The fern is an evergreen perennial plant. It comes in different species and varieties that add a tropical touch to the garden, but they can also be used as houseplants. Growing a fern is certainly easy, but it doesn’t take much to dry it out. Find out how to revive a nearly dry fern and what the prerequisites are for proper care.
When a plant begins to wilt and its foliage loses its green color, it is definitely wilting. Too little or too much watering can be fatal for your plant. If you notice signs of drought on your fern, know that it is still possible to revive it.
dried fern
How to bring a dried fern back to life?
Step 1
The first thing to do is to prune the withered and dry leaves at the base. The cut should be sideways or at an angle.
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2nd step
Submerge your plant in a basin or large bucket of water. Air bubbles will begin to escape from the soil. Once all the bubbles have dissipated, remove the pot from the basin for an hour or two to allow for better drainage.
How to care for indoor ferns?
Position
The fern likes light, but not direct sunlight . So keep your plant in a room that will give it partial shade. If you notice the fern’s leaves starting to dry out and turn brown, it means your plant is getting a lot of sunlight.
The fern is a tropical plant that likes heat, and therefore the temperature of the room in which it is located should be between 16°C and 22°C.
irrigation
Both indoors and outdoors, ferns need warmth, but also humidity. Remember to water the soil as soon as it feels dry to the touch. It should always remain moist, but not too moist. Furthermore, overwatering can suffocate the fern’s roots, causing them to suffocate.
Your plant’s pot must be well-draining. For this reason, it should contain drainage holes and a saucer to collect excess water. However, be sure to remove any stagnant water from the saucer, as well as from the planter if you have one. Note that the irrigation water should be at room temperature. Cold water can cause thermal shock to your plant and damage its root system.
Fertilizer
Adding fertilizer is beneficial for your plant, especially during the growing season. To do this, mix equal parts liquid houseplant fertilizer with irrigation water and pour the solution into the soil. Note that too much fertilizer can kill your plant , so once a month is enough to give your fern the minerals it needs to stay healthy.
I repot
Consider repotting your fern every year or two into a larger pot than the one it’s currently in. Also, provide it with fresh potting soil to provide new nutrients that will help it grow.
Remember to place clay balls at the bottom of the pot to aid drainage and prevent root rot.
repot the fern
Infections and parasites
Some pests like mealybugs, moths, aphids, or mites can invade your plant. In this case, use black soap, which acts as a natural insecticide.
The fern is a vigorous plant that can resist infection . But when poorly maintained, its foliage wilts and turns brown. In this case, trim off fronds and any parts that appear dry or dead with shears. Fronds are simply the word for fern leaves.
How do ferns multiply?
The fern reproduces via spores or cuttings.
Reproduction by spores
Spores are the reproductive cells of ferns. They are found on the fern’s fronds. When the soil is sufficiently moist and the temperature is mild, the spores begin to germinate. To identify them, check the back of your plant’s leaves; you will see small dark dots. These are your fern’s spores. Note that spores are also found in other plants such as algae and fungi.
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Reproduction by cuttings
First, you need to take cuttings. To do this, simply run your fingers over the fronds to collect the spores. Store them in an airtight jar until they dry. Then, sow your spores in potting soil to germinate. Germinating the spores is what allows you to harvest cuttings , ready to be planted in the ground or in a pot.
fern
While having a green thumb isn’t always a requirement for caring for a houseplant, you still need to understand each plant’s growing conditions in order to properly care for it. To liven up your home, consider succulents, ivy, or phalaenopsis orchids.