How do you maintain a Boston fern? Can you overwinter a boston fern?
The Victorians loved Boston ferns (Nephrolepisexaltata), and they’re still popular today, especially on Southern porches. Boston ferns are sometimes called sword ferns. They grow up to two- and three feet high and have bluish-green or green fronds that arch gracefully. Boston ferns can be grown outdoors in the shade of a sunny window or placed on a porch. These plants can live for many years if they are given the proper care and the following plant care tips. Success is dependent on the soil and air moisture.
Boston Fern Care – Does Boston ferns come back every year?
Do not let the name fool your eyes. Boston ferns don’t belong to the northeastern United States. They can grow up to seven feet in their natural habitat, which is tropical regions, swamps, and humid forests. These perennials can be overwintered in USDA Zones 10-12, but gardeners in cooler climates often treat them as annuals.
How do you prepare soil for ferns?
These ferns require fast-draining soil that is rich in organic material and a pH between 5 and 5.5. Make sure your Boston Fern container has drainage holes so that water doesn’t collect around the roots and cause them to rot.
The soil media should be moist but not soggy or dry for ferns. Encourage even aeration, moisture retention, and a well-drained soil media of perlite bark, peat moss and bark.
How much sun does a Boston fern require?
Boston ferns love the cool morning sun. They require at least two hours of direct, filtered, or bright sunlight each day. They can be burned by direct sunlight, but they will not grow in complete shade.
How often do you water a Boston fern?
To keep the soil moist and evenly distributed, water regularly or when soil is dry to the top. Outdoor plants dry out quicker than houseplants so it is important to water them in the morning and afternoon. Your fern may not recover if it is allowed to dry out.
Many homes are too dry to support Boston ferns. You can give them more humidity by setting up a room humidifier and placing their pots on top with pebbles in a tray with water. (Don’t let them touch the water). Keep them out of drafts and vents.
Can you overwinter a boston fern?
If you want to overwinter your Fern, place it in a dark, cool area where the temperature isn’t below 55 degrees F. (such as a basement). Reduce the frequency of watering to once per month. Cut off any dead fronds in the spring and bring the fern outside.
Different types of Boston Ferns – Are there different varieties of Boston ferns?
While some types of Boston Ferns are more difficult to find than others they are all easy to grow. You can check the plant tag to see if the hardiness zone is for your fern.
- ‘Bostoniensis’ – This is the Boston fern. These fronds are light-to-medium green and can grow up to 4 feet in length.
- ‘Florida Ruffle’ – Florida Ruffle is a medium-sized plant with feathery-looking leaves.
- ‘Golden Boston’ – “Golden Boston” has golden-green fronds that brighten shady nooks and garden spots.
- ‘Massii’ – Massii is darker than Bostoniensis and has a stronger cascading pattern.
- ‘Rita’s Gold’ – “Rita’s Gold” is compact with golden to chartreuse fronds.
- ‘Roosevelt’ – ‘Roosevelt has long, wide, lacy fronds and frilly leaves.
- ‘Dallas’ – Compact and ruffled, ‘Dallas fern’ isn’t as susceptible to shedding as other Boston ferns.
- ‘Teddy Junior’ – “Teddy Junior” is a compact fern that has light green leaves but is darker than the others.
- ‘Lemon Buttons’ – The ‘Lemon Buttons,’ at less than 12 inches tall, is ideal for terrariums.
- ‘Fluffy Ruffles’ – “Fluffy Ruffles” is known for its softly ruffled, delicate fronds.
- ‘Tiger Fern’ – The attractive “striped” green and gold leaves of the Tiger Fern are appealing.
How to prune Boston Ferns – How do you make Boston ferns bushy?
Except for removing fronds with no leaves or dead, little pruning is necessary. Don’t cut to the top when pruning. To shape the plant, trim the sides fronds and trim the surrounding area. You can prune in spring, summer, or when you are repotting.
Instead, trim the fronds along the base. To encourage new growth, remove any old, discolored roots near the soil. Also, remove unsightly stems from the base. You can trim the rest of the plant along its outer edges until you achieve the desired shape.
How to Propagate Boston Ferns
A runner can be cut or pulled off of a Boston Fern to propagate it. You don’t need to worry if the roots aren’t formed. They will develop when the runners are placed in a pot with potting mix. Cover the pot with water and a plastic bag. It should be kept in direct sunlight at 60-70 degrees F. Take off the bag when you notice new growth.
A Boston fern can also be divided. Allow the plant to dry before removing it from its pot. The root ball should be cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces. Cut the roots into 1- to 2-inch sections and plant them in fresh potting soil. They should be kept moist in a sunny, warm place.
How to Repot or Pot Boston Ferns
Spring is the best season to pot or repot Boston ferns. A pot that is slightly larger than the root ball should have drainage holes. Place the fern in the new pot. To the top, add fresh potting mixture. Water thoroughly and firm the soil.
Common Problems Of Boston Ferns – What is wrong with my Boston fern?
- Root rot and powdery mildew can affect Boston ferns. These diseases can be prevented by not overwatering or allowing the soil to remain soggy.
- Dry, curled leaves are usually an indication that humidity is too low.
- Too much sun can burn Boston ferns, turning the leaves to brown.
- You can quarantine your Boston Fern until they are gone if you find pests such as mealybugs or spider mites. You can either spray them with Neem or horticultural oil to knock them off. You can spray them every week until they are gone.
- Too much fertilizer can lead to browning of the edges and tips of the fronds. You can flush the soil with plenty of water, then wait six months before you feed again.
- Repot container-grown plants in fresh potting mixture.