Taking Care of Ferns

Ferns can be a wonderful addition to any home for a variety of reasons. Some of those reasons include being able to add a little bit of the natural world to your home or office, creating a healthier atmosphere, while also adding a touch of color to your decor. There is one other reason for ferns being so popular, and that is they are relatively easy to take care of. That being said though, taking care of ferns does require some work. Here are a few simple guidelines that can help you be sure you are providing the best possible care for your ferns.

• Choose the fern. There are several different kinds of ferns that you can choose from, and each of which will require slightly different care. When you are choosing your fern, be sure that you know what type you have, and the basic requirements for that plant. This means that you should know how often it needs to be watered, the proper soil mixture for it, and what type of nutrients it will need.
• Location. Location is always a key factor in taking care of ferns, and something of a balancing act. When choosing the location for your plant, be sure that it is in an area which will receive plenty of sunlight, without overloading the plant. In addition, you should also make sure that the plant is in an easily accessible area, while it is not in an area where it can easily become damaged.
• Choose the proper container. When taking care of ferns, you need to be sure that you choose the proper container. What this really means is that you need to be sure that you know what the labor requirements of you using certain types of containers will be. For example, if you use a terra cotta or clay container then you will find yourself watering your plants more often. The reason for this is that these types of containers actually draw out the moisture in the soil.
• Watch the water. It is very easy to incorrectly water a fern. There are two things that you need to keep an eye on when taking care of ferns. The first is that you know how much water your particular fern species requires. The second is that you need to know how the container you have the plant in will affect the moisture level of the soil. After you have those figured out, periodically and regularly check the moisture level of your soil and add water as necessary to ensure the plant's health.
• Keep an eye out for bugs. Just because your plant is inside doesn't mean that you won't run the risk of insect infestation. As you water your fern, take time to actually inspect the plant for any insects or bugs. If you find any, remove them to ensure the proper health for your plant.
• Don't forget to dust. A common problem for indoor plants and ferns in particular, is that of dust. Just as with furniture, you will need to periodically check to make sure that your fern isn't becoming dusty. If it is, then dust it. When dusting your fern though, be sure that you are not using any chemicals, and only using misted water and then wiping off the plant leaves.