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Ferns
Temperature: Average warmth – cool but not cold nights are desirable. The best temperature range is 60 – 70 F – the minimum for most types is about 50 F and ferns may suffer at more than 75 F.
Light: Despite popular opinion, ferns are not shade lovers indoors as most varieties originated in the dappled brightness of tropical woodland. Good indirect light is the proper locations – an east or north facing windowsill is ideal.
Water: Compost must be kept moist at all times and never allowed to dry out. This does not mean constantly soggy compost – water logging will lead to rotting. Reduce watering in winter.
Air Humidity: Most air is necessary for nearly all ferns. Mist fronds regularly and use a pebble tray or an outer waterproof container.
Repotting: Repot in spring when the roots fill the pot – most young specimens will probably require annual repotting. Do not bury the crown of the plant.
Propagation: The simplest way is to divide the plant into 2 or 3 pieces in early spring if it produces rhizomes. Some ferns produce young plants at the ends of runners (example – Boston Fern) or on fronds (example – Mother Fern). It is possible, but not always easy to raise plants from spores obtained from the underside of mature fronds. |