Most fern , that ubiquitous woodland industrial plant , appreciate the cool temps and plenty of moisture that come in their aboriginal wooded habitat . There are about a gazillion ( OK , maybe only 9,000 ) varieties of fern of not only multiple genus , but of multiple botanic families as well .
So let ’s consider the demand of most ferns either native to the U.S. , planted in U.S. gardens or savour as houseplants — for representative , the Boston fern ( Nephrolepis exaltata’Bostoniensis ' ) that you might be growing in a hanging basket in your living room , or the ostrich fern ( Matteuccia struthiopteris ) , a native specie and one that is normally planted in dwelling gardens .
While most vulgar fern share similar growing needs , it weigh if you are growing them indoors or outdoors .
How to Care for Outdoor Ferns
If you have a shaded part of your garden in which petty else grows , a fern will likely chance it a worthy spot . However , be sure you selecta hardy fernrather than a tropical variety , because some ferns can not make it through wintertime in cold mood . Ask your local garden center about the variety if you do n’t get laid .
Temperature and Light
Locate the ferns in a cool , mostly shaded area of the garden , ideally on a north - facing or eastward - face wall where they are n’t subject to hot good afternoon temps . Some fern ca n’t produce respectable fronds if they receive too much sun or , conversely , not enough ; for example , if the ferns are planted in bass tincture that is never penetrate by the sun , their frond may be small-scale or slender .
Soil and Moisture
Like most plant , fern need well - draining grease , but fern actually prefer slightly sandy soils . If your garden has heavy grime on the clayish side , amend it with organic subject before planting ferns ; alternatively , plant fern in raised beds where they can get good aeration . Water weekly during the summertime .
Tip
Never let your fern dry out out . In summer , cater about 1 column inch of water per week unless it rain .
Fertilizing and Pruning
fecundate out-of-door ferns in the spring , just after you see Modern growth . Be careful , however , as too much fertilizer can damage a fern . Choose a slow - release , balanced fertilizer or a balanced constituent fertiliser and apply following the product directions .
The only trim a fern typically need is the removal of dead and sere frond . thin these off close to the base of the fern .
How to Care for Ferns as Houseplants
You may have brought afern indoorswhere you could revel it whatever the remote temperatures are . This is in reality the most challenging environment to control when it comes to fern , because most people prefer a nice , strong , even temperature in their home , while ferns like it cool .
The typical indirect igniter allow by an indoor location is just about perfect for most ferns , which appreciate a location near a northern windowpane .
If your fern is in a southerly or westerly window , you will in all probability postulate to draw the curtains or shadiness during the summer months to prevent it from burn .
Some fern do prefer bright brightness level , so be certain you know your fern variety . For example , climb up fern ( genus Lygodium japonicum ) require bright luminousness , although you must give it practiced moisture .
fern that are rise in pots like a tight informal space where their roots are cradled in a passably confined area with perhaps just 1 column inch of space around the root system of rules .
For this rationality , take a pot that is not too big and replete it with a well - run out grease salmagundi , ideally with pebbles or broken dishware at the bottom . Be sure to let the fern full outgrow its pot before transplant .
Moisture is where it get tricky for indoor ferns , which unremarkably call for a degree of humidity that does not naturally be in a menage . Ferns wish about 40 to 50 percent humidity , although they can allow just 30 pct . Here are some ways you could battle the typically dry atmosphere in your family :
The fertilizer schedule depends mainly on the type of fern you have . For deterrent example , a Boston fern need monthly plant food during the growing season ( about April to September ) and then only every two month in the cool season . Conversely , the staghorn fern ( Platycerium bifurcatum ) needs very little fertiliser and is happy with a single , one-year top dressing .
Similar to out-of-door fern , indoor ferns require little pruning ; just absent dead or brown fronds .
