Boston Fern Decline: Root-Bound and Overcrowded

Woolly feel, black new fronds, leaf drop on a 3–4 year pot-bound Boston fern = root congestion and poor drainage.

Fix

• Repot: loosen or trim circling roots, use fresh well-drained mix.
• Thin excessive top growth.
• Water thoroughly until drain, then wait until soil is quite dry (even slight wilt).
• Not an infectious disease; cultural correction works.

Healthy ferns bounce back fast.