The ease of fern care makes them popular houseplants.
Ferns work well as both an indoor and outdoor plant. When grown indoors, ferns require little extra effort for the most part. However, raising a fern indoors does involve more than simply hanging it and leaving it be. Ferns need certain things in order to adapt to indoor growing conditions. Without taking proper care of your fern, you could see damaged fronds or pest and disease infestation take over the plant.
Pick the Right Container
For ferns being grown indoors, clay or terracotta pots may be a bad idea. Dr. Leonard Perry of the University of Vermont Department of Plant and Soil Science notes that clay pots dry out ferns faster than plastic pots, and a dry fern can quickly turn into a dead fern. Clay pots may be used if the pot is then placed into a larger plastic or ceramic pot, with the larger pot being lined with moist sphagnum moss. With whichever potting medium you choose, make sure the container has drainage holes to avoid oversaturated soil. When using a pot, make sure the fern roots have at least an inch of growing room. When the fern is overflowing the pot, repotting the fern may be best.
Keep Lighting Low
Most ferns respond best when placed away from direct light or full sunlight. Some indirect light helps ferns, so choose a window that has less intense sunlight than others. Because ferns grow well with lower light conditions, many growers choose to grow their ferns in the bathroom. Bathroom-growing a fern also helps create humid and moist conditions when bathing.
Mimic a Tropical Environment
Since ferns are tropical plants, they need the right temperature levels and humidity to grow well. While they can grow in cooler areas, ferns prefer warmer room temperatures, around 65 to 75 F during the day with a 10-degree dip at night. On top of warm temperatures, ferns need humidity. A lack of humidity causes fronds to turn brown on the tips or have tip die-back problems. Humidity levels for most ferns should be at least 30 percent, with 70 percent or higher being ideal. Since most homes don't reach that kind of humidity normally, many fern growers use a humidifier within the room in which the fern grows.
Maintain Moist Soil
Ferns prefer moist, but not wet, soil. Water your fern when the soil feels dry to the touch. When the soil feels moist, the water level is good. Overwatering the plant can lead to things such as root rot or fungal diseases, followed by discoloration or the death of the plant. Soil that's too dry can cause the fern to wilt and die. Misting the fern daily maintains a good level of moisture for the plant. In addition, it raises the humidity levels.
Watch for Pests
Pests like scale bugs, mealy bugs and mites enjoy destroying ferns, so keeping the plant healthy and well-maintained avoids these problems. Ferns may gather dust, which can lead to mites moving in to the plant. Cleaning ferns involves using a duster or a cloth to wipe away excess dust and debris. Maintaining good water levels avoids fungal diseases and root rot. If a disease or pest problem arises, hand-pick the pests from the plant or wash them away; pesticides often prove too harsh for ferns. Cutting off problem fronds also helps maintain the plant.
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