How to Care for Indoor Ferns
Ferns generally need average room temperature, a low light level and ample humidity, all of which make them ideal candidates for indoor gardening. Most indoor areas have adequate light for ferns. Although heating and air conditioning dry the air, daily misting with water is a simple remedy for adding moisture. Indoor ferns are valuable air-filtering plants. With basic care and minimal effort, your ferns will reward you with lush growth that has the added benefit of improving your indoor air quality. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Sharp knife
- Potting container
- Sterile potting mix
- Spray mister bottle
- Water-soluble fertilizer
Instructions
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Revitalize
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1
Repot a root-bound indoor fern to revitalize it. Lay the potted fern on its side and gently remove the fern from its present container. Gently tap the side of the pot to loosen the plant.
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2
Trim away dead vegetation and dead roots, using the sharp knife.
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3
Cut the root ball into two or more pieces with the knife, ensuring that each piece has upper vegetation as well as healthy stems and roots. If the plant has long, gangly roots, prune them back slightly to encourage new root development.
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4
Partially fill the new pot with sterile potting mix. Place each section of fern in a new pot and fill with potting soil. Keep the fern at the same planting depth as in the old pot. Firm the soil around the roots.
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5
Water the repotted ferns and mist the foliage.
Fertilize
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6
Mix a balanced water-soluble fertilizer at half strength. Ferns suffer from fertilizer burn if the solution is too strong.
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7
Water your ferns with the fertilizer once a month between April and November. Avoid fertilizing ferns during the winter, advises the Clemson University Extension.
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8
Feed the ferns through their roots. Many ferns have sensitive foliage that burns easily if you attempt foliar feeding--spraying fertilizer on the leaves. Use only pure water to mist the foliage.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Newly potted ferns should not be fertilized for four to six months, reports the University of Rhode Island Extension.
Hundreds of varieties of ferns are available, many of which have different growing requirements. Follow specific growing suggestions for your particular variety of fern.
References
Resources
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