How long can you keep a fern alive?

There are tons of different species of ferns, but they all generally need the same thing: water, warmth, and shade. By putting your fern in the right spot and keeping an eye on it, you can grow your fern to its full potential and keep it around for years to come (seriously—some ferns can live to be 100 years old!).

How do you repot a large fern?

Ferns will require repotting every few years. Divide overcrowded plants by removing them from the pot then use a sharp knife to cut into the root mass, dividing it into 2 or 3 sections. Repot and keep the soil medium evenly moist and supplying humidity for the first few weeks.

How do you keep potted ferns alive?

Most ferns like an evenly moist soil with regular waterings. Allowing the soil to dry out between waterings stresses these plants. Bushy ferns can be difficult to water. Try using a watering can with a long spout to direct the water to the center of the plant.

Can ferns survive in pots?

Ferns perform well in a shallow pot that allows enough space to accommodate the roots plus an extra inch to allow for growth. With too much extra space, the larger amount of damp potting mixture around the roots often leads to root disease.

How do you make a fern happy?

All ferns love moisture and should be given humid conditions. In living rooms and family rooms, stand their pots on trays of damp pebbles or clay granules. Ferns also love being misted at regular intervals with tepid, soft water unless the humidity of the whole room is kept high through the use of a humidifier.

Can ferns survive indoors?

Because indoor ferns are tropical, they will grow best if the temperature is at least 65 degrees F during the daytime and around ten degrees cooler at night. Ferns should be grown in a potting mix that provides good drainage and is high in organic matter. Quality peat-based mixes are appropriate for most species.

How do you know when to repot a fern?

Typically, ferns need to be repotted every two years. Check its roots once a year. If the roots are starting to circle around the container, it is time to repot. If there is still soil around the edge of it, it should be fine for another year.

What is the best potting soil for ferns?

Ferns require indirect sunlight, moist soil, and a humid atmosphere. Ferns prefer potting soil with good drainage and high organic content. A potting mix should have peat moss or sphagnum for moisture retention, sand or gravel for drainage, and sterilized bagged garden loam or potting soil.

Will ferns grow back?

Ferns are perennial plants, which means that they grow back every year. As long as your fern is healthy, you do not need to worry that cutting it back will hurt it or prevent it from growing back the following spring. On the contrary, you will be helping the plant by directing all of its energy towards its new growth.

Do ferns need deep pots?

Ferns generally grow in rocky soils, and their roots don’t need deep soil in which to grow well. Shallow containers are best for ferns in container gardens. Containers no deeper than six inches are bes. The fern should fit in the pot with an inch or two to spare around the edges for growth.

Can you overwater ferns?

Overwatering causes the fronds to yellow and wilt and may eventually lead to root rot and fungal diseases, especially if the pot is allowed to sit in water. Too little water also causes wilt. But you also can increase humidity around the ferns by placing the pots on a pebble-lined tray.

Can you plant a fern in a large pot?

Don’t plant the fern in a large pot because the excess potting soil in the pot retains moisture that may cause root rot. Fill the new pot with 2 or 3 inches of fresh potting soil. Hold the fern in one hand, then tilt the pot and guide the plant carefully from the container.

Do ferns need to be overwintered?

But the good news is – you don’t have to! As it turns out, ferns are one of the easiest plants of all to overwinter. All it takes is a little fall prep work to the fern, and a cool but protected space indoors to keep them going. This container plant can easily be saved for life again on the porch next year.

How often do Boston ferns outgrow their pots?

Although this classic houseplant requires minimal maintenance, it periodically outgrows its container– usually every two to three years. Repotting Boston fern into a larger container isn’t a difficult job, but timing is important. If your Boston fern isn’t growing as rapidly as it usually does, it may need a larger pot.

Do ferns grow back after cutting?

Anyone who has grown a fern knows they can certainly grow quite large through the warm summer months. Begin by cutting back any large strands of foliage to create a more manageable plant indoors. Don’t be afraid to take off several inches of growth or more if needed. It will indeed grow back with time.