How to Repot Fern Plants
Ferns can be temperamental container plants because they require precise moisture and sunlight conditions to thrive. Ferns desire a partially shady growing location with ample moisture and humidity. If a fern outgrows its container and become pot-bound, it will require even more attention and care to keep it adequately moist. For this reason, repot your fern plants when the roots grow out to the sides of its current container. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Decide whether you will move the entire fern plant into a larger container or you will divide the fern plant to make several smaller plants. If you want to move the entire fern plant into a larger container, select a new container that is 2 to 4 inches larger in diameter. If you want to divide the fern plant and plant smaller plants, gather three or four containers that are the same size as the current container.
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Fill the container(s) approximately one-third full with potting soil.
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Remove the fern from its current container. If you are simply moving the entire plant into a larger container, do not disturb the root system at all. Examine the plant and cut away fronds that appear brown and scraggly. Place the entire fern into the new container. If you are dividing the fern plant, cut away all of the bottom and old fern fronds (back to the crown). Cut back the remaining fronds that are in good condition by half. Cut off the bottom 2 inches of the root system and discard. Cut through the plant from the top to the bottom through the roots, cutting it into thirds or quarters like a pie. Place the divided fern plants into the prepared containers.
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Position the fern plants so the tops of the plants are within 1 inch of the top of the containers. Fill potting soil in around the roots of the fern plants and tamp the potting soil down firmly.
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Water the newly repotted fern plants and place them in a partly shady location. Keep the ferns moist as you ordinarily would.
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