on the maidenhair fern occur when the fern is placed in a humid position that is too cold. Move the fern into a much warmer position and the brown veins will soon disappear.
Brown leaf edges
The fern will be in a less humid position. Asplenium gets brown leaf edges when its placed in a cool position. Make sure that the fern receives warmth in adequate amounts.
Dark brown, decaying parts of the leaves
They occur when the fern is left wet after misting. To prevent this from happening spray mist the fern in the morning to allow it to dry before sun set.
Fungi and Bacteria
Like all other plants, ferns are also prone to fungal infections. Grey mould is very common and it covers the sown spores with a grayish white fur. Grey mould results in the prothalli decaying and subsequent death of the young plant. A fungus does not normally infect the older ferns. Grey mould usually develops were the young plants are too close (in this case prinking is necessary) or when the plants are not properly ventilated.
Other fungal infections cause reddish-brown patches or growths on the leaves. Some cause glassy spots which appear on the upper sections of the fronds. Fronds that are infected with fungi should be promptly removed before the infection spreads to other section.