The Indoor Fern For Indoor Gardeners

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Indoor Fern is one of the now-common, typically easy-to-care-for houseplants that will enhance any indoor garden. This houseplant is popular among plant collectors because of its distinctive appearance and texture.

This post will provide the essential information you need to cultivate an indoor fern effectively!

If you choose to purchase one for yourself, there are a few viable options for you to consider. Continue reading to learn more about the fascinating characteristics of this plant.

What Is Indoor Fern?

Indoor Fern is from the Lomariopsidaceae family, known for its ability to remove air pollutants. It is famous because of its sword-shaped, green leaves and may be referred to as Sword Fern.

Indoor Fern is a beautiful addition to your home and can be placed in a bathroom or kitchen. If outdoors, it has the highest chances of survival in hardiness zones 10-12.

Origin And Family

Indoor ferns are usually tropical ferns indigenous to the forest floors of the tropical regions and tropical rainforests of America, Africa, and Polynesia. Although initially discovered in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus, ferns have recently become popular among plant collectors, especially indoor plant collectors.

Where To Buy

If you want to buy a fern plant to grow indoors, we have tremendous buying experiences with sellers from Etsy. The very affordable prices for this plant typically go up to $35.

Indoor Fern Plant Size

Fern, as a houseplant, reaches a height and width of 2-3 feet, and it typically grows slow to moderate. You may want to place it in a bathroom or kitchen for optimum plant development.

Indoor Fern Care Needs

Your Indoor Fern will thrive beautifully even when given little care because ferns are usually low-maintenance plants. It likes to grow in evenly moist soil and low light that is indirect from sunlight. However, it is safe to expose it for a few hours to the morning sun, facing a window covered with a sheer curtain.

You’ll want to water your indoor ferns in most situations if the soil dries out. Heavily drench the ground until you see excess water from the pot’s bottom. As a humid environment-loving plant, it will be in its best health when provided abundantly with this requirement.

We’re making it easier for you to care for your Indoor Fern with the extensive list of tips below.

Care Difficulty

In terms of care difficulty, ferns are typically easy-to-care-for. The primary growing considerations are the soil and the amount of light this plant has.

Growth Rate

It grows to a mature height of 2-3 feet as a houseplant. Typically, you will notice faster and bushier growth during its growing season in the early spring and summer. Indoor ferns usually grow at a slow-to-moderate rate.

Potting

An essential requirement is that the pot contains at least one drainage hole. Leaving your fern plant in wet soil for extended periods could kill your plant.

Repotting

Once your plant reaches a particular size, it is advisable to repot it into a larger container to maintain its health. When the roots begin to circle the container, it is time to repot the plant.

Indoor Fern grows slowly to moderately on average and must be repotted every two years. When repotting, adding nutrient-rich, loamy soil with excellent drainage is preferable, as the soil tends to lose its inherent nutrients over time.

Soil

Rich soil with good drainage is best for your fern plant. Compost, peat, and perlite are the ideal components for dirt, and aeration and drainage are also a must for this plant.

Here are some excellent growing medium options to choose from:

pH

The ideal pH range for your plant is between 6.0 and 6.5, indicating that your fern prefers acidic soil. If you are regularly repotting this plant or adding new dirt, the pH level is less of a problem than if you were growing it outdoors.

Water

Ferns are humidity-loving plants that require consistently moist soil year-round.

You should water your plant in the spring and summer if the soil becomes dry. Soak the ground until it drains through the hole in the bottom of the container. If you use a collecting or pebble tray, discard the water to prevent root rot and other infections.

During the winter months, less watering will be required. Continue to deeply water your plants, but less frequently.

Light

Indoor Ferns do not enjoy direct sunlight much and prefer bright indirect light for 4 hours per day. Remember, you’re trying to recreate its growing conditions in the tropical regions of America, Africa, and Polynesia. Placing this plant in a bathroom or kitchen works well in most situations.

Avoid putting your Indoor Fern in direct sunlight, as this could severely damage or even kill it. You’ll know your Indoor Fern is getting too much light when its fronds burn. On the other hand, if it doesn’t get enough light, sparse fronds appear lackluster.

Fertilizer

Water, sunlight, and soil are essential nutrients for indoor plants. Soil can lose its nutrient content with time, necessitating the addition of plant food.

Fertilize it once each month during the spring and summer if you want it to flourish. You may choose a liquid fertilizer or any regular liquid houseplant fertilizer but dilute it first if it is excessively concentrated. Regular winter fertilization frequency is every two months.

Propagating Indoor Fern

If the stem of your Indoor Fern has grown too tall, trim it back and store the cuttings away for propagation! Listed below are step-by-step instructions for various techniques of propagation.

Division

Division is a propagation method typically used for plants that have pups shooting out from the roots.

You can divide the stem clusters of your by following these steps:

1. Dig up. Take the plant out of its container. You’ll be able to see where the plant’s natural divisions are.

2. Separate. With your fingers, gently separate the sections, and you may need to use shears to cut any entangled roots.

3. Repot. Plant each section in new pots filled with the same soil they’re used to.

Humidity And Aeration

Your indoor fern needs high humidity between 80% and above for rich-colored leaves and lush growth.

If you’re concerned about getting enough humidity for your fern or if you see brown leaves on your fern, you may purchase a humidifier and place it near your plants. This addition will make a big difference in your fern’s health.

