How To Save A Sunburnt Royal Fern

Have you ever looked at your once-vibrant royal fern and noticed it looking a bit crispy and sunburnt? It’s a common plight many of us plant lovers face, especially when we get a little too excited about giving our ferns sunlight. But fear not, because there’s hope for your sunburnt beauty!

In this article, we’ll walk through the steps to rescue your sunburnt royal fern. We’ll explore everything from identifying the signs of sunburn to creating the perfect recovery plan. By the end, you’ll feel confident about nursing your fern back to its leafy glory.

Identifying the Signs of a Sunburnt Fern

The first step in saving your royal fern is knowing what a sunburn looks like. You might be wondering, “Can plants really get sunburned?” The short answer is yes! Just like us, plants can suffer when they’re exposed to too much sunlight.

So, what should you look for? Here are some telltale signs:

• Brown or crispy edges: One of the most obvious signs is browning at the edges of the leaves. They can turn crispy, much like a potato chip.
• Faded color: If your fern has lost its vibrant green hue and looks washed out, it might be sunburnt.
• Wilting: Even with adequate watering, sunburn can cause the leaves to wilt and droop.
• Spotting: You might notice white or tan spots on the leaves, which indicate damage from intense sunlight.

If you spot these signs, it’s time to take action. But don’t worry—you’re not the first plant parent to face this, and you certainly won’t be the last!

Understanding Why Sunburn Occurs

Now that you’ve identified the issue, let’s chat about why it happens. Understanding the cause is crucial to preventing future sunburns.

Royal ferns, like many houseplants, thrive in indirect light. They are native to shaded forest floors where they receive dappled sunlight, not the harsh rays of direct sun. When they get too much sun, the plant’s cells can become damaged, leading to those crispy edges we talked about earlier.

Here are some common reasons your fern might have gotten too much sun:

• Placement: If your fern is placed too close to a window that receives direct sunlight, it’s likely to suffer.
• Seasonal changes: Sometimes, as the seasons change, the sun’s path does too, leading to unexpected increases in sunlight.
• Moving outdoors: If you’ve moved your fern outside for a summer vacation, it might be getting more sun than it can handle.

Once you understand the cause, you’re in a better position to modify your fern’s environment and prevent future issues.

Immediate Steps to Take

So, your fern has a sunburn. What now? It’s time to give it some tender loving care. Here are the immediate steps you should take to start the healing process:

Move It to a Shaded Spot

First things first, relocate your fern to a spot with indirect light. This could be a room that gets filtered light through curtains or a spot a few feet away from a sunny window. The goal is to keep it out of direct sunlight while still providing enough light to thrive.

Check and Adjust Watering

Sunburnt plants often need a little more hydration, but be careful not to overdo it. Royal ferns prefer moist soil, so give it a good drink if the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure you’re not drowning the roots, as this can cause further issues like root rot.

Prune Damaged Leaves

It might be tough to part with those crispy leaves, but pruning them helps the plant focus its energy on new growth. Use clean, sharp scissors to snip off the damaged parts, cutting back to a healthy section of the leaf.

With these initial steps, you’re setting the stage for recovery. It’s like giving your fern a spa day after a long week in the sun!

Creating the Perfect Recovery Environment

While your fern is on the mend, it’s essential to create an environment that supports its recovery. This means thinking about more than just light and water.

Humidity is Key

Royal ferns love humidity, so increasing the humidity around your plant can work wonders. Here are a few ways to do that:

• Mist regularly: A daily misting can help boost the humidity around the plant.
• Use a pebble tray: Place your fern’s pot on a tray filled with water and pebbles. As the water evaporates, it adds moisture to the air.
• Invest in a humidifier: If you have several humidity-loving plants, a humidifier can be a great investment for your plant family.

Temperature Control

Avoid placing your fern near heating vents or air conditioners. Extreme temperatures can stress the plant even more. Aim for a consistent temperature range that’s comfortable for you and your fern.

Soil and Potting

Ensure your fern is in the right soil. A well-draining potting mix designed for ferns is ideal. If you suspect your current soil isn’t up to par, consider repotting your fern into fresh soil.

Creating a nurturing environment will help your royal fern bounce back and can even prevent future sunburns from occurring.

Monitoring Progress and Making Adjustments

As your royal fern begins to recover, it’s important to keep an eye on its progress. This way, you can make any necessary adjustments to your care routine.

Monitor for new growth. This is a positive indicator that your fern is on its way to recovery. Be patient, though—new growth can take a few weeks to appear.

Check for pests. Sometimes, a weakened plant can become a target for pests like spider mites or aphids. Regularly inspect your fern’s leaves and stems for any unwelcome visitors.

Adjust light as needed. After your fern has had some time to recover, gradually reintroduce it to more light if necessary. Just make sure the light is indirect to avoid another sunburn episode.

By staying vigilant and responsive to your plant’s needs, you can ensure a full recovery and a happy, healthy fern.

Preventing Future Sunburns

The best cure is prevention, so let’s talk about how you can prevent your royal fern from getting sunburned in the future.

Smart Placement

Be strategic about where you place your fern. A spot that receives bright, indirect light is ideal. If you’re unsure about the light levels in different areas of your home, consider using a light meter to check.

Rotate Regularly

Rotating your fern every few weeks can help ensure all sides receive equal lighting, which prevents leaning and uneven growth.

Seasonal Adjustments

As the seasons change, so do the sun’s patterns. Be mindful of these changes and adjust your fern’s location as needed to keep it out of direct sunlight.

By being proactive and paying attention to your fern’s environment, you can prevent future sunburns and keep your plant looking its best.

Understanding Your Fern’s Needs

Every plant has its quirks, and royal ferns are no different. Understanding your fern’s specific needs can make a world of difference in its care.

Royal ferns prefer:

• Moist but well-drained soil: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.
• Humidity: As mentioned, humidity is crucial for these ferns.
• Cooler temperatures: They thrive in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F.

These ferns might not be as forgiving as some other houseplants, but once you get a handle on their needs, they can be a rewarding addition to your home.

Using Companion Plants

Companion planting isn’t just for the garden—it can be beneficial indoors too! Pairing your royal fern with other humidity-loving plants can create a microenvironment that benefits all your plants.

Consider adding plants like:

• Spider plants: These are easy to care for and thrive in similar conditions.
• Peace lilies: They enjoy the same humidity levels and can add a touch of elegance.
• Boston ferns: These are another fern variety that loves humidity and can complement your royal fern beautifully.

Grouping plants together can also help maintain higher humidity levels, creating a more stable environment for your fern to recover and flourish.

When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a plant just doesn’t seem to bounce back. If you’ve tried everything and your fern still looks sad, it might be time to seek some professional advice.

Consulting with a local plant expert or a reputable nursery can provide you with insights specific to your plant’s condition. They might notice something you’ve missed or suggest a treatment you hadn’t considered.

Remember, asking for help is not a sign of failure—it's just another step in learning to be a better plant parent.

Final Thoughts

Rescuing a sunburnt royal fern is about understanding its needs and providing the right care. From adjusting its light exposure to boosting humidity, every step you take helps bring your fern back to health.

At Cafe Planta, we’re here to support you on your plant journey. Whether you're looking for new plants, plant care accessories, or just some friendly advice, don’t hesitate to email us or reach out on Instagram. We believe plants have a unique ability to bring joy and connect us with nature. Let’s grow together!