Your fern (looks like it may be a Boston fern although the photo is a bit blurry and dark so it’s hard to be positive) has dried up. Ferns need an even level of moisture in the soil at all times. At this time of year that can be more difficult because as it gets colder outdoors our heat comes on more frequently and so the plants dry up more quickly. Also, when a plant has been in the same pot for a long time, and yours clearly has, the roots become so thick that there is little space in the root ball to retain water. So this is a plant that would probably benefit from putting it in a larger pot. It could go in a standing pot instead of a hanging basket at this point.
The bottom line here, is can this plant be saved, or should you try and save it? Sometimes people have trouble “saying goodbye” to a plant. There are two ways you can go when a plant reaches this point, and neither one is the right way…you’ll have to decide which is the right way FOR YOU.
1. You can thank a plant for coming and toss it out, and get another plant. If you compost, you will know that the plant will be adding richness to your soil.
2. You can cut out all the dead foliage, put the plant in a larger pot with new potting mix, and water it more. After it gets used to the new container (be sure all containers you use have a drainage hole and don’t put any rocks etc in the bottom of the pots no matter what someone else might tell you. Use only soil and never cover a drainage hole with anything.) you can start to fertilize.
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