Buzz
Some people are born with a natural talent for gardening, and their homes are always surrounded by lush greenery. If you're not one of them, don't worry – there are many plants that even beginners can grow successfully! The American fern is one of those plants. It's one of the most commonly grown ferns, with its long, feather-like fronds that can add life to any space. With just a bit of knowledge and care, you can help this fern thrive both indoors and outdoors.
Steps
Creating the Right Environment
Gather Your Gardening Materials. American ferns grow best in a soil mix consisting of peat moss, sand, and garden soil. You can find all these materials at garden supply stores. When mixed, the components should be in equal proportions. The pot used should be large enough for the fern to grow comfortably, ensuring the roots don’t get too close to the drainage hole, but not so large that the plant is at risk of 'root rot'.
Plant the Fern in a Pot. Place the soil mixture and plant the fern in a clean pot with drainage holes at the bottom. You can position the fern in the upper half of the pot so that the roots have ample space to spread. Fill the rest of the pot with soil, leaving about 2.5 cm from the top edge of the pot.
Place the Fern Outdoors in a Warm and Humid Environment. In many regions, summer provides the ideal warmth and humidity for the American fern. This plant thrives best when the humidity is at least 50%. If your area has daytime temperatures between 18-24°C and nighttime temperatures around 13-18°C, the fern will grow vigorously outdoors. You can place the fern on a balcony or patio, and it will do well there too.
- Cooler nighttime temperatures help prevent mold growth.
Keep the Fern Indoors at the Right Temperature. If you’re growing the fern indoors, whether permanently or just temporarily during the winter months, it’s essential to maintain proper humidity. If possible, place the plant in a room with a humidifier. Keep the room temperature between 18-24°C, and move the fern to a cooler room at night.
- If you don’t want to purchase a humidifier, you can place the pot on a shallow dish filled with water and pebbles. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity around the plant.
Provide Indirect Light for the Fern. American ferns grow best with indirect sunlight. If you are placing the fern outdoors, choose a location where it can receive sunlight filtered through the branches or gaps in a sheltered roof. If the fern is indoors, place it near a window. Avoid placing the fern in direct sunlight, but don’t keep it in full shade either. It’s important to find the right balance.
Taking Care of a Healthy Fern
Maintain soil moisture. Just like sunlight, you need to provide enough water for the fern, but not too much. Water it with slightly warm water so that the soil is evenly moist, but not waterlogged. During the hot months, you will need to water more frequently. Never allow the soil to dry out completely.
- Winter is not the 'growing season' for the American fern. You can water less during this time and allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Once new fronds appear, start watering more regularly to keep the soil moist.
Fertilize every two months. American ferns don’t require much fertilization, but it’s beneficial to feed them every two months during the warmer months. Purchase a fertilizer suitable for houseplants at a garden store. Follow the instructions on the label and dilute the recommended concentration by half before applying it to the plant.
- You can stop fertilizing during the winter months.
Trim any bare or discolored fronds. These fronds resemble branches covered in leaves growing from the plant. Older fronds may turn yellow or fall off, which can affect the appearance of the plant. Use clean, sharp scissors to cut these fronds at the base of the plant. This will encourage healthy new growth.
- The best time to prune the American fern is during spring or summer, its growing season.
Protect the plant from insects. Fortunately, American ferns are rarely targeted by pests, but they can sometimes attract bugs. Avoid using harsh chemicals on the plant. You can spray a mild insecticide or use natural pest repellents and monitor the plant. Hopefully, that will be enough to control any harmful insects.
Keep the fern in its dormant state during winter. Fortunately, there is a way to ensure the American fern survives the winter. When temperatures drop below 4.5°C, bring the plant indoors. If the fern turns brown or sheds leaves, that’s okay. Water the plant sparingly once a week and avoid fertilizing during this time of year.
