Diseases of potted fernsvery quickly lead to the death of the entire plant. Ferns most often suffer from physiological diseases as a consequence of inadequate care of these plants. Sometimes they are also attacked by fungal diseases orfern pestsSee how to recognize diseases and pests of potted ferns and how to help ailing plants. Here are theproven ways to get he althy fernsin your home!
Diseases of potted ferns. The fern wilt, turns brown, has spots on the leaves
Physiological diseases of potted ferns
Ferns most often suffer from physiological diseases as a consequence of improper care of these plants. Knowing the requirements for growing ferns allows to limit the occurrence of these diseases.
Die-off of the edges and tops of fern leaves
Ifon the edges and tips of the fern leaves the tissue starts to turn brown and die , it is a symptom of physiological disorders resulting from poor care. The cause of these symptoms may bewatering the ferns too much , which leads to rotting of the roots. Although ferns like to grow in constantly moist soil, they should not stand in water. In order to avoid rotting the roots, it is necessary to carefully study the water requirements of individual species. We should also remember that not all ferns require frequent watering. Watering a dark pot (Pellaea) should be watered more sparingly.
Another reason fordying of potted fern leavesis too low air humidity.The fern leaves should be regularly sprinkled with soft water. Rainwater is best for this purpose. The pot with ferns can also be placed in a larger casing filled with moist peat, or placed on a stand filled with stones and water. The water evaporating from the base will moisten the air around the fern.
Die-off edges of fern leaves , especially in feathery species such as nephrolepis (Nephrolepis) and adiantum (Adiantum), is often the result of foliar polishes.Ferns are very sensitive to all chemicals , therefore, when caring for ferns, avoid them and do not use leaf polish.
Fortunately, ferns have a high regenerative capacity.Remove the sick fern leaves at the very base . Then you should eliminate all errors during care and let the plant recover.
Fungal diseases of potted ferns
Ferns can also be infested with fungi of the genera Alternaria, Colletotrichum and Phyllosticta, causingfern leaf spot .
Thisdisease of potted fernmanifests itself on single leaves in the form of round or oval gray-brown spots. The spots turn brown over time and are surrounded by a border.Sick leaves die completely or only partiallyThe development of the disease is favored by excessive and frequent irrigation, combined with high air humidity.
Sick fern leaves should be removedand destroyed, and the plant sprayed with Biosep Active or Bioczos (5 ml of the agent is dissolved in 250 ml of water). Avoid over-watering the ferns. A properly hydrated substrate, when pressed with a finger, should not give up water. Gently dry the poured substrate. You should also remember about good ventilation of the plants.
Pests of potted ferns
1. Shields (Diaspididae)
Potted ferns are sometimes attacked by scale insectsThese are small insects (up to 5 mm), the body of which is hidden under a hard, domed brown, shiny shield. They attack ferns in conditions of low humidity and high air temperature (above 23 ° C). They feed on the underside of fern leaves, sucking the juices out of them. Clustered on the underside of the leaves,are often mistaken for sporesAs a result of their feeding,fern leaves become covered with yellow spots, then all turn yellow and die The surface of the leaves is covered with a sticky substance, i.e. honey dew (honeydew), which is excreted by scales.
Pests of potted ferns. On the left, spores for the fern to reproduce (he althy symptom). On the right - attack of pest scales
Fighting scales on fernsby wiping the lower surface of the leaves with a cotton pad soaked in water with gray soap or denatured alcohol.Gently strip the leaves, collecting the scales. To avoid their reappearance, we increase the air humidity in the room where we grow ferns. If the insect infestation is very high, we additionally spray the plants with Emulpar Spray, which is sold as a ready-to-use agent - in a convenient container with a sprayer.
2. Springtails (Collembola)
Springtails arewhitish, small insects (0.2-10 mm), inhabiting moist soil in potsThey got their name thanks to the characteristic jumping organs that allow them to move around. Springtails prefer moist soil, thereforeconditions in fern pots are ideal for themThey do not pose a great threat to ferns, as they feed on dying matter (plant debris). Sometimes, however, when their numbers are very large, they may nibble at the roots and lower parts of fern leaves. This may result inweakened fern growth
Fighting the springtailsis simple. Often it is enough to transplant the plant into fresh soil or to gently dry the substrate so that they disappear on their own. To prevent their development, you can put the Provado Care fertilizer and insecticide sticks into the soil (1 stick per 1 liter of substrate). Springtails usually enter our homes with the purchased substrate for plants.
All listedpreparations for fern diseases and pestscan be ordered in our store. To go to the store, press the button below.
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MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
