cold damage on Boston Fern
Quick answer
If your Boston Fern has cold damage, the most likely cause is: Boston ferns are tropical plants that cannot tolerate temperatures below 50�F (10�C). Cold damage occurs during winter shipping, exposure to drafts, or sudden temperature drops. Frost and freezing temperatures cause cellular damage to fronds, resulting in browning, wilting, and tissue death. The plant may appear to decline rapidly after cold exposure.
Start here:
- 1. Move plant immediately to a warm location (65-75�F) away from drafts and cold windows
- 2. Trim all damaged, brown, or crispy fronds at the base with clean scissors
Why Boston Fern gets cold damage
Nephrolepis exaltata
Boston ferns are tropical plants that cannot tolerate temperatures below 50�F (10�C). Cold damage occurs during winter shipping, exposure to drafts, or sudden temperature drops. Frost and freezing temperatures cause cellular damage to fronds, resulting in browning, wilting, and tissue death. The plant may appear to decline rapidly after cold exposure.
How to reverse cold damage on Boston Fern
- 1
Move plant immediately to a warm location (65-75�F) away from drafts and cold windows
- 2
Trim all damaged, brown, or crispy fronds at the base with clean scissors
- 3
Maintain high humidity (60-80%) to support recovery�use a humidifier or place in bathroom
- 4
Water sparingly to keep soil lightly moist but avoid overwatering stressed roots
- 5
Be patient�new growth may take several weeks to emerge from the rhizomes
Keep cold damage off this Boston Fern
Keep ferns away from cold windows, drafty doors, and air conditioning vents. Use heat packs when shipping during cold months. Maintain indoor temperatures above 60�F year-round.