Taking Care of Ferns

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated July 28, 2023)

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.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Spotting a Lemon

Purchasing any new or used car can be an extremely nerve wracking experience. One of the biggest concerns is that you are ...

Discover More

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

It's that time of the week again, your turn to come up with a meal for dinner, but you have no idea what to make. Well, ...

Discover More

Lowering Your Property Tax

The property tax bill is probably one of the most hated bills that any homeowner needs to pay. Often this is because ...

Discover More
More Gardening Tips

Decorative Planters

Planters can be more than just an item to hold and protect your plants. Rather, they can also be a great element for ...

Discover More

Caring for Poinsettias

Poinsettias are one of the most beloved of all "Christmas" plants, and are sought out year after year for their beauty ...

Discover More

Transferring Potted Plants

When a potted plant has more stems and leaves than soil in its pot, then it's time to transfer the plant to a larger pot. ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Receive an e-mail several times each week with a featured gardening tip. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 2 + 8?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Receive an e-mail several times each week with a featured gardening tip. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)