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When to Repot Boston Ferns If the potting mix is so root-compacted that water runs straight through the pot, or if the roots are growing in a tangled mass on top of the soil, it’s definitely time to repot the plant. Boston fern repotting is best done when the plant is actively growing in spring.
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.
When should I repot my fern?
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.
Can you overwater a Boston fern?
Although Boston fern prefers slightly moist soil, it is likely to develop rot and other fungal diseases in soggy, waterlogged soil. The first sign that a fern is overwatered is usually yellowing or wilted leaves. Boston fern watering is enhanced if you provide a humid environment.
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 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.
Can you replant hanging ferns?
Regular transplanting to larger pots gives the roots enough space to grow. You can transplant the entire fern or divide it into smaller bunches. Choosing the correct pot size and planting medium gives you an ideal start to replanting your hanging fern.
How do you grow a Boston fern big?
Repot the ferns into large planters or hanging baskets. The ferns we buy always come in the plastic hanging baskets. Fertilize. Ferns don’t require much fertilizer… Water frequently, but water the right way. Cut off any brown fronds. Choose the right light. Rotate occasionally. Don’t toss the metal basket!.
How do you take care of a Boston fern in a hanging basket?
Ferns in hanging baskets tend to dry out quickly and require more frequent watering, especially during the summer months. Be careful not to overwater during the winter. Feed a fern in a hanging container every month during spring and summer using a balanced, water soluble fertilizer mixed to half strength.
Should I cut the dead leaves off my fern?
To improve their appearance, you should prune out any brown or yellow fronds from indoor ferns. Pruning out these dead fronds also improves airflow around the plant, which helps reduce fungal or mold problems.
Why are the tips of my Boston fern turning brown?
Boston fern browning may be caused by poor soil, inadequate drainage, lack of water or humidity, too much light, excess salt, or simply mechanical injury. If your cat tends to chew on the leaves, the tips will turn brown and die.
Should I mist my Boston fern?
Boston ferns need a cool place with high humidity and indirect light. When you care for Boston fern plants indoors, it’s a good idea to provide additional humidity for them, especially in the winter. You can also try lightly misting your fern once or twice a week to help it get the humidity it needs.
Should I mist my fern?
Misting is good for broad-leaf ferns and those of simple-leaf forms. Use less spray on crinkled varieties, which tend to collect moisture and hold it, contributing to development of fungus. Humidity can be increased in the vicinity of the plants when pots are set on trays of moist pebles or on damp sand.
How do I make my 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.
How do you repot a rootbound fern?
How to Repot a Root-Bound Boston Fern Fill the bottom of the new pot with enough soil to bring the Boston fern up to the level it was at originally. Add soil around the sides, tamping down gently as you go to eliminate air pockets around the plant’s roots.
Can I pour leftover coffee on plants?
A weak solution of coffee, as shown on the left, is perfect. Don’t just pour it down the drain — you can use it to fertilize your container-grown plants. Coffee grounds (and brewed coffee) are a source of nitrogen for plants, which is the nutrient that produces healthy green growth and strong stems.
Can you use Miracle Grow on ferns?
Use Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food for larger Boston ferns and those grown outdoors, and Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food for smaller indoor Boston ferns. The amount you use to fertilize your fern will vary depending on its size, so be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
