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Top Questions About Boston Fern Plants

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Questions About Boston Fern Plants

  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    October 20, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    You can put a Boston fern into dormancy. If you reduce the light and cut back watering, it will go dormant. Storing in the garage will be fine provided it does not get too cold (below 45-50 F). Remember to water the plant about once a month while it is dormant.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    October 26, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    It needs more humidity. Either mist it regularly or set it on a pebble tray with water in it to raise the humidity around it. You can cut out the brown fronds. For additional pruning, this article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/boston-fern/trimming-boston-ferns.htm

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    October 29, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    You can try putting the plants into dormancy. Place the plants in a cool area, such as a garage, basement or, if there is a crawlspace, under the house. The plants will appear to die back but still water them about once a month. When the weather warms up, take tham out, place them somewhere warm and resume regular watering. They should regrow quickly.

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  • Answered by
    Cheyenne on
    November 5, 2011
    A.

    I live in southern Ontario and have both Boston ferns and mums in my garden. Both have survivied several winters. In late Fall I remove all the growth from the ferns. I snip all the dead blooms from the mums.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    January 21, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    If the plant is losing color, then it likely has a nutrient deficiency. This could be a lack of nitrogen, iron or even a micro nutrient as well. If it's lacking nitrogen, I would fertilize the plant with a complete, but nitrogen heavy fertilizer. Here is more information that could help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/leaf-chlorosis-and-iron.htm
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/boston-fern/boston-fern-fertilizer.htm

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    February 17, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Yes, the plant can be cut back and will regrow just fine. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/boston-fern/trimming-boston-ferns.htm

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  • Answered by
    Heather on
    March 5, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    You can trim them off just below where the brown area is, if you want. But if it is more visually appealing for you to remove the whole frond, you can do that too.

    Glad to help. Happy gardening!

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  • Answered by
    Heather on
    March 4, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    You can go ahead and trim off any brown leaves. They are dead and do not help the plant.

    As far as light, you should get into the habit of giving the plant a quarter turn every time you check to see if it needs to be watered. This will ensure that the plant gets even amounts of light over time.

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  • Answered by
    dawniey5 on
    March 12, 2012
    A.

    Thanks! It looks better already :)

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  • Answered by
    dawniey5 on
    March 4, 2012
    A.

    Heather,
    I will take off the brown dead leaves...but should i cut them off at the base of the plant? thanks :) I found your answer very helpful!

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