Caring for Indoor Ferns
- 1 Pot ferns in porous soil with a drainage system. ...
- 2 Place your fern in an area that gets indirect light. ...
- 3 Set up a humidifier near your fern. ...
- 4 Keep the temperature between 60 and 72 °F (16 and 22 °C). ...
- 5 Water your fern when the surface of the soil feels dry. ...
Where is the best place to put ferns?
The best place for ferns is in a south-facing or north-facing window; if you want to place them near an east-facing or west-facing window, keep them a few feet away from the window to avoid burning the leaves. You don't need a bright light in your house to grow ferns.
How do you take care of an indoor fern?
All ferns love moisture and should be given humid conditions. In living rooms and family rooms, stand their pots on trays of damp pebbles or clay granules. Ferns also love being misted at regular intervals with tepid, soft water unless the humidity of the whole room is kept high through the use of a humidifier.
Will ferns do well indoors?
In most cases, the answer is yes! Add a green feeling of abundance to your interior spaces with a few lush, green plants like ferns. Many ferns make wonderful, low-maintenance houseplants, as long as you provide the right amounts of light and moisture.
How often should ferns be watered?
Too much water at once can also cause the plant to uproot itself, as soil washes away easier when the plant doesn't have a solid root structure in place. Plan on watering your ferns seedlings every few days, or even daily.
Do indoor ferns like to be misted?
Most tropical ferns also love high humidity. They naturally do well in bathrooms, thanks to steamy showers, but you can also mist their foliage with room temperature water once or twice a day. Or invest in a humidifier to increase the humidity in the whole room if the air tends to get really dry in your home.
Why is my indoor fern dying?
A dying fern is usually because of underwatering or the humidity is too low which saps moisture from the leaves causing them to turn brown and crispy. Indoor ferns prefer a humidity of 50% and require the soil to be consistently moist to prevent the leaves turning brown and dying.
How often do you water indoor ferns?
Mist indoor Ferns twice a week. Water when the top of the soil feels dry. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Pay attention to signs of overwatering or underwatering.
Why are ferns so hard to keep alive?
Ferns don't like the wind; so keep them sheltered and out of spaces like corridors that can create wind tunnels. Wet feet: ferns love water but they hate being soggy (it's all a very delicate mix). If the leaves of your fern are yellow and wilted you're over watering them.
What kind of fern is best indoors?
Meet a half-dozen of our indoor favorites.Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), sometimes called sword or ladder fern, was as popular with Victorian gardeners as it is today. ... Bird's nest (Asplenium nidus) is an easy-care fern. ... Button fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) is another easy-to-grow beauty.More items...
Should I mist my fern?
Misting is good for broad-leaf ferns and those of simple-leaf forms. Use less spray on crinkled varieties, which tend to collect moisture and hold it, contributing to development of fungus. Humidity can be increased in the vicinity of the plants when pots are set on trays of moist pebles or on damp sand.
How do you know if a fern needs water?
An easy way to check if your hanging basket needs watering is to gently lift up the basket and gauge its weight as an indicator of its need for water. Light means it needs water, heavy and it is not ready yet to be watered. Ferns like to be moist but not overly wet.
What does Epsom salt do for ferns?
They help in chlorophyll production, healthy plant growth, and resistance against diseases and pest. Both of them are required if you want to grow Lush and Green Ferns.
How often do you water indoor ferns?
Mist indoor Ferns twice a week. Water when the top of the soil feels dry. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Pay attention to signs of overwatering or underwatering.
How do you know if a fern needs water?
An easy way to check if your hanging basket needs watering is to gently lift up the basket and gauge its weight as an indicator of its need for water. Light means it needs water, heavy and it is not ready yet to be watered. Ferns like to be moist but not overly wet.
Do you water ferns from the bottom?
Ferns do not like to dry out (even for a few hours) so keep them well watered. A note on this; ferns prefer to be watered from the bottom. As above, ferns hate full sun; even midday and morning sun can be too much.
How much sunlight does a fern need?
SUN LOVING FERNS can take direct sun for about 4 hours per day (morning, mid or afternoon) and filtered the rest of the day.
Tips for Bringing Ferns Indoors for Winter
Before the first frost of the fall is the perfect time to bring potted ferns indoors for the winter. Here are a few tips to keep them healthy and happy.
Learn More
Ready to get your hands on some gorgeous ferns that thrive indoors and outdoors? Use the Find a Garden Center tool to find your nearest Monrovia retailer.
Where do ferns work?
Ferns can work in a bright room away from a window or in a room with moderate lighting.
