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Hold the fern in one hand, then tilt the pot and guide the plant carefully from the container. Place the fern in the new container and fill in around the root ball with potting soil up to about 1 inch (2.5 cm.) from the top. Adjust the soil in the bottom of the container, if necessary.
Do Boston ferns like to be root bound?
Why Some Plants do Better as Root Bound The reasons some houseplants perform better as root bound houseplants are varied. In some cases, like with a Boston fern or African violets, a houseplant does not transplant well and transplanting the root bound plant will be more likely to kill it then help it.
What kind of soil do Boston ferns like?
They like consistently moist but well-drained soils. Boston ferns grown indoors should be placed near a window, but not in direct sunlight.
How do you repot a dying Boston fern?
Repot your Boston Fern using a well-draining houseplant potting mix, ideally with additional perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. Only water your Boston Fern once the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry, rather than watering on a schedule.
Do ferns need big pots?
Fern plants don’t like containers that are too large for their size, but they can become pot-bound as the roots grow and develop. It’s possible to salvage a pot-bound fern, either by division or by transplanting it to a larger pot.
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.
Can I use potting soil for ferns?
Ferns require indirect sunlight, moist soil, and a humid atmosphere. Ferns prefer potting soil with good drainage and high organic content. A potting mix should have peat moss or sphagnum for moisture retention, sand or gravel for drainage, and sterilized bagged garden loam or potting soil.
How do you know when to repot a Boston fern?
When to Repot Boston Ferns Don’t wait until the pot is badly root bound. If the potting mix is so root-compacted that water runs straight through the pot, or if the roots are growing in a tangled mass on top of the soil, it’s definitely time to repot the plant.
Should I mist my Boston fern?
Boston ferns need a cool place with high humidity and indirect light. When you care for Boston fern plants indoors, it’s a good idea to provide additional humidity for them, especially in the winter. You can also try lightly misting your fern once or twice a week to help it get the humidity it needs.
Can you replant hanging ferns?
You can transplant the entire fern or divide it into smaller bunches. Choosing the correct pot size and planting medium gives you an ideal start to replanting your hanging fern.
Can you grow Boston fern from cuttings?
Ferns can be grown from clippings, also known as cuttings. Place a 1-inch layer of sand in the bottom of a small pot for drainage. Plant the fern clipping 1 inch below the surface and lightly cover with dirt. Do not pack down the soil.
What does an overwatered fern look like?
The first sign that a fern is overwatered is usually yellowing or wilted leaves. The weight of the pot is another indication that a fern needs water. If the soil is dry, the pot will feel very light. Hold off watering for a few days, then test the soil again.
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 make Boston ferns bushy?
An ideal time for pruning is during repotting, when plants can be dramatically cut back. In fact, Boston fern responds well to severe pruning, which encourages more prolific, bushy growth and corrects dull, leggy growth. When pruning Boston fern always use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
How do you repot a large fern?
Ferns will require repotting every few years. Divide overcrowded plants by removing them from the pot then use a sharp knife to cut into the root mass, dividing it into 2 or 3 sections. Repot and keep the soil medium evenly moist and supplying humidity for the first few weeks.
How do you replant a fern?
When transplanting ferns, be sure to dig up the entire clump, getting as much soil with it as possible. Lift the clump from its bottom (or root area) rather than by the fronds, which can lead to breakage. Move it to the prepared location and cover the shallow roots with a couple of inches (5 cm.) of soil.
How often do I water a Boston fern?
Tip number one is these ferns LOVE water! 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.
