Hey, plant-loving friends! Are you a proud owner of ferns and don’t know what to do with them before winter? I was, too, until a few years ago. Knowing how to care for your ferns and keep them alive is important as the winter approaches. In this blog post, I’ll explain the techniques I use to ensure the survival of my ferns during the Winter.
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Ferns are beautiful, delicate plants that can thrive both indoors and outdoors. However, when winter arrives, extra care is required to help ferns survive the cold temperatures. This article provides a complete guide to caring for ferns during the winter months.
Why Ferns Need Special Care in Winter
Ferns are not cold hardy plants. Their leaves and roots can easily sustain damage once temperatures drop below freezing. Here are some of the ways ferns can be harmed by winter conditions:
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The water inside the plant cells expands when it freezes, causing the cell walls to rupture.
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Ice accumulation on the leaves leads to physical damage of the foliage
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Frozen roots are unable to absorb water which the plant needs to survive.
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Consistent cold weather prevents new growth.
Even ferns considered cold hardy can experience damage without proper winter protection. That’s why following the right overwintering practices is key to your ferns’ survival.
Caring for Outdoor Potted Ferns
For ferns growing in containers outdoors, here are some tips to help them make it through the winter:
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Move pots to a sheltered area like a covered porch or up against the house This protects them from harsh winds
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Group multiple pots close together and cover with burlap, fabric row cover, or an old sheet. The insulation helps hold in warmth.
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Surround pots with mulch, leaves, straw or other insulating material.
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On nights when temps will drop below freezing, bring containers into an unheated garage or cellar overnight.
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Water sparingly, only when soil is dry to the touch. Too much moisture can damage dormant roots.
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Avoid fertilizing ferns while they are dormant. Resume fertilizing when new growth appears in spring.
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Check plants regularly for any signs of damage such as wilting, discoloration or mold.
Overwintering Ferns Indoors
If you want to keep ferns growing indoors over the winter, follow these tips:
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Select the most vigorous, healthy plants to bring inside. Avoid any with signs of pests or disease.
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Prune back long, trailing fronds to reduce the plant’s size for indoor display.
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Choose a bright location but avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves. East or west windows work well.
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Maintain room temperatures between 60-70°F. Keep away from heating vents that create dry air.
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Water thoroughly only when the top inch of soil dries out. Ferns prefer moist, not soggy soil.
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Increase humidity by misting ferns daily or placing pots on pebble trays.
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Avoid repotting or fertilizing while ferns are dormant over winter.
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Rotate or prune plants as needed to encourage even growth under indoor conditions.
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Watch for pests like spider mites that can infest stressed plants.
Caring for Outdoor Ferns in Beds/Gardens
For ferns planted directly in garden beds, here are some overwintering tips:
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Add a thick layer of mulch over the fern root zone, at least 2-3 inches deep. Leaves, evergreen boughs or straw all work well to insulate the soil.
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Wrap stakes with burlap or row cover to create a tent-like structure around plants. This protects from winter winds.
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Consider installing low heat cables under mulch if ferns are in an exposed area. This prevents deep ground freezing.
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Trim back old fronds in late fall allowing new growth to emerge in spring.
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Avoid cutting ferns all the way to the ground. Leave some foliage to protect the crown.
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Improve drainage in beds so excess moisture can flow away from plants.
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Delay spring mulch removal and cleanup until after final frost date has passed.
When to Resume Normal Fern Care
Once spring arrives, you can begin transitioning ferns back to normal care:
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For ferns overwintered indoors, place them back outside after all chance of frost has passed. Gradually expose them to more sun.
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Outdoor ferns can have their winter coverings removed once nighttime temps remain above freezing.
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Prune away any dead or damaged fronds to stimulate new growth.
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Repot any ferns that have become extremely root bound.
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Resume regular watering as growth appears. Soil should be kept evenly moist but not constantly wet.
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Apply a balanced all purpose fertilizer to nourish new fronds.
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Monitor for early spring pests like spider mites or aphids. Treat any infestations promptly.
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Shelter plants if any late frosts or freezes threaten, covering or moving containers as needed.
Key Tips for Winter Fern Success
Follow these core practices to help ensure your ferns survive the winter in great shape:
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Know your specific fern varieties – some are more cold tolerant than others.