How to keep ferns from dying?
Keep it out of direct sunlight. Ferns get filtered light on the bottom of the forest floor, and too much light can kill a fern. If the leaves are brown, it doesn't have enough water. If the leaves are yellow, it's getting too much water.
Why is my fern white?
If your potting soil has added nutrients in it , the white pieces could be small bits of perlite. If the white stuff wasn't there when you planted your fern, though, it could be mildew. Make sure you aren't overwatering your fern, and let the soil dry out before you water it again.
Why is my fern not drying out?
It could be a few things: lack of water, too much sunlight, not enough humidity, or simply old age. Make sure that your fern gets plenty of water and isn't drying out throughout the day. If that doesn't work, your fern might just be reaching the end of its life.
What are the pests that eat fern leaves?
1. Scale, mealybugs, and spider mites are common fern pests. If you notice them, you can either pick them off by hand or blast the leaves with some water to remove them. If the pests are still a problem, try dipping a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol, then carefully wiping down the leaves of your fern.
Why is my fern rotting?
If you notice fungus or fungal mites on the base of your plant, you might be watering your fern too much. Waterlogged roots can cause rot, which attracts fungus and fungal pests.
Do ferns need a humidifier?
Ferns are tropical plants, so they prefer high humidity. Set up a humidifier near your fern so it can get the moisture that it needs throughout the day. [7]
How to grow new ferns?
Cut off any damaged fronds to encourage new growth. When you repot your ferns, split them up and make two out of one. You can also grow new ferns from the powdery spores produced in little capsules. These capsules are visible as rows of rusty, brown patches on the underside of the fronds.
What do you need to grow ferns?
Compost/Soil. You also need to provide the right compost. Most ferns are forest or woodland plants and have tender, delicate roots adapted to the light forest soil, which is rich in leaf mold and decayed vegetable matter. The right compost must be free draining so that the roots never get waterlogged.
How hot does a fern need to be?
Temperature. An individual fern’s place of origin and adaptability will determine how high or low of a temperature the fern needs. Most ferns don’t like cold. Those ferns from tropical regions truly appreciate 60-70 F (15-21 C.). Those from more temperate regions enjoy temperatures between 50-60 F. (10-16 C).
How to keep ferns from yellowing?
Their normal situation in the wild is dappled light, and if the light level in the home is too low, you will see poor growth and yellowing fronds. Give your ferns a position near a window that gets morning or late afternoon sun, and keep the ferns away from strong sunlight, especially during the summer.
Do ferns like humidity?
Humidity. All ferns love moisture and should be given humid conditions. In living rooms and family rooms, stand their pots on trays of damp pebbles or clay granules. Ferns also love being misted at regular intervals with tepid, soft water unless the humidity of the whole room is kept high through the use of a humidifier.
Can ferns grow in dry air?
Image by JADEZMITH. Ferns are relatively easy to grow; however, drafts, dry air, and temperature extremes won’t help. Ferns that are pampered and protected from things like dry air and temperature extremes will reward you with lush green fronds all year round, beautifying your indoor garden more than you could imagine.
Can ferns be kept in dim light?
Direct sunlight will make them lose their leaves or turn their fronds yellow. You can keep your ferns in dim light as long as you give them regular breaks in bright light. They can be given artificial light, but this should be from a special gardening bulb or a fluorescent strip.
What temperature do ferns need?
They do best when the daytime temperature ranges from 65° to 75° F, and about 10° cooler at night (as low as 55°). Most ferns you'll find as houseplants hail from tropical or sub-tropical regions, ...
How to tell if ferns are outgrown?
A good sign that your fern has outgrown its container is if you can see roots emerging through the drainage hole, or if the plant is slightly elevated out of the soil.
Do tropical ferns need a humidifier?
Most tropical ferns also do best with high humidity. They naturally do well in bathrooms, thanks to steamy showers, but you can also mist their foliage with room temperature water once or twice a day. Or invest in a humidifier to increase the humidity in the whole room if the air tends to get really dry in your home.
Can ferns grow outdoors?
Updated November 12, 2019. You might be more used to seeing and growing ferns outdoors, but many of them also make excellent houseplants. They add lushness and unbeatable texture to any room, as long as you provide them with enough light, water, and humidity.
Do ferns need indirect light?
Most ferns like this kangaroo paw need bright but indirect light. | Credit: Brie Passano. 1. Ferns Need Plenty of Indirect Light. Most ferns prefer indirect light, which means you should avoid placing them where sunlight will hit them—their leaves can get scorched if you do, resulting in a dry, crispy plant.
