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This Problem

Few greenery test a gardener's perseverance as much as ferns. At one moment they’re full of life; soon after they appear similar to tumbleweed left on a heater. Fern fronds dry out at the first hint of low humidity, and once they become discolored, most assume it’s game over.

This Hack

Place the fern inside a transparent bag – but don’t seal it as it requires air circulation – and position it in filtered yet ample light.

Indoor Plant Advice: why is there a white layer on my potting mix?

This Explanation

The bag forms a small greenhouse, capturing humidity around the plant. Think of it as mimicking the tropical environment – the humid mini-environment where ferns flourish. It doesn’t water the plant for you, but it significantly reduces evaporation and encourages delicate young leaves to unfurl.

This Test

I tried this trick on a common fern that looked past recovery. Following a week and a half in its humid enclosure the potting medium was still damp and tiny green curls started emerging. Within a few weeks, the plant was noticeably thicker and greener.

The Verdict

This isn’t a instant solution and some fronds might drop a few leaves along the way, but the bag trick can truly rescue a fern on the brink. For zero cost, it’s one of the most successful resuscitation methods out there.