Do Boston ferns do better indoors or outdoors?
Boston fern (Nephrolepis). These are kind of hardy ferns with less requirements, suitable for indoor/outdoor. They like to be put outdoor or in patios/gazebos, giving accent to the place. The fern likes to be kept moist and put in place with bright light, but will tolerate some shade as well. Hardiness: 9-12. They are happiest with temperatures between 60-75 degrees F, but planted ferns can survive temperatures as low as 25-30 F. Toxicity: Boston ferns are considered nontoxic to humans, cats, and dogs.One thing to remember when caring for your Boston fern is that they love attention! So, twice-weekly waterings and regular misting are a must.Ferns do best in humid environments, so plants may suffer – the tips and edges of the pinnae may turn brown – in dry interiors, especially in the winter. Boston fern has few pests but scales and mealybugs can be a problem indoors and slugs may damage plants outdoors.Boston Ferns prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their delicate fronds. A north or east-facing window is ideal. If you’re growing them outdoors, ensure they are in a shaded or partially shaded area.
Will a Boston fern survive outside?
Although Boston fern is often grown as a houseplant, it thrives outdoors in warm, humid climates in USDA zones 9 to 11. With adequate moisture, the plant may tolerate drier climates. Frost may kill the fern to the ground, but it will rebound in spring. In fact, Boston fern responds well to severe pruning, which encourages more prolific, bushy growth and corrects dull, leggy growth.Boston Fern grows best in a humid atmosphere so mist frequently to hydrate the foliage.Boston ferns are thirsty plants and always need the soil to be slightly moist (but never soggy). If the soil dries out then you’re at risk of your plant quickly deteriorating. We recommend watering your fern twice a week and misting it in between.Rigorous pruning is great for a Boston fern, helping you keep it bushy and prevent leggy growth. Trim off the side fronds at the base, rather than stems in the center. Larger ferns, kept outdoors, can be cut back even more drastically. You can crop it down to 4” above the ground for the winter.Your Boston fern needs a bright or lightly shaded spot in a warm room – keep it out of direct sun and away from draughts and radiators. It likes plenty of humidity so a steamy bathroom is ideal.
Where is the best place to put a Boston fern?
Grow your Boston fern in a bright spot that’s out of direct sun. It likes humidity, so put it in a steamy bathroom or mist the leaves a couple of times a week. Keep the compost moist (but not wet) at all times. If you’re looking for a boost for your ferns, epsom salt is the answer. Packed with magnesium and sulfur, essential nutrients for plant health, it can work wonders. This simple, inexpensive solution can help prevent yellowing leaves, enhance chlorophyll production, and improve overall plant health.If kept outdoors in a container or hanging basket, it will probably need to be watered every day during the summer. Health: Boston ferns are very effective in removing toxins in air. Tip: For greening up faded ferns, mix 1/4 cup Epsom salt to a gallon of water. Water fern deeply.Use Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food for larger Boston ferns and those grown outdoors, and Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food for smaller indoor Boston ferns. The amount you use to fertilize your fern will vary depending on its size, so be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
Can I bring my Boston fern inside for the winter?
Bringing Boston Ferns indoors is a rewarding ritual that keeps a little slice of summer green through the long winter months. With proper humidity, gentle watering, and a bit of patience, your fern will rest, revive, and burst back into life come spring. The plant requires plenty of humidity and low light to prevent the Boston fern from turning brown. If you have a Boston fern with brown leaves, it might be cultural or simply having the wrong site for the plant. Boston ferns are made for container gardening.Boston Ferns prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their delicate fronds. A north or east-facing window is ideal. If you’re growing them outdoors, ensure they are in a shaded or partially shaded area.
Do you water Boston ferns from top or bottom?
You can water Boston ferns from above but do so close to the soil to prevent wetting the fronds. Otherwise, the splashes on the leaves may promote fungal issues. Bottom watering is also ideal for providing moisture without making the soil soggy. Overwatered staghorn fern will have yellow, and brown leaves and rotten roots. You have to repot it with a high-draining facility after removing the moisture.Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to serious problems for your ferns. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, mushy roots, and drooping foliage, which indicate root rot and nutrient deficiency. To prevent these issues, ensure proper drainage by using pots with drainage holes and well-draining soil.No, they prefer moist soil, not dry or soggy. In hot or dry climates, they need more frequent watering. Indoor potted Ferns usually need water 2-3 times a week. On the other hand, outdoor or garden Ferns may require daily watering during summer or dry seasons, depending on the temperature and humidity in your region.
How often should I water a Boston fern?
Water your Boston Fern regularly; approximately every 7-10 days. Keep the soil damp but not sodden. Empty any excess water that has gathered at the bottom of the pot after each watering. Avoid allowing your plant to sit in water as this causes root rot which would eventually kill the plant. Epsom salt helps keep your ferns green and promotes growth. We recommend adding 1 Tbsp of plain epsom salt to a gallon of water (mix until salt is dissolved) – and water your ferns with that solution once every 3-4 weeks.