Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata) can be grown and kept outdoors as long as temperatures remain warm enough. While they can survive temperatures down to 45̊ F, they thrive best in temperatures between 60̊ F and 75̊ F.
In temperatures much lower than 45̊ F, the aerial foliage may suffer, in some cases beyond repair, even in areas with mild winters. Boston ferns grown in too cool of conditions will brown, wither and shrivel.
For summer outdoor temperatures, avoid temperatures above 90 temps as Boston ferns like to stay cool in summer. If grown outdoors in these higher temperatures, extra watering will be needed daily.
Can I leave my Boston fern outside in the winter?
Unfortunately, no, you cannot leave a Boston fern outside in the winter. Boston ferns are tropical plants and are not able to withstand cold temperatures. They will not survive the winter outdoors unless they are kept in a heated greenhouse or indoors in a room that stays above freezing temperatures.
Boston ferns require high humidity and several hours of indirect sunlight each day, so if you plan to keep it indoors you may need to invest in a humidifier. Outdoor temperatures also produce much harsher light than indoors, and the sun’s rays can quickly scorch the delicate fronds of a Boston fern.
It is not a good idea to let your Boston fern sit in direct sun, even during the summer months. Therefore, it is best to keep your Boston fern inside during the winter months, and move it outdoors exclusively during the spring and summer.
How do you keep ferns alive outside?
In order to keep ferns alive outside, it is important to provide them with the right environmental conditions. Ferns thrive in moist, shady areas, so one of the most important steps to keeping them alive is to provide these areas with ample moisture at all times.
This can be done through regular watering, as well as things like mulching, adding soil amendments, and/or installing a drip system or other irrigation source. It is also important to make sure the soil remains acidic, and therefore some gardeners opt to add organic material such as peat moss or compost.
When it comes to sunlight, it is important to note that too much sun can be harmful to ferns, so it is best to avoid planting them in particularly sunny spots. Furthermore, during times of extreme heat or cold, ferns should be protected from the sun to ensure their survival.
In conclusion, adequate moisture and protection from too much sun are key for keeping ferns alive outside. Considering the right soil conditions, providing regular water and protection from the sun, and adding organic material to the soil will ensure that ferns grow and thrive in their natural environment.
When should I bring my Boston fern inside?
The best time to bring a Boston fern indoors is in late summer or early fall when the weather starts to cool off. This will help to avoid exposing the plant to temperatures that are too low or too high.
The plant should be kept in an area with bright indirect light, such as near a window. Make sure to keep the soil damp but not soggy and supplement with a balanced liquid fertilizer every other week during the growing season.
During winter, reduce watering and fertilizing as the plant enters a dormant period. Bring Boston ferns outside again in early spring as temperatures start to warm.
How long will ferns last outside?
Ferns are a hardy, durable plant that can last for many years outdoors when taken care of properly. Depending on the weather conditions and the type of fern, they can live for 1-3 years in temperate climates, and often longer in more mild climates with temperatures consistently below 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Proper care includes giving the ferns adequate moisture and nutrients, as well as making sure they get enough sunlight, as most ferns grow best in shade, especially during the hot summer months. Protecting ferns from strong winds and from extreme heat or humidity can also help extend their lifespan outdoors.
Additionally, it is always important to keep an eye out for bugs, disease, and pests that can affect ferns. With proper care and the right conditions, a fern can live for multiple years outdoors and continue to thrive.
How do you take care of ferns outside in the winter?
In order to care for ferns outside during the winter, there are several steps to take in preparation. Taking extra care of ferns during the winter months is especially important as cold temperatures can damage them.
First, if you live in a climate that experiences freezing temperatures, it is important to bring your ferns indoors and store them somewhere cool and dark. If you plan on putting your ferns back outdoors after the cold season is over, make sure to rake away all of the dead foliage as it will accumulate and leave the ground prone to mold and rot.
For ferns that you choose to leave outside, protect them from the cold by draping them in a floating or horticultural fleece sheet. This will protect them from the wind, and snow, retaining the heat around the leaves, and insulating them from the frost.
Wrapping will also reduce the amount of evaporation, which will be beneficial in conserving the soil moisture.
If you do decide to wrap your ferns, be sure to check on them throughout the winter, as too much moisture may cause fungal diseases or rotting. A good way to make sure of this is to gently lift up the covering and check for any dampness or dead foliage.
If the ferns need more water, it is important to only water when the temperature is above 5°C, as colder temperatures can shock them and make them susceptible to toxicities, such as chlorine in tap water.
Lastly, when the cold temperatures have completely passed, your ferns will need to be gradually reintroduced to the everyday sun. Otherwise, they may become scorched or develop brown patches on the surface of the fronds.
Transplanting them into a new pot or patch of soil can also help to restore their health back to normal after a cold winter.
How often should ferns be watered?
Ferns do best when they are kept consistently moist – not overly wet, but not allowed to dry out. Depending on the size of your fern, the container it is planted in, and other factors such as light, temperature, and humidity, you may have to water your fern more often in the summer months and less often in the winter.
Generally speaking, aim to water your fern when the top ½-1 inch of soil is dry. Additionally, if your fern is planted in a pot without drainage holes, aim to water it more lightly, as standing water can quickly rot the roots.
It’s best to water ferns from the bottom if you can; this is especially helpful if your fern is planted in a pot without a drainhole. You could fill a sink or deep container with tepid water and set the pot in it, allowing the pot to absorb water from the bottom as needed.
What is the lowest temperature a fern can tolerate?
Ferns are pretty resilient plants and can survive in a wide range of temperatures depending on the species. Most ferns can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F (4.4°C) and as high as 90°F (32°C). Some ferns, such as the Maidenhair Fern and the Deer Fern, can tolerate temperatures as low as 32°F (0°C).
