Winter can be tough on many plants, and the foxtail fern is no exception. With its tropical origins, this fern needs some special care during the colder months to ensure it stays happy and healthy Here is a comprehensive guide on how to overwinter your foxtail fern so it thrives from season to season
Provide Adequate Light
Foxtail ferns prefer bright, filtered light. Place them near a sunny window, but use sheer curtains to diffuse the direct rays which can scorch their delicate fronds. Southern or western exposures tend to offer the best light over winter. Supplement with grow lights if needed to give your fern 12-14 hours of brightness per day.
Monitor Temperature
Ideal temperatures for foxtail fern are 60-80°F during the day and around 50°F at night. Keep the plant away from drafty windows or doors that can expose it to sudden cold. Use a space heater or move it to a warmer room in the evenings if needed. Avoid temperature fluctuations.
Increase Humidity
Humidity is very important for foxtail fern. Mist the fronds several times per week and place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water. Run a humidifier nearby to keep the ambient humidity around 40-60%. The dry air of winter can really stress this tropical plant.
Adjust Watering Habits
Water thoroughly only when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Foxtail fern stores water in its tuberous roots so prefers less frequent, deeper watering. Too much moisture can lead to root rot in winter. Check soil with your finger before watering and don’t let it sit in water.
Fertilize Lightly
Use a dilute liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during winter. Look for a balanced 10-10-10 formula. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excess salts can damage roots when growth is slow.
Prune Out Damaged Fronds
Remove any yellow, brown or dead fronds to improve appearance and encourage new growth. Sterilize pruners before each cut to prevent disease spread. Pinching out tips can make plants fuller.
Keep Soil Loose
Compacted soggy soil is detrimental. Loosen it with a fork before watering and add perlite or small rocks to improve drainage. Good aeration is key.
Repot in Spring
Wait until spring to repot, if needed. Shift to a container one size larger or refresh some of the potting mix. Dividing overcrowded rhizomes can rejuvenate plants.
Move Outdoors After Frosts End
When overnight lows are above 45°F, start acclimating the fern to outdoor conditions. Place in shade for a few hours each day, then gradually increase sun exposure over two weeks. Bury pots in mulch if cold snaps occur.
Be Patient
Foxtail ferns often lose many fronds over winter. This is normal. Keep providing proper care and new growth will fill in come spring. Don’t overwater or fertilize excessively trying to rush growth.
By following these tips, your foxtail fern should stay healthy and transition smoothly into its spring and summer growing season. A little extra attention goes a long way for overwintering these tropical beauties.
Troubleshooting Common Foxtail Fern Problems
Even with good care, issues can arise when overwintering foxtail ferns. Watch for these common problems and take prompt action to get your plant thriving again:
Yellow or drooping fronds – This can indicate too much or too little water, low humidity, or insufficient sunlight. Check soil moisture, increase humidity, and provide brighter light. Remove damaged fronds.
Excess leaf drop – Some normal loss occurs in winter but excessive drop can signal pests, disease, overwatering, or stress. Improve any suboptimal conditions and wait for new growth.
Mushy roots – Caused by overwatering, root rot makes roots soft and mushy. Allow soil to dry out more between waterings and remove dead roots. Improve drainage.
Pests like mealybugs or scale – Look for white fuzzy spots or bumps on leaves and stems. Isolate plant and use insecticidal soap or neem oil treatments.
Powdery mildew – This fungal disease creates a white powdery coating on leaves. Improve air circulation and reduce watering frequency. Apply a fungicide.
Be vigilant about signs of trouble and make adjustments as needed. With prompt care, most issues can be resolved allowing your foxtail fern to bounce back
FAQs About Caring for Foxtail Fern in Winter
How cold tolerant are foxtail ferns?
Foxtail ferns can only handle down to 45-50°F before showing damage. They need warm temperatures of 60-80°F during the day for optimal health.
Should I cut back my foxtail fern in winter?
Remove dead fronds over winter but don’t cut it back severely. Just clean up yellow or brown leaves. Hard pruning can stunt growth.
Do I need to repot foxtail fern in winter?
It’s best not to disturb the roots during winter dormancy. Wait until active growth resumes in spring to repot or divide if needed.
Should I fertilize over winter?
You can use a weak liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks but don’t overfeed. Too much fertilizer during slow growth damages roots and leaves.
Can I keep foxtail fern outside over winter?
Only in frost-free climates like Zones 9-11. Otherwise, bring foxtail ferns inside once overnight temperatures hit 50°F to avoid cold damage.
How do I keep my indoor fern healthy in winter?
Provide excellent drainage, bright indirect light, adequate warmth and humidity around 40-60%, occasional dilute fertilizer, and proper moisture. Never let soil stay soggy.
Caring for foxtail fern through the stress of winter takes some diligence but very doable. Focus on providing the right moisture, humidity, light, temperature, and gentle nutrition to keep your plant happy. With attention to its needs, your foxtail fern will stay lush and graceful all season long.
How to Grow Fox Tail Fern From Seed
Foxtail fern can also be propagated by the seeds contained in the plants little red berries. This method works just as well as dividing a mature fern, but the resulting plants will take two to three growing seasons to fully mature.
Heres how to grow foxtail fern from seed:
- Gather potting containers, a glass of water, plastic wrap, and potting soil with vermiculite.
- In the fall, harvest the red berries from existing ferns. Soak the berries in a glass of water for 24 hours. The next day, choose the seeds that have fallen to the bottom of the glass (these seeds have the best chance of germination).
- Fill each pot with potting soil and gently mist the top.
- Peel the fruit off of each seed and make two small holes in each pot. Plant two seeds per pot. Mist the soil again with water.
- Cover each pot with plastic wrap and locate them in a window that receives indirect sunlight. Mist them regularly for three to four weeks until they germinate.
- Once the plants are three to four inches tall, pull the leggier of the two seedlings and place the pot outside, when its warm, in indirect sunlight. Bring it inside at night for a few days until you are ready to relocate it to your garden bed.
Temperature and Humidity
The foxtail fern thrives in hot, humid weather because it is native to South Africa. If growing indoors, make sure to provide a source of moisture, such as a pebble tray with water, for humidity. Also, mist these plants regularly.
If youd prefer to grow your foxtail fern outdoors, you can do so year-round in Zones 9a to 11b. Do note that if you live outside of these USDA zones, in colder climates, youll have to take your foxtail fern indoors during the winter.