How to Care for Assorted Fern Plants
Ferns are one of the easier houseplants to care for. Most ferns are bred to survive in a warm, moist, shady environment. While ferns need to be cared for daily, they require minimal effort. Certain ferns, like the staghorn fern, need special attention and unique environments, but for the most part ferns can be cared for as a group. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Plant the ferns in pots with plenty of drainage. Ferns love moisture via humidity. They tend to cling to rocks and trees, or small pockets of soil, so dirt that is too wet will cause problems.
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Leave the ferns in an area that gets indirect sunlight. In the summer months, place the ferns so they receive their sunlight from the north. From November to May, an easterly sun is appropriate.
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Water ferns once a day. Be careful not to overwater the soil, and clean out drainage holes regularly. Ferns thrive in a humid environment. To grow ferns in a dry environment, spray them with water using a spray bottle set to mist. Mist them twice a day, or three times a day if the air is very dry.
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Fertilize ferns every four to six weeks. Fertilize them year round, but only use half of the amount of fertilizer that is indicated on the fertilizer instructions.
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Remove any dead leaves or branches as soon as you notice them.
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Keep the temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 and 24 degrees Centigrade) during the day, and not less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Centigrade) at night.
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References
- Photo Credit fern image by Lytse from Fotolia.com