My office fern turned around after I stopped babying it

For 14 months I watered my fern every 3 days, misted it, moved it around. It stayed brown and droopy. Then I left for a week long work trip and forgot to set the auto reminder. Came back and it had 6 new fronds uncurling. Friend said I was over caring. So now I only water when the soil feels dry about an inch down. That's maybe every 9 or 10 days. It's been 2 months and the green is way deeper and fuller. Total switch from my old routine. Anyone else had a plant get better after you just left it alone? What's your neglect schedule look like?

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jamiekim2mo ago

Wait, did you actually test the soil moisture before every watering before, or were you just going by a calendar? Cause like, the difference between scheduled watering and checking the dirt first is huge for ferns, they hate soggy roots more than they hate drought. I've seen this exact thing with my pothos. I was on a strict weekly thing for like a year, then got busy and forgot for 3 weeks. It basically exploded after I stopped. Now I just stick my finger in the dirt whenever I remember, which is honestly like every 2 weeks, and it's way happier. Do you think the fern's turnaround is more about the watering frequency or about you not moving it around constantly? I always thought repositioning stressed them out more than people admit, but maybe that's just me. Also, since you mention the 9-10 day schedule now, do you think it'll slow down again when winter hits and the soil stays wet longer? Or are you just gonna keep the finger test forever?

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