Q&A for How to Care for Ferns

Some ferns spread via rhizomes, which are horizontal roots that grow continuously. This might be what you're seeing.

No, mosquitoes do not cause any harm to ferns.

Whether you should keep them outside or inside depends how cold your area gets. If it gets below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 degrees Celsius), bring them in, unless you have specifically checked on your type of fern's hardiness. Ferns generally do well as indoor plants.

It's fine to transfer a fern outside, as long as the temperature doesn't drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 degrees Celsius) at night.

You need to water your ferns whenever the top 3 inches of soil feel dry. This may be once a week, or may be every day. Check the soil frequently to determine how often you need to water them.

Ferns do best when kept in an environment that stays between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (25.5-23.9 degrees Celsius) where the air is relatively cool and moist.

There are a lot of different types of ferns, and some ferns need more water than others, so first you should try to figure out what type of fern you have. Then, you can go from there.

Both.

A regular pot with a drainage hole should be sufficient for most ferns but do keep it in a well ventilated place up off the surface so that it gets plenty of air circulating around it. Ferns like fresh air. In some cases, ferns may need the specialized container but you'd need to read more details on that specific type of fern.

It depends on what kind of fern it is. Some ferns can handle temperatures down to 30 degrees, although that variety - likely large adult ones - can handle it better than young tender ones of the same variety.

Yes, ferns tend to thrive in low-light areas, and the shade from the pine tree will create a nice environment for them.

The fern seeds are on the bottom side of the leaves. Look for brown fuzzy "spots".

They are the spores which will grow into new ferns. When they are ripe, they will drop off of their own accord.

They like heat up to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. They dislike the cold, and anything lower than 35 degrees Fahrenheit will kill a fern. Keep it in the shade and water it a little.

Keep them for up to a year and plant them wherever you'd like.

Some ferns prefer acidic conditions, while other prefer alkaline soils. You can check on the package of your specific fern for its requirements.

If it's under the leaves, it could be small clusters of sporangiums.

Clay pots evaporate water into the air, so they're good for cacti, which enjoy life on the drier side. It depends on your watering habits overall though. In my house, plants that like damp soil, such as ferns, are better in plastic pots because sometimes my watering schedule is irregular, and they would dry out in clay pots.

Do research on the specific type of bug. Then get an organic, safe pesticide that works on that type of bug.

Most ferns should be kept moist, but none should be allowed to stand in water or endure soggy soil. Supply enough water to thoroughly penetrate the soil and allow the excess to drain away. Just as with other plants, over-watering will kill your ferns.

Ivy could work. If you want something with color, you could try bougainvillea (sunny) or lantana.

10-0-10; 10 for Nitrogen(N), 0 for Phosphorus(P) and 10 for Potassium(K). Phosphate is the acid portion of the NPK Ration, for most ferns.

That happened to my lady fern this summer. I just kept it watered and mulched (to keep the soil moist), put a 12" tall fence around it for protection, and let it be. It sent up a new bunch of fronds, one at a time. After a while, it looked like a normal lady fern again.

Yes, you could. It would be even better to spray the air above the fern with a fine mist that will lightly fall onto the leaves.

If you see dark dots on the bottom of your fern, don't worry. These are just spores and they are the ferns' method of reproduction.

Yes, just don't go overboard. Put them outside or next to a window if it's sunny. Only use artificial light for a last resort.

Spraying fertiliser directly on the ferns leaves can sometimes be to powerful and acidic for the leaves but for the soil, it’s exactly what it needs. But when fertilising, remember to only fertilise around once a month.

Dig up the ferns and separate as in step 4 above. Then move, give away, or toss the extra plants and replant the ones you want to keep. Keep in mind that they need plenty of room.

Mist them at least a few times a week. Yours may be dry because they need more moisture.

Pine needles won't bother outdoor ferns, and they can actually help your plants retain water. As long as your ferns look healthy, they're fine!