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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 Boston ferns inside?
Boston ferns die if exposed to lower temperatures. The best indoor temperature range for these voluptuous plants is between 68 and 78 F, notes Colorado State University Extension. Outdoors, the plants can take considerably higher temperatures as long as you grow them in shade and give them enough water.
What temperature kills Boston ferns?
Extreme Heat is Unhealthy 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.
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 take care of a Boston fern indoors?
Situate Boston ferns indoors in bright, indirect sunlight away from drafty doors and heating vents. Provide as much humidity as possible and carefully monitor the soil to ensure plants stay consistently moist. You can set the plants on pebble trays filled with water, so long as the pot does not sit in standing water.
Can you bring Boston ferns inside during winter?
To overwinter indoors, these handsome and hardy ferns need cool night time temperatures and lots of bright, indirect light like that from a south window not blocked by trees or buildings. Daytime temperatures should not reach over 75 degrees F. Water needs!Oct 4, 2014.
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.
Do Boston ferns go dormant?
Deciduous ferns enter a state of dormancy and lose their fronds in winter. Evergreen ferns such as Boston fern, however, keep their fronds in winter and continue to grow year-round, never entering a state of dormancy. They require their care, watering and feeding to remain the same throughout the year.
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 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 keep ferns alive indoors in winter?
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.
Where should I place my Boston fern?
Boston ferns do best in bright, indirect light. Too much shade can result in sparse fronds that aren’t their typical bright color. And too much sun can burn the fronds. So both outdoors and indoors, make sure direct sunlight won’t hit your plant.
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.
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.
Can you leave Boston ferns outside in winter?
Those in subtropical zones without frost and freezing temperatures can learn how to overwinter a Boston fern outdoors. In USDA Hardiness Zones 8b through 11, it’s possible to provide outdoor winter care for Boston fern.
How do I get my plants ready for bringing inside?
More videos on YouTube Step 1 – Figure Out What You Want to Bring Inside. Step 2 – Gather All Your Supplies in One Place. Step 3 – Groom and Trim Plants. Step 4 – Check for Insects. Step 5 – Refresh Your Soil. Step 6 – Repot If Necessary. Step 7 – Water with a Deep Soak. Step 8 – Bring Your Plants Inside.
At what temperature should you bring your plants in at night?
You will need to bring your plants indoors before nighttime temperatures dip below 45 degrees (F). Most tropical plants will suffer damage at temperatures below 40 degrees, a few even below 50 degrees. Inspect plants for insects and diseases, and treat as appropriate before bringing plants back inside.
How do you take care of indoor plants before bringing in?
Use mild liquid soap for soaking plants. Cleaning plant leaves. Remove floating debris to keep plants clean. Scrub the plant pot to clean it. Remove debris before soaking more plants. Soaking potted plants to kill bugs. Debugging houseplants that are too large to soak.
