Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) growing indoors may look a bit spare in winter or early spring. Brown tipping of the fronds (leaves) is most likely a result of low humidity and perhaps drying out a little too much between winter waterings. The indoor environment may also be a little too drafty or cold.
Should I cut brown leaves off Boston fern?
Cutting back brown fronds is good practice, and almost always benefits the plant. As well as improving the appearance of the fern, it reduces the risk of disease and stimulates new, healthy growth.
What does an overwatered Boston fern look like?
The first sign that a fern is overwatered is usually yellowing or wilted leaves. One surefire way to determine if it’s time to water a Boston fern is to touch the soil with your fingertip. If the surface of the soil feels slightly dry, it’s time to give the plant a drink.
How often do you water a Boston fern?
Many people fear they will overwater their fern but Boston ferns crave water and need daily watering when outdoors, especial on hot summer days. On really hot days it’s a good idea to water your fern twice a day.
Why are my Boston ferns turning brown? – Related Questions
Why is my fern turning brown and crispy?
Humidity is really important for ferns. If the air is too dry they’ll go crispy. If your fern is looking brown all over, try misting it more and see if it improves over the next few weeks. Even better, put it in the bathroom so it can enjoy the steam from your shower.
Do Boston ferns need a lot of light?
Light: Boston Ferns are adaptable plants that thrive in medium and bright, indirect sunlight. Prolonged exposure to bright direct sunlight may burn and scorch their leaves.
Where should I place my Boston fern?
Boston fern does best when grown in a location with bright, indirect light. Too much shade can result in sparse fronds that appear lackluster, and too much sun can burn the fronds. For this reason, Boston fern is a good choice for a porch plant that receives filtered sun in the morning and afternoon shade.
How do you keep a Boston fern alive indoors?
This plant also loves water, so keep the soil moist – but not saturated – at all times. Placing the fern’s container in a second, larger container lined with damp sphagnum moss can help to maintain the necessary moist environment. As a houseplant, the Boston fern does best when you give it indirect sunlight.
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.
Do ferns like to be misted with water?
Using a mist spray three or four times a day will help to maintain luxuriant growth. Misting is good for broad-leaf ferns and those of simple-leaf forms.
Is Miracle Grow good for 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.
Does Epsom salt help ferns grow?
It turns out that ferns are like people this way: they need magnesium and sulphur, too. And they can lose these substances over time through watering. Epsom salt to the rescue! Epsom salt has minerals perfect for fern growth and fern care.
What is the proper way to water a fern?
While ferns like to be kept moist, too much watering will cause root rot. Ensure that the soil is kept moist, but never soaking. Simply place your potted ferns into a sink or bath and then allow them to sit under running water until the water soaks through the soil.
Should ferns be watered from the bottom?
Ferns do not like to dry out (even for a few hours) so keep them well watered. A note on this; ferns prefer to be watered from the bottom. As above, ferns hate full sun; even midday and morning sun can be too much.
How do you rejuvenate a Boston Fern?
Trim the drooping fronds back to about 2 inches long and leave any healthy upright fronds in the center of the plant intact. If all fronds are drying and dying, trim them all to 2 inches. Clean out the dead leaves and check the soil for offsets — baby ferns — which can be separated and planted in their own pots.
Do ferns do well in bathrooms?
Ferns (Various genera)
Many ferns make great houseplants and can handle the temperature fluctuations and humidity in a bathroom environment. Some can even be grown right in a shower stall where they are regularly soaked.
Do ferns like to be showered?
Most tropical ferns also love high humidity. They naturally do well in bathrooms, thanks to steamy showers, but you can also mist their foliage with room temperature water once or twice a day.