how long do boston ferns live outsidehow long do boston ferns live outside

Boston ferns thrive in the subtropical areas of Florida. The best time to put your Boston fern outside is in mid-spring, when the outdoor temperatures are around 60 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and all threatening potential for frost has passed. For garden ferns, perform a late fall cutback and withhold fertilization. One of the easiest plants to identify is Boston ferns. Being tropical plants, moisture is extremely crucial for Boston ferns. Contact with the small sub was lost about . Over-watering is problematic; it leads to the development of root rot. If you notice a light slug infestation, pick the pests off the plant early in the moving or late evening. Standing water is never a good thing for your plants. Outdoors, this plant thrives in swampy, humid, and forested areas, and makes a good choice for partial-shade gardens in places like Southern California or Florida. Increase the humidity around the ferns by using. In this article, I will discuss how long your Boston ferns will live and how you should care for your plant in different seasons. When mixed in water and sprayed onto ferns, Epsom salt helps them to develop a deep green color as well as promoting healthy new growth. If you decide you want to move your plants location, dont do so abruptly. By following these tips, you can keep your Boston fern healthy and safe from any winter damage. Will my Boston fern come back? Do I do this too? 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. The bright green, lacy foliage stands out against other plants, and theyre a popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardeners. Boston ferns can survive outside temperatures of 46 degrees F, but a sudden drop in temperatures may damage the foliage by causing misshapen fronds and crinkled leaflets. Boston Fern Propagation: How To Divide And Propagate Boston Fern Runners, Boston Fern Fertilizer - Tips For Fertilizing Boston Ferns, Boston Fern Turning Brown: Treating Brown Fronds On Boston Fern Plant, English Ivy Alternatives Grow These Native Plants Instead, 10 Native Spirea Japonica Bush Alternatives, Hyacinth Forcing Indoors: How To Force A Hyacinth Bulb, Yellow Garden Design: Designing Garden Scheme With Yellow Plants, What Is Rejuvenation Pruning: Tips For Hard Pruning Plants, Planting Forced Paperwhites: Forcing Instructions For Paperwhites, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. Dont fertilize Boston ferns throughout the winter. With the right environment and care, it's possible for a Boston fern to survive for upwards of 15 to 20 years. If it is particularly dry or hot, your Boston fern may require more water. Consider moving the ferns indoors in cold climates. In regions with warmer and milder temperatures, they can grow as perennials and grow year after year. The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely, but it is important that it does not stay wet for too long either. If you live in a dry climate, mist the plant lightly on hot days. The best time to prune an indoor plant is when you're ready to repot it. The fern grows best outdoors when placed in a partially sunny to shady location and indoors in a location out of direct sunlight. At least initially, you should place the fern in a shaded area to acclimatize it to the outdoors and ensure the soil remains slightly moist. The first step is to find the best location to overwinter Boston ferns. 3. You can also use artificial lights to give it more light and heat. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. They should receive four to six hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day. Evergreen perennials like Boston ferns can live for many years if they get the right care and living conditions. You also want to make sure youre moving your ferns to an area with indirect light and high humidity, such as a bathroom or covered porch. Boston ferns have long been used as houseplants and moved outdoors in summer. If the temperature outside is consistently below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it's a good idea to bring your ferns indoors for the winter season. How to Grow and Care for Lemon Button Fern, How to Grow and Care for Northern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Pedatum), How to Grow and Care for Maidenhair Fern Indoors, How to Grow and Care for Rabbit's Foot Fern, 4 Basic Tips for Making Your Ferns Thrive Indoors, 35 Types of Fern to Freshen Up Your Home or Garden, Boston fern, sword fern, ladder fern, boss fern. Keep the chemicals out of reach of children and pets. Watch Now: How to Grow and Care for a Boston Fern Light Boston fern does best when grown in a location with bright, indirect light. Whether you use containers or not, these plants prefer a rich, organic soil that is full of nutrients. If you live in colder regions, keep your Boston ferns in containers so that you can move them into a sheltered location in the winter months. Always re-pot into a bigger pot each time to allow more growth than the previous one. You can also use other non-toxic methods to discourage pests. They can be kept outside as they do not need a lot of water and light. Here's how to propagate Boston fern by division: Like all ferns, Boston fern does not generate seeds. Lastly, make sure to keep the temperature of your room between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Wild Boston ferns grow on the forest floor under dense tropical canopies. Written by