Can you divide ferns?
Dividing your plants is also an easy way to expand the greenery in your home, or you can share with friends. While some fern varieties may not be quite as easy to grow as other impossible-to-kill houseplants you'll find at the garden center, they are all well worth including in your indoor garden if you're willing to give them a little TLC.
Do ferns need water?
If you've always got the urge to water your houseplants, ferns will do well under your care. They like evenly moist soil, and while you shouldn't water them constantly, don't let them completely dry out between waterings either (there are some exceptions, like brake fern, rabbit's foot fern, and Japanese holly fern, which don't mind drying out between waterings). To figure out if you should add water, stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep. If it's dry, give your fern a drink, and if it's still damp, wait a couple more days.
What is an indoor fern?
Indoor Ferns are a lush and rewarding addition to any indoor space. You have plenty of options to choose from, each with vibrant, cascading fronds that stand out among other indoor plants. The many varieties of ferns mean there is a great fit for everyone, with beginner-friendly species and more delicate options.
Why are Indoor Ferns Popular?
Indoor ferns are popular as houseplants because they add a pop of bright color and creative natural structure to any room. There are small varieties, ferns up to six feet tall, hardy, and more delicate options, so you can own an ancient tropical plant no matter how skilled you are at gardening. With long, flowing fronds, incredible texture, and bright color, it’s no wonder so many gardeners are attracted to this plant.
What is a staghorn fern?
Staghorn or elkhorn ferns are from the genus Platycerium which makes up about 18 unique fern species. Staghorn ferns are unique compared to many other popular ferns in that they are epiphytes, living on trees instead of in the soil. They have pronounced sporophytes, their stags, and pronounced gametophytes, the shields.
Why are ferns good for you?
In addition to their beauty, ferns are great at purifying the air in your home. They remove pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene, helping you breathe easier and get better sleep. The air purifying properties of ferns are even thought to aid with headache relief.
Where does the lemon button fern come from?
Lemon Button ferns, or Nephrolepis cordifolia, is a small and delicate fern indigenous to Hawaii. It gets its name from a subtle lemony scent that it gives off during its growing season. This plant is a beautiful, low-maintenance option for anyone interested in adding a fern to their collection.
Where does the Japanese painted fern come from?
The Japanese Painted fern, or Athyrium niponicum, comes from Eastern Asia. This colorful fern gets its name due to its silver fronds and dark red stems, making it an appealing option to grow at home. While most fronds offer an evergreen backdrop to your garden, this beauty will stand out like a work of art and liven up any space.
What is the name of the act of collecting ferns?
During the Victorian era, fern collecting grew so popular that there was a name for it. Pteridomania was the act of gathering ferns or using them in decorative art, like pottery or textiles. Ferns also show up in folklore. In Slavic tradition, anyone who sees a rare fern flower will receive happiness and riches for life. Finnish folklore says anyone who holds a fern’s seed on Midsummer night will be able to move about invisibly to seek hidden treasure. In the US, ferns are said to contain magical properties, warding off evil spirits if thrown into burning coals.
How should I care for a fern?
The care recommendations I discussed for the other ferns apply here too: Keep in indirect light, water regularly, provide humidity, and a well-draining potting mix.
How to keep ferns from scorching?
Bright indirect light works best for this fern. Don’t keep it in direct light because the delicate leaves will scorch. If the air is dry indoors, misting or placing the plant over a humidity tray will help keep it in better shape. Prevent the soil from drying out and mist occasionally.
What is the best way to keep lemon button ferns from compacting?
A loose, peaty mix is going to help a lot to keep the soil from getting compacted and allow proper drainage. The good news is that the lemon button fern can adapt to living in bright indirect light but also in lower light conditions as well.
What is a bird's nest fern?
Another fern that grows epiphytically on other plants, the bird’s nest fern grows elongated and narrow fronds around a central rosette. The fronds are light green with dark central veins.
What is the name of the fern that spills over the edge of a pot?
An excellent choice for a hanging basket, this fern produces furry rhizomes that spill over at the edge of the pot, hence the name ‘Rabbit’s foot’.
What are the leaves of a fern called?
The ‘leaves’ of the fern aren’t actually leaves, they’re tiny branchlets called ‘cladophylls’ .
How big does a fern grow?
This fern can grow 2-3 feet tall and wide, making it suitable for a variety of spaces including as a tabletop fern, hanging basket fern, or even in a regular pot. To help it grow more densely, position it in a bright location, where it can receive bright, indirect light.
