Kimberly Queen ferns are known to be a fast-growing species, with some reaching full maturity in as few as 6-12 weeks. This species of fern is a well-known favorite of gardeners and homeowners, as they are relatively easy to care for and can grow relatively quickly.
Depending on the environment and the specific conditions, they can grow upwards of 3-5 inches in a single week, so they can fill in larger spaces fairly quickly. With adequate water, they can reach up to 24 inches in height, although they can be kept shorter as desired with occasional pruning.
The best method for growing Kimberly Queen ferns is to keep the soil moist, plant in a spot that is partially shady and get enough sunlight, and use organic matter such as compost and mulch to help with growth.
Do Kimberly Queen ferns come back every year?
No, Kimberly Queen ferns are not an annual plant, meaning they do not come back on their own every year. They are in fact a tender evergreen perennial, meaning they can survive outdoors in USDA zones 8-11 without damage from cold weather.
In colder climates, it should be grown as a houseplant or moved indoors during the winter months. However, with a little extra care, it is possible for a Kimberly Queen fern to live for several years in colder climates.
It is also important to note that even in its native climate, it does not spread quickly like other ferns. So it is best to keep an eye on the plant and trim away any leaves that have died back, as well as to thin the fronds regularly.
Can Kimberly Queen ferns be planted outside?
Yes, Kimberly Queen ferns can be planted outside. These attractive ferns are perfect for a shaded outdoor area where they will receive dappled sunlight and stay moist without becoming waterlogged. They prefer warm and humid climates, making them a good choice for USDA hardiness zones 8-10, or sheltered locations in cooler climates.
You should plant in part to full shade with moist, but not soggy, soil and a generous layer of mulch. To optimize the growth of your Kimberly Queen fern, fertilize the soil in the spring with slow-release fertilizer and provide regular water.
Dead fronds should be pruned back to the crown of the plant to maintain an attractive shape. When well cared for, your Kimberly Queen can reach up to 3 feet in height and width.
How much sun can a Kimberly Queen fern take?
Kimberly Queen ferns thrive with bright indirect light and protected from direct sunlight, otherwise the fronds can become sunburned or scorched. Because of their sensitivity to direct sunlight, it is recommended to place a Kimberly Queen fern near a north or east-facing window, such as in a room with a few sheer curtains that filter out most of the direct sunlight.
In addition, the easiest way to ensure the sunlight never becomes too intense is to simply keep Kimberly Queen ferns away from direct sunlight during the peak hours of 10 a. m. and 4 p. m. during the summer months.
Should I cut back my Kimberly Queen fern?
Whether or not you should cut back your Kimberly Queen fern will depend on the size, condition, and placement of the fern. Over time, ferns can become leggy, spindly, and much larger than when they were originally planted.
If you want to keep a certain size fern, then pruning it is a good option. Pruning also encourages new growth and helps the plant to remain healthy. To properly prune, you should use a sharp tool such as pruning shears.
Start by removing any dead, damaged, or spindly fronds. Then, use the shears to trim off any fronds that look disproportionate or out of place. To maintain a desired size, it is best to trim back a little bit of the fern at a time and prune it regularly.
Pruning is also important for plants grown in containers because this helps them to stay healthy and prevent them from becoming potbound. In addition to pruning, you should check the soil regularly to make sure that it is moist, as over-watering can cause ferns to rot.
Additionally, look for signs of pests or diseases, as these can sometimes be a problem with ferns.
What is the difference between a Boston fern and a Kimberly fern?
Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata) and Kimberly ferns (Nephrolepis obliterata) are two different species of fern that come from the same Nephrolepis genus. Boston ferns feature long, graceful fronds and a vase-like shape, while Kimberly ferns are more bushy and mounding in their growth habit.
Boston ferns can grow quite large, up to four feet in height and about double in width, and prefer warm, humid environments, moderate to indirect light and moist soil. Kimberly ferns, on the other hand, are smaller, one or two feet in height, and prefer brighter, more direct sun and moist, but not overly saturated soil.
Both are considered low maintenance houseplants, and can make for an attractive addition to any home.
Which fern is for full sun?
Outside of the more tolerant varieties such as Japanese painted ferns, rabbit’s foot ferns, and staghorn ferns, other options include the tall Ostrich ferns that thrive in moist but full sun gardens as well as the dainty-looking Hay-scented fern.