Temperature

Temperature ranges between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit is best for your indoor fern. Sudden temperature swings can be fatal for your fern plant. Since ferns are not fond of cold temperatures, close windows and seal any openings where cold drafts may enter during the winter. Don’t place your plant near appliances that emit heat.

Flowers

Most plants will typically bloom only when exposed to the natural elements.

Non-Toxic

Fern plants are not hazardous to children or pets. According to the ASPCA, it will not hurt dogs or cats if consumed, and there are no toxic elements in the plant.

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

Even with expert care, things can go wrong from time to time. Pests and diseases are unavoidable aspects of gardening, and as a whole, the Indoor Fern is not a disease and pest-resistant plant.

Read the following sections for ideas on diagnosing common issues and information on restoring your plant’s health.

Scale Insects

On the stems or leaves of your Indoor Fern, scale insects may manifest as bumps. Once attached to a plant, these little insects, which may be green, gray, brown, or black in appearance, are often sedentary.

If the infestation is not too bad, you can dissuade scale insects from attacking your plant with a teaspoon of neem oil diluted in four glasses of water. Spray the plant vigorously with a spray bottle.

Neem oil and horticultural oils might not kill the bugs, but they will definitely cause them harm. There are various pesticide sprays considered safe for indoor usage against scales.

Mealybugs

There is a chance that mealybugs will infest your fern. If you observe these white-fuzzed parasites, take fast action. A cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol will kill mealies on contact and change their color to brown or orange. A spray of diluted Neem oil is also an effective preventative.

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I got two echevarias, a Boston fern, and I'm not sure what the little one is

If anyone knows any more good cat-safe and beginner friendly indoor plants hmu pic.twitter.com/pGPKdDf8Tt

— 🌠Tabby🌠COMMISSIONS OPEN (@incomingtrouble) March 24, 2020

Brown Leaf Tips

A soil buildup of salts and minerals is a common reason for leaf edges turning brown on ferns. This often occurs when too much fertilizer is applied or chemically treated tap water.

Another cause of browning leaf tips is dehydration. Water your plant correctly and increase the relative humidity in your home.

Drooping Leaves

A wilting, droopy appearance on your Indoor Fern indicates distress. Possible causes of drooping leaves are overwatering, underwatering, excessive light exposure, lack of light, and low humidity.

Yellow Leaves

Sometimes, you may see yellow leaves on your fern, which can signify trouble. Factors that cause this problem include moisture stress, improper lighting, nutrient imbalance, inconsistent temperatures, insect infestations, bacterial or viral infections, and many others.

To narrow down the problem, you will need to consider any recent weather changes or how you care for your plant.

Root Rot

An overabundance of water due to frequent watering, which leads to root rot, is often fatal. Once decay starts to set in, it is difficult to control. Your best chance is to completely cut off the root system and restart your plant like you would when propagating a cutting.

Of course, you can always take certain precautions to prevent root rot in your potted fern. Start by giving your plant a fast-draining, well-aerated potting mix. You can do this by adding chunky materials to create air pockets and allow the roots to breathe.

Next, make sure you choose a pot for functionality, not just for aesthetics. The most essential requirement for houseplants is drainage. If there are no drainage holes on your chosen vessel, don’t be afraid to use your drill!

Finally, hold off on giving your plant a drink until you are entirely sure that the soil is no longer wet from your last watering. Stick your finger into the dirt, or use the classic wooden skewer trick to check for moisture.

Air Purifying Green Fern Plant🪴#indoorplants #AirPurifyng #Decorative
With beautiful leaves on delicate fronds that grow directly from the soil, the fern is a great addition to any indoor space with sufficient light. #houseplants pic.twitter.com/MSU4rX5IlK

— kyari chetan (@ChetanKyari) July 2, 2022

Similar Plants

Love fern plants? Here are some additional related plant ideas to consider:

Sansevieria Fernwood – Sansevieria Fernwood is a small hybrid Snake Plant. The dark green leaves of the Sansevieria Fernwood have a stunning bright green tiger-print striping.

Asparagus Fern – The asparagus fern plant is typically found in a hanging basket. Contradictory to popular belief, the asparagus fern plant is actually a Liliaceae family member, not really a true fern.

Boston Fern – Boston ferns are popular houseplants that require special attention to be healthy. It isn’t challenging to learn how to care for a Boston fern, but it is specific. A few care suggestions for a Boston fern are provided below so that you can supply all your fern requires to be happy and beautiful.

Maidenhair Fern – Maidenhair ferns feature delicate fan-shaped leaf segments that are often grouped on wiry black stems and have smaller leaves than other ferns. In addition to being one of the most popular fern houseplants, the maidenhair fern can also be found in nature, growing in locations where other plants don’t, such as on rock walls and between rock cracks where water seepage keeps them alive.

Staghorn Fern – Staghorn ferns appear to be from another planet. The plants feature two leaves, one of which looks like a giant herbivore’s horns. The plants can grow outside in warm climates and indoors in cooler temperatures.

Conclusion

Prized for their ability to remove air pollutants, indoor fern plants are beautiful decorations for your household. Following our growing tips, you’ll have no trouble growing this fern plant indoors.

Do you have any varieties of ferns in your collection? We’d love to see it! Please submit photos to [email protected], and we might post them on our blog!

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