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Before the first frost of the fall is the perfect time to bring potted ferns indoors for the winter. Here are a few tips to keep them healthy and happy. Hose down each plant to clean the foliage and then inspect closely for insects that might be hiding in the foliage.
What temperature should you bring ferns inside?
Most ferns like an average room temperature of 65 to 75 degrees F during the day, up to 10 degrees cooler at night. If temperatures exceed 75 degrees F, you may need to water more frequently. Below 60 degrees, add water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
What temperature is too cold for ferns?
In fact, they generally prefer daytime temperatures below 72 degrees Fahrenheit and night-time temperatures below 60 degrees F.
Should I bring my ferns inside?
Ferns can be tolerant of cool temperatures, but if they are left out through a frost, they injure easily. A frost can not only kill off a fern’s foliage, but stunt and damage its roots as well. If you want to save your ferns for next year, they need to be brought inside before a hard frost or freeze.
How do you winterize a fern?
How to Overwinter Potted Ferns Trim the fern, removing the shoots at the outside of the pot and keeping only the most upright shoots in the middle. Bring the fern inside and place it in a bright, sunny room where the temperature will stay between 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Water the fern once a week.
When can I put my fern outside?
They grow best when temperatures reach no higher than 75 degrees during the day and 65 degrees at night. A temperature of 95 degrees or higher may kill a Boston fern. Outdoors they should be placed in a sheltered spot where the temperature does not get this hot.
Can ferns survive cold weather?
Several fern varieties flourish in cold weather, and they are known as hardy ferns. The western sword fern (Polystichum munitum) is accustomed to life in the cold forests of Alaska, and it lives in hardiness zones 3 to 8, where temperatures range from -40F to 20F. It’ll survive the cold without any attention from you.
Can ferns survive 40 degrees?
If their leaves turn yellow, the plants are not getting enough humidity. Boston ferns thrive in temperatures in the 60s and 70s but can tolerate an occasional blast of cold air of 40 to 50 degrees for a few hours.
When should you bring plants inside?
The best time to bring plants inside is when nighttime temperatures start to dip below 55 to 60 F. (12-15 C.). Before bringing container plants indoors, check for pests that may be living in the soil. Submerge each pot in warm water for 15 minutes to drive any insects or slugs to the surface.
Do ferns need to be covered for frost?
Ferns can handle a bit of chill, and even a light frost for that matter, but not a hard frost or freeze. As temperatures begin to drop in mid to late fall, plants need to be covered or brought indoors on nights when a heavy frost or freeze is expected.
Can I bring my outdoor fern inside?
Ferns grown in containers outdoors may survive the winter in very cold climates if you bring them indoors. Indoors, give your fern a medium level of indirect light, no additional fertilizer and a bit less water than you gave it during the growing season outdoors.
How do you let Boston ferns go dormant?
If you do not have the light requirements for overwintering a Boston in the house, you can let it go dormant by placing the plant in its container in a garage, basement, or outdoor building where the temperature doesn’t go below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Light is not required, though watering once per month is.
How often should ferns be watered?
Outdoor Ferns As a rule, they prefer 1 to 2 inches of water a week, but this also depends on the soil and the growth rate. Ferns grown in light, sandy soil require more frequent watering than those grown in dense clay soil.
Do ferns come back in the spring?
Ferns will die back when it gets cold in winter, but they will begin to grow again in spring.
Do ferns go dormant in winter?
Deciduous ferns enter a state of dormancy and lose their fronds in winter. Their roots remain alive, and their feathery top growth returns in spring. Evergreen ferns such as Boston fern, however, keep their fronds in winter and continue to grow year-round, never entering a state of dormancy.
How do you take care of indoor ferns?
Most ferns like an evenly moist soil with regular waterings. Allowing the soil to dry out between waterings stresses these plants. Bushy ferns can be difficult to water. Try using a watering can with a long spout to direct the water to the center of the plant.
How do you make a fern greener?
Most ferns grow best in full or dappled shade. Adequate shade will produce lush, dark green foliage. We recommend 65% to 75% shade, depending on your location. (Less may be needed in the winter when the days are shorter.)Jul 15, 2010.
