Nephrolepis exaltata is a humidity specialist. It wants consistently moist — never soggy — soil and air above 60% humidity, which usually means a bathroom, a pebble tray, or a humidifier. Crispy fronds are almost always dry air rather than dry soil; trim them at the base and new fiddleheads follow.
At a glance
Light
Bright indirect
Water
Keep moist
Humidity
60–80%
Growth
Fast
Toxicity
Non‑toxic
Difficulty
Moderate
Common issues
Yellow leaves
Usually overwatering. Let the top 2" of soil dry out.
Brown crispy tips
Low humidity or salt buildup. Flush the soil monthly.
Slow new growth
Not enough light. Move closer to a bright window.