Plant guide:ðŸŒŋ Fern
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Rhizome Rot in Ferns

Commonly affects: Various ferns (Polypodiopsida)

The central rhizome (the thick, often visible stem-like structure from which fronds emerge) turns soft and dark, and fronds may wilt or die back as a result.

Potential Causes

  1. 1Overwatering combined with the rhizome sitting too deep or constantly wet
  2. 2Poor drainage keeping the rhizome saturated for extended periods
  3. 3Planting the rhizome too deep in the soil rather than at or near the surface, as many ferns prefer

Solution Steps

  1. 1Remove the plant from its pot and cut away any soft, rotten rhizome tissue with a sterilised blade
  2. 2Replant with the rhizome positioned at or just above the soil surface rather than buried deep
  3. 3Repot into fresh, well-draining mix
  4. 4Reduce watering frequency and improve drainage going forward

Prevention Tip

Many ferns naturally grow with their rhizome at or near the soil surface — burying it too deep is a common cause of rhizome rot.

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