Indoor Plant Tips: Is It Possible a Clear Bag Revive a Drooping Fern?

This Problem

Few greenery challenge a person’s patience like ferns. At one moment they’re lush and vibrant; the next they appear similar to dry brush left on a heater. Fern leaves dry out at the slightest sign of low humidity, and once they become discolored, most think it’s game over.

This Trick

Place the fern inside a clear plastic bag – but don’t seal it as it requires some airflow – and position it in filtered yet ample light.

Indoor Plant Clinic: what causes a white layer on my potting mix?

The 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 thrive. This won't hydrate the plant for you, but it significantly reduces evaporation and encourages delicate new fronds to unfurl.

This Experiment

I tried this trick on a Boston fern that looked past recovery. After 10 days in its humid enclosure the potting medium was moist to the touch and tiny green curls began to appear. Within a few weeks, the plant was noticeably thicker and more vibrant.

The Verdict

This isn’t a instant solution and you may lose a few leaves during the process, but the bag trick can genuinely save a fern on the brink. At no expense, it’s one of the most effective resuscitation methods out there.