Should I repot my Boston ferns?
However, when it gets root bound, you should repot it after some time. Boston ferns do not prefer large containers for their size. However, these plants become pot-bound as their roots develop and grow. In most cases, Boston ferns do not transplant well. It means if you transplant a root bound Boston fern, you will damage the plant.
Is Boston fern indoor or outdoor plant?
Boston fern, also known as sword fern, is a dependable plant with masses of long, graceful fronds. One might also notice root nodules on Boston fern plants. Highly valued as an indoor plant, Boston fern thrives in pots or hanging baskets. In warm climates where temperatures are consistently above 50 F. (10 C.), the fern is easily grown outdoors.
Do Boston ferns have stolons or aerial roots?
Aerial roots are quite common on ferns, especially on Boston ferns. Most fern owners get confused between stolons and aerial roots. To differentiate between the two, remember that stolon grows just near the surface, and aerial roots grow above the surface of the ground.
How do you propagate Boston ferns?
I have explained the two ways of propagating a Boston fern in this article. During and after propagation, provide the ferns with ideal growing conditions such as proper watering, temperature and humidity, sufficient sunlight, suitable soil mix, and fertilizers.
How do you know when to repot a Boston fern?
Don't wait until the pot is badly root bound. If the potting mix is so root-compacted that water runs straight through the pot, or if the roots are growing in a tangled mass on top of the soil, it's definitely time to repot the plant. Boston fern repotting is best done when the plant is actively growing in spring.
Do Boston ferns like to be crowded?
Valued for its wide, arching fronds, Boston fern grows vigorously to fill out its pot or garden bed, but crowded plants won't continue to grow well.
Do ferns like crowded roots?
Fern plants don't like containers that are too large for their size, but they can become pot-bound as the roots grow and develop. Signs of this include overgrowth that makes the plant look too large for the pot, wilting or yellowing fronds, slow growth or a cracked pot.
How do you repot a rootbound Boston fern?
Place the Boston fern in the new pot. Add soil around the sides, tamping down gently as you go to eliminate air pockets around the plant's roots. Smooth out the top level of soil and tamp down gently. Clip off all withered or brown fronds from the newly potted fern.
How often should a Boston fern be watered?
Many people fear they will overwater their fern but Boston ferns crave water and need daily watering when outdoors, especial on hot summer days. On really hot days it's a good idea to water your fern twice a day.
How do you perk up a Boston fern?
Boston ferns are "under the canopy" tropical plants, so they do best in diffused sunlight or artificial light. Never use leaf shine products on Boston ferns. If you want to perk them up, hose them down, shake them dry and hang them back up again.
What kind of pots do ferns like?
Both plastic and clay pots are suitable for ferns, with those in plastic pots requiring less frequent watering. Pots should be large enough to accommodate the roots with an extra inch of space for further growth. Fern roots tend to be shallow, so short containers are best.
What plants do not like to be root bound?
Summary of Plants that Like and Don't like Being Root BoundCan be Left Root BoundCannot be Left Root BoundJade PlantWeeping FigHoyaMaranta LeuconeuraAloe VeraBoston Ferns5 more rows
How long do Boston ferns live?
Indoor ferns can last for many years – even decades – with proper care and attention. One family in Virginia claim to have maintained their Boston fern for over 114 years! With re-potting and propagation, single plants can be regenerated again and again, making such advanced ages possible.
When should I transplant Boston ferns?
springPotting and Repotting Boston Fern Repotting is best done in the spring, once you see roots poking out of the soil. Select a pot size that is slightly larger than the plant's root ball, or size up your pot by 2 inches. Gently remove the fern from its old pot, and replant it at the same depth using a fresh potting mix.
What kind of potting soil do Boston ferns need?
Boston ferns grow best in a light, moist, well-draining soil mix. An acidic pH — between 5 and 5.5 — is ideal. A soil recipe incorporating one part standard potting mix and one part peat moss is a good choice, as are two parts peat moss, one part perlite, and one part vermiculite.
What are the balls in the roots of ferns?
These balls, which develop where the fronds meet the underground rhizomes, are small, round growth nodules about the size of a grape. The nodules, also known as “bulbils,” usually appear near the end of the growing season, between late summer and autumn.
What is the lifespan of a Boston fern?
Indoor ferns can last for many years – even decades – with proper care and attention. One family in Virginia claim to have maintained their Boston fern for over 114 years! With re-potting and propagation, single plants can be regenerated again and again, making such advanced ages possible.
How far apart should ferns be planted?
Plant your ferns. Dig a hole as deep as the fern's rootball and twice as wide. Gently remove your young fern from its pot, being careful not to disturb its root system, and place it in the planting hole. Fill the hole with soil. Space ferns at least two feet apart from each other.
Should you cut back Boston ferns?
It is best to prune your Boston ferns completely every time you re-pot them. Trimming your Boston fern at the right time is very important for its healthy growth. To encourage new and healthy growth, it is best to prune your Boston ferns in early spring.
How big do Boston ferns get?
The pale- to medium-green fronds can grow up to 4 feet long and 6 inches wide. There are two rows of round sori (clusters of spore-bearing organs; ferns are seedless vascular plants that produce spores instead of seeds) near the margins on the underside of the pinnae.
How To Root Boston Fern’s Aerial Roots?
Some plant owners like how aerial roots look on the plant and allow them to grow.
What is the growth on a fern called?
However, you might also notice some additional growth from your fern called stolons.
What do aerial roots do for vines?
On vines, aerial roots can help secure the plant onto a wall, rock, or any other surface it is next to.
Can you propagate roots?
However, if you want to propagate the roots, you can do so too.
Can you remove roots from a plant?
These roots can be removed from the plant, but it is best to leave them alone to help the plant’s growth.
Is it difficult to care for a fern?
Caring for this fern is not difficult at all, but it is particular about its needs.
Do all plants grow aerial roots?
Not all plants grow aerial roots either, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with this.