Ferns are relatively light feeders compared to many other foliage plants. They prefer a balanced fertilizer, such as 20-10-20 or 20-20-20, with micronutrients applied at approximately 200 ppm nitrogen. Too much nitrogen can cause tip burn on the roots and leaves if the plant becomes dry.
Can I use Miracle Gro on ferns?
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 you use all purpose plant food on ferns?
Feed outdoor ferns with Miracle-Gro® Shake ‘n Feed® All Purpose Plant Food in the spring as new leaves are sprouting. Just shake it evenly onto the soil, work it into the top 1 to 3 inches of the soil, then water to start the feeding.
Do indoor ferns need plant food?
Feed your ferns on a schedule.
You can add a slow-release fertilizer, or use a liquid houseplant fertilizer at about half-strength about once a month from early spring to mid-autumn. Don’t fertilize them during the winter months, because most ferns won’t be actively growing then.
Do ferns like plant food? – Related Questions
How do I keep my ferns happy?
Give them filtered shade; they can’t take direct, hot sun. If your home is dry, mist your fern regularly or put it on a tray filled with pebbles and a little water. To avoid root rot, don’t let the bottom of the pot touch the water.
Are coffee grounds good for ferns?
The fern will not thank you for adding coffee grounds. Coffee will put too much nitrogen in the soil for the fern, stopping the plant’s development. More importantly, coffee has an antibacterial effect and kills the germs necessary for the fern. Therefore, it is best to keep your fern away from coffee.
Do ferns in pots need feeding?
Ferns in containers should be given a general fertiliser, such Miracle-Gro, during the growing season. Tree ferns will benefit from a liquid feed applied monthly to the trunk, in spring and early summer, or a controlled-release fertiliser scattered around the base in spring.
Do indoor ferns like to be misted?
Humidity Is Essential
None of the popular household ferns can tolerate dry conditions for long. Their fronds will quickly turn brown, and they will begin to drop leaves. Mist your ferns as often as practical, preferably in the morning.
How often should Indoor ferns be watered?
Avoid watering the foliage. Mist indoor Ferns twice a week. Water when the top of the soil feels dry. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
What do ferns need to grow 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.
Do ferns like big or small pots?
Pots should be large enough to accommodate the roots with an extra inch of space for further growth. Fern roots tend to be shallow, so short containers are best. Most ferns grow slowly but you should repot when they begin to overcrowd their containers, before they become root bound.
Why are ferns so hard to keep alive?
Ferns don’t like the wind; so keep them sheltered and out of spaces like corridors that can create wind tunnels. Wet feet: ferns love water but they hate being soggy (it’s all a very delicate mix). If the leaves of your fern are yellow and wilted you’re over watering them.
Where should I place a fern in my house?
The best place for ferns is in a south-facing or north-facing window; if you want to place them near an east-facing or west-facing window, keep them a few feet away from the window to avoid burning the leaves. You don’t need a bright light in your house to grow ferns.
Do ferns like deep or shallow pots?
Most ferns develop shallow root systems, so shallow pots or pans are best. To maintain the proper balance of root systems and space, some ferns, depending on growth rate, need repotting several times a year.
What are the benefits of ferns?
Apart from enhancing the aesthetics, they are also useful in removing harmful air pollutants from the environment. The Boston Ferns not only spruce up the indoor air quality but also improve the humidity levels by restoring moisture to the air naturally, which gives a soothing effect.
What is a natural fertilizer for ferns?
Ferns are very sensitive to over-fertilization. In nature, they get the nutrients they need from fallen leaves or evergreen needles and rainwater running off their tree companions. The best thing to try if ferns look pale and limp is to add organic material like peat, leaf mold, or worm castings around the root zone.
Is Epsom salt a good fertilizer for ferns?
Like other ferns, Kimberly queens can benefit from having Epsom salt mixed into their water. Balcony Garden Web explains that Epsom salt contains sulfur, magnesium and other nutrients that aid in healthy plant growth. You can mix 2 tablespoons into 1 gallon of water and spray it onto your fern once a month.
How do you keep ferns healthy and green?
Consistent and evenly moist soil is key in order to maintain a bright green, healthy glow. Your watering schedule will depend on how you plant your fern. If you choose to place your fern in a hanging basket or pot, remember that they can dry out quickly. Soil should be kept damp but not wet to the touch.