ordered this fern from burpee. came in mail, today, and looks dead. have it soaking in 4" pot. will it come back to life? it will be a houseplant. no camera.
Ostrich Fern is not suitable as a houseplant. You may want to choose a Boston Fern to enjoy indoors.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/boston-fern/boston-fern-care.htm
The crown and roots of a fern typically look as you describe! It's simply dormant and ready to plant.
This article will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/ostrich-fern/growing-ostrich-ferns.htm
I have had ostrich ferns for several years now that I love and are absolutely gorgeous. But, every year, in the late spring/early summer, the fronds fall over. They remain beautiful and green but just look like they are top heavy. I am in growing zone 6 and they are in the shade most of the day and get early to later evening sun. Do you have any suggestions on how I can keep them from toppling over? Thank you! Teresa Pennsylvania
Ostrich Fern actually do like a little dappled sunshine. Make sure the crowns are not too far out of the soil. Soil should be moist to ensure healthy ferns.
Wind can be an issue, breaking the fronds.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/ostrich-fern/growing-ostrich-ferns.htm
The ferns are very tall and taking over all other plantings around the water feature.
You can always dig up the clumps and divide the rhizomes to share with others. Also, in the spring as the new fronds emerge, the ones that stay shorter will have the spores on the back. Removing those fronds may save you from a bunch of new ones grown from spores. Here is more info:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/category/ornamental/foliage/ostrich-fern
my beds are being overrun by ostrich ferns choking out rhododendron, etc. How can i limit or remove?
They reproduce by spores and spreading underground rhizomes so you can be vigilant and remove the fronds with spores. Other plants can be dug and given to friends or donated to plant sales by area nonprofits.
If you decide to remove the whole group, an herbicide might be helpful. If you decide to dig up the whole clump, be sure to get all the rhizomes you can.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/ostrich-fern/growing-ostrich-ferns.htm
I’m living in Illinois, can you email me locations in Illinois to get these plants? Email me at tinapham24@yahoo.com , thank you!
Those should be easy to find at your local nurseries or big box stores. If not, you can order them online from reputable dealers. I would steer clear of the online auction houses tho.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/ostrich-fern/growing-ostrich-ferns.htm
ferns are ostrich. I need to add about 6-10 inches soil to improve grade around the house foundation. Would this kill the ferns? How do I handle this. The ferns are just now about 3-4 inches above ground.
Yes, you will want to lift the ferns and this is good time to do so.
You can also divide them at this time.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/ferns/transplanting-ferns.htm
I live in Vermont. My apartment is fairly warm, I do not have a lot of windows. It is in a corner next to a window. I have a humidifier set up next to my plant that has been there for two days now. The soil seems moist. Some of the leaves are starting to curl and I’m not sure what that means?
Unfortunately, your photos did not come through. Leaves curl for a number of reasons, including not quite enough humidity, low air flow, and even overwatering.
Here is an article to help you care for ferns indoors:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ferns-houseplants/growing-ferns-indoors.htm