How to Care for Indoor Ferns: Ultimate Guide

April 16, 2023

If you're looking for a plant that's both easy to care for and stylish, look no further than the fern. Ferns are a great option for indoor plants, as they thrive in shady, humid conditions. Plus, they come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, so you're sure to find one that fits your space. In this ultimate guide, we'll show you everything you need to know about how to care for your indoor fern. We'll cover topics like watering, fertilizing, and re-potting, as well as how to deal with common problems like pests and brown leaves. So, whether you're a fern newbie or a seasoned pro, this guide has everything you need to keep your plant healthy and happy.

Watering Your Fern

Ferns are generally low-maintenance plants, but they do need regular watering. Watering is perhaps the most important part of fern care. Be sure to evenly water your plant using either a watering can or a spray bottle.

Water your ferns once a week or when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Be sure to use room-temperature water, as cold water can shock the plant and cause the leaves to turn brown. To water your fern, use a watering can or spray bottle to distribute water evenly over the entire plant. Be sure not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Ferns enjoy high humidity, so misting them with a plant mister on a regular basis will help to keep them healthy. You can also place a humidifier near your ferns.

Lighting for Your Fern

When it comes to lighting, ferns prefer indirect sunlight. If you can provide them with bright, indirect light (such as from a north- or east-facing window), they will thrive even more so. However, too much direct sunlight can kill the leaves, so be sure to keep an eye on them if you're placing them near a sunny window.

Food for Ferns

Feed your ferns with a half-strength solution of liquid fertilizer. Use a water-soluble fertilizer that is low in nitrogen. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season and monthly during the winter. This will help them grow strong and healthy.

Pruning Your Fern

Pruning is also an important part of keeping your fern looking its best. Use sharp scissors to prune off any brown or yellow leaves, as well as any dead or dying fronds. This will help encourage new growth and keep your plant looking its best.

Re-potting Ferns

Ferns are lovely, delicate, low-maintenance plants that add a touch of greenery to any home. But like all plants, they do need re-potting, just not as often as other plants. Ferns generally only need to be re-potted every two or three years. However, there are a few signs that indicate it's time for a fern to be re-potted. If you see that your fern's leaves are starting to turn yellow or brown, it could be a sign that the plant is pot-bound. This means that the roots have outgrown the pot and are starting to suffocate. When this happens, it's time to re-pot the fern into a larger pot.

Another sign that your fern needs to be re-potted is if you see new growth emerging from the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. This means that the roots are so tightly packed that they're starting to push through the drainage holes in search of more space. If you're not sure whether your fern needs to be re-potted, it's always best to err on the side of caution and go ahead with re-potting. Just use new soil and a slightly bigger pot that it is moving out of. It's a relatively simple process, and your fern will flourish after you successfully transfer it to its new pot.

If you’re looking for the perfect fern, visit Flower Works and browse our selection of potted ferns and other plants today.

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