Lady ferns also happily grow near full sun and in partial shade while tree-like Australian tree ferns need to be placed in full sun.
The Boston fern—a popular household choice—can also be grown in full sun as long as it’s placed in well-draining soil, while maidenhair ferns will thrive in full sun as long as they’re watered regularly.
Additionally, Autumn ferns prefer partial to full sun, the colorful Foxtail fern can be grown in full sun with moist soil, and even Lady-in-a-net ferns will happily adapt to outdoor environments where there’s plenty of sunshine.
Why are my Kimberly Queen ferns turning yellow?
First, the plant may have become too dry. Ferns generally appreciate ample moisture and should never be allowed to get too dry. Make sure your plant is in a well draining pot with moist soil that you water regularly.
Second, the plant may be getting too much light. Ferns prefer bright, indirect light. Exposing the plant to too much direct sunlight can burn its delicate fronds, which will turn yellow. Make sure your Kimberly Queen fern isn’t in a spot that receives more than 1-1.
5 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Third, overwatering can cause problems. If the soil is overly saturated with water, this can create anaerobic conditions in the soil. This can lead to root rot, which will cause the fronds to yellow and drop off.
Try to only water your plant when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch.
Finally, the plant may be suffering from something called leaf spot or blotch, which is a fungal disease. To treat, prune off any infected fronds and discard them. Also, make sure the plants are getting enough air circulation.
If none of these potential causes seem to fit, you should also consider visiting a local nursery or plant specialist. There may be other causes that are specific to your plant’s unique living conditions.
Can Boston ferns take full sun?
No, Boston ferns cannot take full sun. They prefer more indirect, filtered sunlight and should be kept out of direct, hot sunlight. As a tropical plant, Boston ferns need to be kept moist and in an environment where temperatures won’t drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
In partial, indirect sun, it’s important to water your Boston fern regularly and make sure the soil does not become dry. Too much bright sunlight can scorch the fronds and cause them to turn brown or yellow.
Boston ferns can also be kept indoors, although they won’t thrive near a south, west, or east window where full sun can hit them. These ferns do best near a north window or in a shady part of the house, where they will receive no direct sunlight.
When exposed to direct sun, keep the soil moist and mist the leaves to provide additional moisture.
Do Kimberly ferns grow fast?
Kimberly ferns do have a fast growth rate, particularly when they are given the right soil and light conditions. The ferns prefer soil that is well-draining, humid and damp, and they prefer partial shade, to full sun.
They also need a nutrient rich soil with a lot of organic matter. When the ferns are given these optimal growing conditions, they can grow quite rapidly, forming multiple fronds in a single growing season.
Additionally, if the growing conditions are particularly favorable, the Kimberly ferns can start to propagate themselves and produce additional shoots.
Are Kimberly ferns winter hardy?
Kimberly ferns are relatively hardy in winter if grown in mild climates, such as USDA Hardiness Zone 8 and above. With winter temperatures in Zone 8 starting at 10°F and rarely dropping below 15°F, a Kimberly fern should be able to survive with minimal protection.
In particular, they are very wind-resistant and can handle light frosts with protection.
If you live in Zones 6 or 7 then you can still grow a Kimberly fern, as long as it is sheltered from extreme temperature drops. Plant it in an area that is not exposed to strong winds and install a windbreak around it.
In addition, mulching the soil around the plants can help keep roots warmer and providing frost protection for the leaves if temperatures drop below freezing.
Can fern survive winter?
Yes, many ferns can survive winter. Most ferns grow in winter zones, which have low temperatures and a lack of snow accumulation. In cold climates, deciduous ferns naturally enter a dormancy period during the cold months of winter.
These ferns typically lose their fronds but come back strong when temperatures rise in the spring. Evergreen ferns will also typically remain green and active during the winter, although some species require a bit of protection from cold or dry winds.
Additionally, both deciduous and evergreen ferns can be grown in containers and brought indoors during the winter to protect them from freezing temperatures. In colder climates, ferns grown in planters should be kept in a sheltered area or mulched to protect their root systems from winter cold.
It is important to keep planter-grown ferns well-drained in winter for the best chance of surviving.