Ferns , like any other plants , are susceptible to various diseases that can affect their overall health and vitality . As a horticulture and landscape gardening expert , I have encountered several common fern disease throughout my career . In this detailed answer , I will discuss three main type of fern diseases : muffle off , fungal / bacterial leaf spots , and root , poll , and stem rots .
1 . Damping off : weaken off is a common problem in the main impact young fern seedlings . It is make by land - borne fungi , such as Pythium and Rhizoctonia , which thrive in wet and poorly drained experimental condition . Damping off typically starts with the rotting of the seedling ’s base , leading to wilt and eventual end . To prevent dull off , it ’s crucial to assure proper drainage and avoid overwatering . Using sterile potting premix and providing sound air circulation can also help prevent the disease .
2 . Fungal / Bacterial leaf spots : Ferns can be prone to leaf spot diseases cause by various fungal and bacterial pathogens . These diseases usually manifest as small , dark or discolored spots on the leaves . Over fourth dimension , the spots may enlarge , merge , and have leaf yellowing or browning . Fungal leaf spot diseases are commonly triggered by pathogen such as Cercospora , Alternaria , and Botrytis , while bacterial folio smear is make by Xanthomonas . To manage leaf blot disease , it is significant to practice good hygiene , such as removing and demolish infected leaves . to boot , ensure proper aviation circulation , fend off overhead lachrymation , and applying antifungal or bactericides can help manipulate the feast of the disease .
3 . Root , Crown , and Stem Rots : fern are also susceptible to various rot diseases , including tooth root rot , crown hogwash , and prow rot . These diseases are often because of fungi , such as Pythium , Phytophthora , and Rhizoctonia . Symptoms of rotting diseases admit wilting , yellowing , and browning of fronds , as well as decay and softening of the stirred plant division . Rot diseases are typically connect with overwatering , poor drainage , and soil compaction . To prevent these diseases , it is essential to provide well - draining soil , avoid overwatering , and exert good melodic phrase circulation around the plants . If rot occurs , it is significant to remove and put down the unnatural parts and adjust lacrimation practices .
In my personal experience , I have encountered ferns suffer from these disease in both indoor and outdoor configurations . One particular instance take a collection of indoor fern that exhibited damping off due to exuberant lachrymation and pitiable drainage . By repotting the fern in well - run out grease commixture and adjust the watering frequency , I was able to save most of the plants . Another situation involved outdoor ferns with severe leaf blot diseases . Through a compounding of pruning infected leaves , improving zephyr circulation , and applying appropriate fungicides , the spread of the disease was successfully ensure .
Ferns can be susceptible to damping off , fungal / bacterial leaf spots , and root , crown , and stem rots . These disease can importantly impact the wellness and appearance of fern . However , by practicing full hygiene , providing proper growing conditions , and promptly addressing any signs of disease , gardener can effectively deal and prevent these usual fern diseases .
Caroline Bates