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Prune ferns before bringing indoors or adding winter coverings.
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Pick sheltered, cool spot with bright indirect light for indoor overwintering.
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Water minimally during winter dormancy – maybe once a month.
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Ensure outdoor pots and beds drain fully before winter arrives.
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Regularly check ferns for signs of stress and adjust care accordingly.
With the right winter protection for your specific ferns, they can come through the cold months ready to thrive again come spring. Show your ferns a little extra care and attention this winter season!
Understanding Moisture and Humidity Requirements
During the cold months, it’s easy for indoor environments to become excessively dry, as central heating systems tend to pull the moisture from the air. To counteract this, you can increase humidity levels around your ferns by using a humidifier or placing a water tray near them. This will help create a more favorable microclimate for your plants.
Remember, each type of fern has its specific temperature preferences, so it’s important to research the needs of your particular species. Providing them with the ideal temperature conditions will set the stage for their success and beauty throughout the Winter.
The Boston fern will go dormant and require less water throughout the winter. Once a week is typical, and you can incorporate that into your watering schedule.
Remember to research or consult with a plant expert to determine the moisture needs of your particular fern.
Pruning Your Boston Fern Before Winter
Ferns are quick growers in the right environment; they can easily double in size during the growing season and even outgrow their container. The roots will begin to grow out of the drain holes because the plant is root-bound, and the roots have nowhere else to go.
Below’s an example of one of my ferns that needs to be divided.
If your plant is large, give it a good trimming. Don’t be afraid to cut back several inches to make them more manageable inside. I also like to trim the underside to remove all the dead and brown fronds. This will not harm the fern. This will help to keep your fern alive inside during the winter months with less foliage to worry about.
Now is also an excellent time to inspect for pests and give the whole plant a good bath with a water hose and spray nozzle. This will help wash away those pests and the eggs they leave behind. Once the plant has dried, it’s ready to be moved indoors.
Come next Spring, you can trim them down even more, especially if you overwinter them in a garage. That’s a whole other subject.
No worries! I promise if you give it the care it needs through the Winter, it will come back.
How care for a Boston Fern over the winter.
FAQ
How do I keep my ferns alive during winter?
The most important thing is to provide the fern lots of light, and humidity. Most homes have heating going in the winter, which dries out the air, so to have the best chance of survival, you’ll need to have a humidifier of some kind going near the plant. misting won’t increase humidity.
Should ferns be cut back for winter?
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Deciduous Ferns:These ferns naturally lose their foliage in the fall, so you can cut back the dead fronds in late autumn or winter to tidy up the plant.
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Evergreen Ferns:These ferns retain their fronds throughout the winter, and cutting them back too early can reduce their ability to photosynthesize and store energy for spring growth. Wait until late winter or early spring, just before new growth emerges, to remove dead or damaged fronds.
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General Tips:
- When cutting back, use sharp pruners or scissors to make clean cuts.
- For a tidier look, you can remove brown or dead fronds as needed throughout the year.
- Some ferns, like sword ferns, can be cut back to the ground in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
- Consider the type of fern you have to determine the best time and method for pruning.
- When cutting back, use sharp pruners or scissors to make clean cuts.
Are ferns ok outside in winter?
Hardy ferns are tolerant of cold winter temperatures and can be grown outdoors year-round.Nov 28, 2003
What does Epsom salt do for ferns?
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Micronutrient Boost:Epsom salt contains magnesium and sulfur, both of which are crucial for plant growth and health.
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Photosynthesis:Magnesium is a key component of chlorophyll, which is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy.
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Nutrient Absorption:Sulfur plays a role in the absorption of other essential nutrients, like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
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How to Use:Mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt with 1 gallon of water and use this solution to water your ferns once every 3-4 weeks, or as a drench, alternating with regular watering or fertilizer.
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Benefits for Ferns:Using Epsom salt can help ferns develop a rich, deep dark green color in their leaves.
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Other Plants:While ferns benefit from Epsom salts, other plants like elephant ear plants also benefit from the extra magnesium.
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Caution:Overuse or spraying Epsom salt solutions on plant leaves can cause leaf scorch, so it’s important to follow the recommended dilution and application methods.