I am wintering Boston ferns for the first time. When is the best time to reintroduce them to my front porch? The porch faces east.
As soon as the temperatures began to warm and the danger of frost has passed you can began to wake up the ferns.
Began to water and watch for new growth to appear.
Do you water a Boston fern in the middle or around the edges?
I like to water around the edges of the fern and then water around the center of the pot as well.
Use a long spouted watering can to reach down into the soil. Fronds can break or be damaged easily, so be gentle on the Fern.
Also once a month the entire pot can be set in a tray of water to make sure the entire plant is receiving moisture.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/boston-fern/boston-fern-care.htm
What temperature will Boston Ferns tolerate?
The lowest temperatures that your Boston Fern can tolerate are about 30 to 35 degrees F.
The best range to grow healthy ferns is 68 to 78 degrees F.
Can they be left outdoors in sun or is shade preferable
Full to partial shade is preferred.
Here is a link with more info on Boston Ferns;
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/boston-fern/boston-fern-outdoors.htm
Can I use a fragrant (lavender) Epsom salt added to water for fertilizing it?
A fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20-10-20 is the correct one for your Boston Fern. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to one-quarter strength. You can also use organic fish emulsion.
This article provides some additional tips on fertilizing your Boston Fern:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/boston-fern/boston-fern-fertilizer.htm
My enormous (really!) Boston fern has been spending every winter in my friend's greenhouse, but that is no longer possible. I've read that they can be allowed to go dormant, but I'm not sure of the exact process. Since the fern is so large, I cannot move her gradually to my basement. It takes several people to move her. So I will need to move her all at once. Should I cut her back to the stems--cutting off most of the green? Otherwise, she will lose the greens and make a huge mess. Also, should I water her about once a month or so? I've read to keep her in a dark place, no colder than 55 degrees. We live in the Northeast with freezing temps, so my basement is my only option. Thank you!
Wow, that is an enormous fern! You should be able to overwinter the fern in your basement. Cut off all the foliage may be risky, but you can cut maybe half of it. When you move it indoors, try putting the whole thing in trash bag after watering it well. This should keep it moist for the winter. And that way the foliage that drops off should collect in the bag.
Over the winter, you should water sparingly, about once a month as you suggest, but avoid fertilizing. Also remove the dead foliage once in a while.
Another option is dividing the plant now to make it more manageable.
What type of soil for repotting Boston fern?
A mixture of quality potting soil and peat moss, with some perlite or sand mixed in, is best for Boston fern. This will keep the roots constantly moist, but not waterlogged, as they prefer.