Environment

• Maidenhair ferns are extremely sensitive to environmental conditions and need more care than the average plant. They require consistent, even moisture to prevent brown leaf tips, but overzealous watering contributes to crown rot and dying fronds. Misting is ineffective at creating proper humidity and may cause brown spots on the leaves, especially if the water is cold. Strong light also scorches the fronds.
  
  

Fertilization

• Fiddleheads are a sign of new growth.fern image by Benjamin Jefferson from Fotolia.com
  
  A well-meant dose of fertilizer often causes more problems than it solves. The delicate maidenhair only needs a liquid fertilizer once every four to six weeks, according to Kansas State University, and at just one-quarter strength. Only use the diluted fertilizer when the fern is producing new growth, usually during the warmer months. Too much fertilizer causes brown fronds.
  
  

Spores

• Different fern species produce different spore patterns.pretty ferns image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
  
  If a maidenhair fern is healthy and happy, brown spots may appear along the edge of the leaflets. The leaflet edges often curl over the brown spots. This is not a sign of disease or an infestation of pests, however. The brown spots are clusters of spores, showing the fern is healthy enough to reproduce.