Because of their gracefully arching appearance, Boston ferns are particularly attractive in hanging baskets. A severe foliar blight of these ferns is often observed during warm, wet conditions. This blight is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia sp.
Initial symptoms appear as a brownish black wet rot affecting the leaflets.
Upon drying, the infected leaflets become tan in color. Boston fern with center of plant blighted by Rhizoctonia . P.O. Box 1269, Gainesville, FL 32602. Literature Cited 1. Crockett, J. U. 1975.