How To Keep Ferns Alive Indoors

Are you struggling to keep ferns alive indoors?

Ferns are a beautiful, classic houseplant that can brighten up any room.

But they can be tricky to care for, and many people give up on them too soon.

If you’re having trouble growing this plant in indoor conditions, you can take a look at the following guide.

In this guide, I’ve compiled some tips on how to resolve this issue effectively.

How To Keep Ferns Alive Indoors

Keeping ferns alive in an indoor environment is a bit challenging.

They require high humidity, which can be difficult to achieve in most homes.

Ferns also like filtered light and moist, but not soggy, soil.

So, here are a few tips to help you successfully grow ferns indoors –

1. Provide Bright And Indirect Sunlight To Your Plant

This is the first step towards success.

Ferns need light to photosynthesize, but too much direct sunlight will scorch their delicate leaves.

And too less light will cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually die.

So, find a place in your home that receives bright, indirect light and place your fern there.

If you can’t find such a place, you can grow your fern under artificial light.

Fluorescent lights are a great option, but make sure they’re not too close to the plant.

2. Create A Humid Environment For Your Fern

Ferns are native to tropical rainforests, so they thrive in humid environments.

The ideal relative humidity for ferns is 60-80%.

But most homes have a relative humidity of 30-50%, which is very low for these plants.

There are a few ways to create a more humid environment for your fern.

One way is to place the pot on a tray of pebbles and water.

The water will evaporate and increase the humidity around the plant.

You can also mist the leaves with water regularly.

Just be sure not to mist the soil, as it can lead to root rot.

Another way to create a humid environment is to group your plants together.

Plants release water vapor into the air when they transpire.

So, grouping your plants together will help create a more humid environment for them to grow in.

3. Water Your Fern Regularly

Ferns prefer moist soil for their growth.

So, water your plant when the top inch of soil is dry.

One way to tell if your plant needs water is to stick your finger in the soil.

If it feels dry, it’s time to water the plant.

These plants don’t like sitting in water, so make sure to drain any excess water from the pot.

The root rot can quickly kill your plant if the roots are sitting in water for too long.

As for the frequency, water your fern once or twice a week, depending on the climate and pot size.

In hot weather, you might need to water your plant more often.

4. Apply Fertilizer To Your Fern

Ferns are not heavy feeders, so you don’t need to fertilize them frequently.

But they do benefit from a monthly feeding during the growing season.

You can use a balanced fertilizer that’s low in nitrogen and apply it at half the recommended strength.

Too much nitrogen will cause the plant to produce more leaves at the expense of root growth.

You may also want to consider using a fertilizer with micronutrients.

Ferns are especially fond of iron, so an iron-rich fertilizer can be beneficial.

5. Place Your Fern In A Pot With Drainage Holes

The pot you choose for your fern is important for its growth.

It should have drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to drain out.

If the pot doesn’t have drainage holes, the roots will sit in water and rot.

Ferns also prefer a potting mix that’s rich in organic matter.

So, choose a potting mix that contains sphagnum peat moss, compost, or perlite.

This is especially important if you’re growing ferns without any chemical fertilizer.

6. Prune Your Fern Regularly

Ferns grow quickly, so they need to be pruned regularly to maintain their shape.

Pruning also helps to keep the plant healthy by removing any dead or dying leaves.

To prune your fern, simply cut back the leaves to the desired length with a sharp pair of scissors.

Don’t forget to wear gloves while doing this, as ferns have slightly thick branches.

7. Watch Out For Pests

Ferns are susceptible to a variety of pests, including aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.

These pests can cause the leaves of your plant to turn yellow or brown.

They can also weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to disease.

If you notice any pests on your fern, treat them with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Note: It will take a few applications to eradicate the pests.

8. Repot Your Fern Every Two Or Three Years

Ferns need to be repotted every two or three years to ensure they have enough space to grow.

When repotting, choose a pot that’s only slightly larger than the previous one.

This will help prevent the roots from being disturbed.

It’s also important to use the fresh potting mix when repotting.

This will provide the plant with the nutrients it needs to grow.

Also, if you do not repot your fern, your plant will become pot-bound and will not grow as large as it could.

9. Place Your Fern In An Appropriate Location

Ferns prefer shady, humid locations.

So, if you’re growing them indoors, place them in a spot that gets indirect sunlight.

You can also mist the leaves of your plant to provide it with extra moisture.

But you should perform this task in the morning, so the leaves have time to dry before nightfall.

Misting the leaves at night can create the perfect environment for fungal diseases to develop.

10. Divide Your Fern Every Three Or Four Years

Just like repotting, dividing your fern will help it grow larger.

Depending on its size, it’s a good idea to divide your plant every three or four years.

To divide your fern, carefully remove it from its pot and then divide the root ball into two or three sections.

Each section should have a good amount of roots and leaves.

Then, plant each section in its own pot filled with fresh potting mix.

Water the plants well and place them in a shady, humid location.

Moreover, you can also gift the extra ferns to your friends or family.

How To Keep Ferns Alive In Winter

It’s always challenging to keep plants alive during the winter, as the lack of sunlight and cooler temperatures can be tough on them.

Ferns are no exception.

But, with a little extra care, you can keep your ferns alive in winter.

Here are some tips on how to do it:

1. Bring your ferns indoors before the first frost.
2. Place your ferns in a spot that gets indirect sunlight.
3. Water the plant regularly, but don’t overwater them.
4. Fertilize your ferns every month.
5. Prune your plant regularly to remove any dead or dying leaves.

Note: You don’t have to fertilize the plant if it’s doing well.

In winter, it’s important to keep an eye on your plant and make sure it’s not too cold or too dry.

The harsh conditions can cause the leaves to turn brown and die.

If you notice this happening, immediately move your plant to a warmer location.

Now, let’s look at the different varieties of ferns you can plant in indoor conditions.

Best Indoor Ferns

There are many different varieties of ferns that can grow well in low-light conditions.

Some of the best ones include –

1. Asplenium nidus
2. Nephrolepis exaltata
3. Adiantum capillus-veneris
4. Selaginella willdenowii
5. Pteris cretica

These are just some of the many different types of ferns that can grow well indoors.

So, if you’re looking for a plant that can thrive in low-light conditions, one of these might be a good option for you.

FAQs

Over To You

Ferns are a great option for adding some greenery to your home.

They’re easy to care for and can thrive in low-light conditions.

So, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant, a fern might be a good option for you.

Do let me know if you have any questions.

I would be happy to help.

If you enjoyed this guide on how to keep ferns alive indoors, please feel free to share it with your friends or family.

Happy Planting!