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Top Questions About Ferns

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Questions About Ferns

  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    June 27, 2014
    A.

    Since you asked about potting soil, I'm assuming you're planning to put this fern into a pot; whether you want to keep it outside or inside I don't know. However, this article has general information which you can apply to either location: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ferns-houseplants/growing-ferns-indoors.htm
    You don't need to be too concerned with pH -- ordinary potting soil will be fine. However, many kinds of MG soils contain "moisture retentive" additives, which won't be good. You need a soil mixture that drains well. Try an African violet mix and add 1/2 again the volume in perlite.
    Please be aware the marginal ferns are usually planted in the garden. Putting them in pots may not be successful, especially not in the house, although that's no reason not to try. Growing plants is a never-ending learning experience.

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  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    July 9, 2014
    A.

    This article is a basic fern how-to: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ferns-houseplants/growing-ferns-indoors.htm
    Use potting soil mix WITHOUT "moisture retentive" additives; I also like to add extra perlite to the mix.
    You'll need to have some method of testing the soil moisture -- a moisture meter from the store, or a simple wooden skewer, will be perfect. You don't want to let the soil on ferns dry out, but the moisture should get down to a "damp" level between waterings. Fingers are your best tool for testing moisture.
    Also, you can mist if you want to, but for plants it's totally unnecessary. Misting increases the humidity around the plant for less than 5 minutes! The common ferns that you find in stores will be content with your home humidity, or you can use a humidifier if you like it. The more exotic ferns that require higher humidity are best left to expert-level growers, who can provide climate controlled facilities.

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  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    August 11, 2014
    A.

    Cinnamon fern directions advise planting in the spring, especially in the northern zones, so that the roots can establish themselves before winter. However, here are a couple of articles that discuss things you can put into the ground now: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/bgen/is-it-too-late-to-plant-bulbs-when-to-plant-bulbs.htm
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/fall-gardening-tips.htm

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  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    August 14, 2014
    A.

    I'm not exactly a fern expert, but it looks like it might be some type of polypody fern.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    November 26, 2014
    Certified Expert
    A.

    The larger a plant is, the more likely it is to go into transplant shock. It sounds as though yours may have transplant shock. This article will help you with dealing with that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/learn-how-to-avoid-and-repair-transplant-shock-in-plants.htm

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  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    December 7, 2014
    A.

    Lady ferns are a deciduous fern, meaning they lose their leaves in the winter. After the leaves die back, you can cut them off, if you want to tidy up your garden. You can control their spread by digging up the rhizomes (large underground stems from which the leaves spring) in the areas you don't want the ferns to appear, or from the edges of the fern clumps. Just after the first frost is a recommended time, but if that's passed for you, you can dig anytime the earth isn't frozen. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/lady-fern/planting-lady-ferns.htm

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  • Answered by
    shelley on
    March 12, 2015
    Certified Expert
    A.

    We did not receive your photo (sorry). The soil should be rich, well-drained, with an abundance of organic matter (i.e. compost). You should work the soil so that is loose instead of compacted, which will allow the fern's roots to grow more freely.

    Taking care of ferns is relatively easy and ferns as a whole are very forgiving plants. Ferns are ideal for your spot given that it's shady and wet.

    The article below discusses different types of ferns and their care:
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/ferns/taking-care-of-outdoor-ferns.htm

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