Fern Care
There are thousands of varieties of ferns, with some having significantly different care requirements than others. For most commercial varieties however, the care is basically similar. Generally speaking ferns live in humid climates, like jungles or forest floors, under the canopy of taller trees and large fronds. They have been a favorite house plant for centuries, indoor and outdoor, and are the perfect pick for terrariums of all sizes.
Care
Most ferns love humidity. Which is not to say that you need to live in Florida to keep them, it just means you might have to take steps to give them a more moist environment. (See tips below for increasing humidity in your home). Keep them away from cold drafts, ACs, and radiators. They are sensitive to changes in climate/temperature, but are generally considered low maintenance hardy plants. Most ferns will need to be watered several times a week, and like to dry out slightly between waterings. Some however, cannot dry out at all. Keep in mind that this does not mean douse it with water all the time, because ferns too can rot. Find a good balance of giving it just enough water it need for a few days. Water the soil as opposed to the foliage, however you can mist the foliage occasionally with a fine spray. For light requirements, they can be anywhere from bright indirect, to filtered light to shade depending on the variety.
Tips
Some tips for increasing humidity include:
Troubleshooting
Do not let ferns dry out! It is very hard for them to come back, once they have gone to the dark side. If all of a sudden leaves are curled back but are still green, you might be able to save it by giving it a nice soak and putting it under a clear glass or plastic dome like a cloche or a jar. In bright but not direct sun! They are sensitive to burning.
Care
Most ferns love humidity. Which is not to say that you need to live in Florida to keep them, it just means you might have to take steps to give them a more moist environment. (See tips below for increasing humidity in your home). Keep them away from cold drafts, ACs, and radiators. They are sensitive to changes in climate/temperature, but are generally considered low maintenance hardy plants. Most ferns will need to be watered several times a week, and like to dry out slightly between waterings. Some however, cannot dry out at all. Keep in mind that this does not mean douse it with water all the time, because ferns too can rot. Find a good balance of giving it just enough water it need for a few days. Water the soil as opposed to the foliage, however you can mist the foliage occasionally with a fine spray. For light requirements, they can be anywhere from bright indirect, to filtered light to shade depending on the variety.
Tips
Some tips for increasing humidity include:
- misting the plant
- clumping moisture-loving plants close together
- putting the pot on a tray of gravel and filling the tray with water just before it touches the pot
- setting the pot (preferably terracotta) inside a larger pot (preferably glazed or moisture holding) with moist sphagnum moss in the middle of the two
- putting the fern in a terrarium type setting surrounded by clear glass to trap in the moisture
- In the winter time, you can use a humidifier if none of these energy-free tips work.
- Add a layer of moistened moss to the top soil of your fern can also retain some of the moisture.
Troubleshooting
Do not let ferns dry out! It is very hard for them to come back, once they have gone to the dark side. If all of a sudden leaves are curled back but are still green, you might be able to save it by giving it a nice soak and putting it under a clear glass or plastic dome like a cloche or a jar. In bright but not direct sun! They are sensitive to burning.