The lowest temperature a fern can actually tolerate will depend on the individual species and its level of winter hardiness. If you plan to grow ferns outdoors, it is important to check the hardiness zone of the species you’re growing to ensure that it is compatible with your climate, as even hardy ferns can be damaged by extreme temperatures.
How often should I water my outside fern?
Ferns like moist soil, but they also need good drainage and air circulation. When the soil of your outside fern is dry to the touch—usually about 1-2 inches down—it’s time to water your fern. Water your fern thoroughly so the entire pot gets wet, and then allow the excess water to drain out of the pot’s drainage holes.
Depending on the climate, you may need to water your outside fern anywhere from several times a week to once a week. During the summer months, when temperatures are warm and the sun is shining, your fern may need to be watered more frequently.
During the winter months, when temperatures are cooler and the sun is less intense, you may need to water your fern less frequently. Over-watering your fern can be just as harmful as under-watering it, leading to root rot and eventual death of your fern.
To determine how often to water your fern, it’s usually best to check the soil frequently and only water when it’s necessary.
How often should you water fern hanging baskets?
The frequency of watering for fern hanging baskets will depend largely on the environment where it is being kept and the variety of fern planted. In general, ferns are quite sensitive to both over and under-watering so it is important to assess the soil moisture regularly and water accordingly.
Generally, ferns should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Keeping the soil lightly moist helps the fern stay healthy and will ensure vibrant foliage. In the warmer months, hanging baskets may need to be watered more frequently than during the cooler months.
It is also advisable to mist or shower the foliage with a light spray of water a few times a week. Additionally, to help maintain soil moisture and reduce water loss, a thick layer of mulch can be added to the top of the soil.
Why are my hanging ferns dying?
It is likely that your hanging ferns are dying due to a lack of proper care. Ferns need medium to high indirect light or bright indirect light. If they do not receive this, they can become weakened or burned.
Additionally, they require lots of humidity. If the environment is too dry, they can suffer.
Ferns also need evenly watering. Be sure to never over-water them. If the soil is covered with standing water, the roots will rot. Remember to let the soil almost completely dry out before you give them a drink again.
Furthermore, be sure to fertilize your ferns—but only during active growth periods.
Check your hanging ferns for signs of pests or disease. If they have either, they will need to be treated immediately. You may need to take your ferns down and give them a soapy water bathroom to eliminate the pests and stop the spread of disease.
Finally, make sure that your ferns have proper air circulation. If they are in a poorly ventilated area, they can suffer.
Again, improper care contributes to the death of hanging ferns. By paying attention to your ferns’ environment, light, water, and air flow, you can ensure their health and prevent them from dying.
What is the way to water a fern?
When watering a fern, it is best to water from the top and saturate the soil. Try to apply enough water to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Avoid frequent light waterings, as ferns do not like their roots to be water-logged.
Ideally, water a fern once every 7-14 days, depending on the prevailing environment. A good rule of thumb is to wait until the soil at the base of the pot begins to feel dry before giving it a drink of water.
During the spring and summer months, when the plant is actively growing and photosynthesizing, increase watering slightly. Reduce watering during the colder and darker winter months. In addition, the amount of water given to the fern should be adjusted according to humidity and temperature variations.
If the atmosphere is hot and dry, increase the amount of water, and conversely if it is cool and wet, reduce the frequency of waterings. Furthermore, consider the method you use to water. For smaller-sized plants, try using a mister or spray bottle, and for larger ferns, using a watering can with a nozzle will deliver a soft shower of water evenly over the plant.
How much water do ferns need?
Ferns vary in their water needs, depending on the species and the environment in which they grow. In general, ferns need moist soil and should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
They prefer humid climates and should be misted frequently to replicate their natural growing environments. In dry climates, ferns should be watered more often – about one inch of water per week – and, like other plants in this environment, may benefit from weekly applications of a water-soluble fertilizer.
In climates of high humidity, water deeply and less often–every two to three weeks; or when the soil or surrounding air becomes very dry. Ferns also appreciate the addition of plenty of organic material, such as leaf litter or compost, to aerate the soil and help retain moisture.
How do you give hanging plants water?
Giving water to hanging plants can be a bit tricky and requires more effort than simply providing water to plants in a pot. Generally, hanging plants should be watered in one of two ways: overhead or manual.
To overhead water hanging plants, you will need a garden hose or watering can with a long nozzle. Start by positioning the hose or watering can as close to the basket of the hanging plant as possible and turn on the water.
Envision a clock face and water for about 6-8 seconds in each direction. Do this for about three revolutions, then you can move the hose or watering can to the next plant. Keep in mind that the outer edges of the basket may hold less soil, so aim to give the center of the planter more water.
If you choose the manual approach, use a bottle or a watering can with a narrow spout to water your hanging basket. Tilt the bottle or watering can to ensure the water runs out of the spout. Direct it into the center of the basket and pour water until it weeps out at the edge of the basket.
This will ensure the roots of the plant will get plenty of water and make sure the moisture penetrates the full soil depth. If you’re unsure if there is enough moisture, feel the soil. Depending on the plant and its environment, you will likely need to water hanging plants every few days when it’s hot, or every week when it’s cooler.
How cold is too cold for hanging ferns?
It depends on the type of fern you are trying to hang, as some types of ferns like warmer temperatures than others. In general, ferns should be kept out of temperatures below 55°F (12°C). Staying within this temperature range will help ensure that the fern is able to stay healthy and thrive.
However, if the temperature drops below 45°F (7°C), then the fern is likely to suffer from cold damage and may even die, depending on how long it is exposed to the cold. It is also important to note that dry winter air can also be damaging to ferns and can make them more susceptible to cold temperatures.