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Here’s how to divide a Boston fern: Start with a large, full Boston fern plant. Remove plant from its pot. Using a pair of garden forks, divide the root ball in half. Divide the root ball again into quarters. Repot the plants into individual pots or place several in a larger container.
Can I split my Boston fern?
Propagation may also be achieved by dividing Boston fern plants. First, allow the fern roots to dry out a bit and then remove the Boston fern from its pot. Using a large serrated knife, slice the fern’s root ball in half, then quarters and finally into eighths.
Do Boston ferns like to be root bound?
Most Boston ferns benefit from repotting at least every two to three years, although some fast-growing ferns may require repotting more often. Several signs indicate your fern needs a larger home. A badly root-bound fern may crack the pot. It’s a good idea to repot the plant before this happens.
How do you divide and repot a fern?
Dividing ferns is pretty easy, and below is how I do it. Step 1: Grab a fern. Step 2: identify the different crowns and joins. Step 3: Remove from pot (easier said than done sometimes) Step 4: Divide the fern with a clean, sharp knife. Step 5: Plant up with good compost and water well.
How do you repot a Boston fern?
Hold the fern in one hand, then tilt the pot and guide the plant carefully from the container. Place the fern in the new container and fill in around the root ball with potting soil up to about 1 inch (2.5 cm.) from the top. Adjust the soil in the bottom of the container, if necessary.
Can you transplant Boston ferns?
When Boston ferns become overgrown, their roots can crowd the pot and sometimes cause it to crack. Spring is the best time to transplant or divide the plants. Boston ferns are hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11.
Is coffee good for ferns?
Coffee grounds are not good for ferns. Using liquid coffee, used or fresh coffee grounds or any other coffee based product as fertilizer for your ferns will inhibit the growth of the plants. Coffee adds too much nitrogen to the soil for a fern.
Can I divide ferns?
Division of Ferns The best time to divide ferns is in the spring. When separating a fern, you first need to remove it from its old pot or dig up the clump. Once it’s out, brush off and shake loose as much soil as you can. Fern roots are tough and it may take some work to cut through them, but the plant can handle it.
How do you grow a large Boston fern?
How to Grow Boston Ferns Grow Boston ferns indoors in bright, indirect sunlight or outside in filtered shade. Plant outdoor Boston ferns in Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control® Potting Mix and indoor Boston ferns in Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix. Water frequently to keep the soil evenly moist.
How do you multiply ferns?
The quickest way to grow more ferns is through division, preferably in spring. Start by watering your plant the day before you begin. Then, dig it up or gently remove it from its container, and cut or pull the plant into 2 or 3 clumps. Leave at least one growing tip—the spot from which the fronds grow—in each clump.
How do you divide outdoor ferns?
To divide your fern, first dig it out of the ground or pull it out of its pot. If your fern is kept indoors, divide it in the spring when its container is full of roots. Or if your fern is kept outdoors, divide it in the fall or early spring when they lose their leaves or grow new shoots.
Can I transplant ferns?
When to Transplant Ferns Potted ferns can usually be transplanted or repotted anytime but care should be taken if this is performed during its active growth period. Before you move them, you may want to have their new planting area well prepared with plenty of organic matter.
What kind of potting soil do Boston ferns need?
These ferns like organically rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Poorly drained soil can cause root rot and ultimately kill the plant. For container Boston fern plants, use a peat-based potting mix.
Should you repot hanging ferns?
Ferns will require repotting every few years. Divide overcrowded plants by removing them from the pot then use a sharp knife to cut into the root mass, dividing it into 2 or 3 sections. Repot and keep the soil medium evenly moist and supplying humidity for the first few weeks.
How do you make Boston ferns bushy?
An ideal time for pruning is during repotting, when plants can be dramatically cut back. In fact, Boston fern responds well to severe pruning, which encourages more prolific, bushy growth and corrects dull, leggy growth. When pruning Boston fern always use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
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.
