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How do you keep Boston ferns alive in the winter?
The plant needs cool nighttime temps and lots of bright, indirect light like that from a south window not blocked by trees or buildings. Daytime temperatures should not be over 75 degrees F. (24 C.). High humidity is necessary to keep the Boston fern as a houseplant.
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.
Can you overwinter ferns in garage?
You don’t have to provide your ferns with a light source (even a dark spot is okay), and you don’t have to give them any special care. Because they’ll simply go dormant for the winter. Just find a spot in your basement or garage that doesn’t get below 45 degrees, and your ferns should overwinter beautifully.
Do Boston ferns live through the 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.
Can I leave my Boston fern outside in the winter?
Boston ferns can survive outside temperatures of 46 degrees F, but a sudden drop in temperatures may damage the foliage by causing misshapen fronds and crinkled leaflets.
How do you revive ferns after winter?
How to Revive a Fern Losing Leaves Increase the humidity to 50% with a humidifier. Place your fern near other potted plants and mist every day. Water the fern as often as required so that the soil is consistently and evenly moist. Keep the temperature between 65℉ and 75℉ and slightly cooler at night to revive your fern.
Can I cut back my Boston fern for the winter?
Pruning a Boston Fern way back in fall means far less space is needed for over-wintering. It will gradually put out new growth, but it won’t grow out as quickly during winter as it would after a spring trim. By spring, the foliage will be large and full again.
What is the lowest temperature a Boston fern can tolerate?
One of the oldest plants in the world, Boston Ferns like bright but indirect sunlight and optimum temperatures of 60°F – 75°F /15°C – 24°C but will tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F /10°C.
Do Boston ferns come back every year?
Like many other varieties of semitropical plants, Boston fern grows as a perennial in warm climates, but won’t overwinter in areas that experience freezing temperatures. In cold climates, you must bring this type of fern indoors or grow it as an annual.
What do I do with my fern in the winter?
Cut Them Down. With fertilizing applied in the spring, and division in the fall, there is not much maintenance required in the winter for most ferns. What you can do is cut back all of the browned and dead fronds in late winter; cut all the fronds down to within a few inches of the plant’s crown.
Can hanging ferns survive winter?
As it turns out, ferns are one of the easiest plants of all to overwinter. All it takes is a little fall prep work to the fern, and a cool but protected space indoors to keep them going. This container plant can easily be saved for life again on the porch next year.
How do you take care of a Boston fern in a hanging basket?
Ferns in hanging baskets tend to dry out quickly and require more frequent watering, especially during the summer months. Be careful not to overwater during the winter. Feed a fern in a hanging container every month during spring and summer using a balanced, water soluble fertilizer mixed to half strength.
At what temperature should Boston ferns be brought inside?
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. Once a month in spring and summer, feed them a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer.
How do you make Boston ferns greener?
Here are a few of the factors that may cause them to turn yellow. Ferns can stay lush and green all year round! Boston Ferns love shade and moist soil. Epsom salt has minerals perfect for fern growth and fern care. Ferns love shady spots in the yard. A little Epsom salt every month will keep them healthy.
Should I cut the dead leaves off my fern?
To improve their appearance, you should prune out any brown or yellow fronds from indoor ferns. Pruning out these dead fronds also improves airflow around the plant, which helps reduce fungal or mold problems.
How do you winterize a fern plant?
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.
