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This Issue

Not many plants test a person’s patience as much as ferns. One day they’re lush and vibrant; soon after they look like tumbleweed forgotten on a radiator. Fern fronds crisp up at the first hint of dry air, and once they become discolored, many think it’s the end.

The Hack

Put the fern within a transparent bag – however leave it open as it still needs some airflow – and position it in bright but indirect light.

Houseplant Advice: what causes a white layer on my plant’s soil?

This Explanation

The bag creates a small greenhouse, trapping moisture around the plant. Consider it mimicking the rainforest atmosphere – the moist microclimate where ferns flourish. This won't hydrate the plant for you, but it drastically slows down evaporation and encourages delicate new fronds to unfurl.

This Test

I tried this technique on a Boston fern that looked past recovery. Following a week and a half in its misty cocoon the soil was still damp and tiny green curls began to appear. By the end of the month, the plant was visibly thicker and more vibrant.

This Conclusion

This isn’t a miracle cure and you may lose a few leaves during the process, but the plastic bag method can truly save a fern near death. For zero cost, it’s among the top successful resuscitation methods available.