MasterClass Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 5 min read Whether you plant them in a hanging basket or grow them as a groundcover, ferns bring tropical ambiance to any home shade garden. Most ferns prefer indirect light, which means you should avoid placing them where sunlight will hit them. Boston ferns prefer to grow in partial or full shade, but dappled, filtered light works as well. Do not allow the soil to become too soggy by overwatering because this will kill the fern. Continue with Recommended Cookies. However, if the winters are too harsh and go below freezing point, your Boston fern may not survive a hard frost. This variety of fern was first discovered in a lot of fern plants shipped from Philadelphia to Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1894. Use slug pellets if absolutely necessary. It is evergreen in colder climates and semi-evergreen in warmer regions. 1. Boston ferns are native to the tropical regions and are much-loved houseplants due to their bushy green fronds that can instantly uplift any home corner. It is also essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, as too much water can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. Boston ferns can live for many years in the right conditions, with proper care and attention. In the spring, carefully separate a section of your fern with healthy roots attached. Boston ferns require indirect sunlight to push out new green fronds. Boston ferns need partial sun or indirect light to thrive. This may take a couple of treatments. of soil feels dry to the touch, then let the pot drain thoroughly before you return the plant to its drainage saucer. Indoor and outdoor ferns can also suffer from blight, a fungal infection that will leave the plant covered in a brow web-like mycelium. Ferns are one of the most beautiful plants that you can add to your garden and create a stunning display of greenery. Sign up for our newsletter. Let us once again go through the main points in brief. Indoor lighting is diffused enough for Boston ferns to be happy. What is the duration of Boston fern? Make sure there is no light accessing the plant; theyre sleeping! Boston Fern is a popular species of fern that mostly grows in tropical areas. Boston ferns are most often grown as a houseplant because these plants prefer growing outside in warm, humid climates. Mist your Boston fern frequently to increase the humidity. Resume fertilizing again with the arrival of spring. Like many plants, ferns need to be pruned. Read on to find out. Boston fern leaves will turn yellow if the humidity is not high enough. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-leader-3-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'remodelormove_com-leader-3','ezslot_32',166,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-leader-3-0');Extreme cold temperatures could potentially cause the fronds to burn, the foliage to dry out, or the entire plant to actually freeze. Indoor ferns should be fed once a month during the spring and summer using a 20-10-20 liquid houseplant fertilizer at half strength. If you notice the leaves are pale or yellowish, this is a good indication that the plant may lack nutrients. Prepare your pot with potting soil or prep an outdoor area with a mixture of compost and peat. Like many tropical plants, Boston ferns grow as perennial in warm climates, but they cannot live in areas that experience very harsh cold temperatures. Although Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis'), also called sword fern, is commonly known as a houseplant, it can grow outdoors year-round in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12. This can be accomplished by sprinkling gravel, crushed eggshells, or coffee grounds at the base of the plant. Finely shredded leaves, twigs, fine pine bark, or coarse compost work very well for mulching and preventing the growth of weeds. Parenting is one of the most complex and challenging jobs you'll face in your lifetime -- but also the most rewarding. Do not let your plant soil get bone dry, and water when it is 25% dry. A Boston fern can only survive the winter outside if the temperature doesn't drop below 40 degrees. Ferns need higher levels of humidity than other plants, so misting the ferns can help reduce dehydration on colder days. Study Shows They Can Under Stress, English Ivy Alternatives Grow These Native Plants Instead, Growing Southernwood: Care And Uses For Southernwood Herb Plant, Feijoa Pineapple Guava Info: Tips On Growing Feijoa Fruit Trees, Sumac Tree Info: Learn About Common Sumac Varieties For Gardens, Clerodendrum Bleeding Heart Care: How To Grow Bleeding Heart Vines, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. Your fern requires a lot of humidity, so make sure to use a. Boston ferns need light, well-draining soil capable of holding moisture. Too much shade can result in sparse fronds that appear lackluster, and too much sun can burn the fronds. Keep this fern plant indoors if temperatures dip below 30 degrees. Shield your Boston fern from scorching sun rays and keep it in a cool spot. Extreme heat can kill it, and you have to protect it from scorching sunlight in summers. How long do Boston ferns live? The remainder of the plant can be clipped along the outer edges to the desired shape. Daytime temperatures should not be over 75 degrees F. (24 C.). Keep the atmosphere moist. You can keep your fern growing year after year if you take proper care of the plant. Preferably, these plants should be sheltered from winds because winds dry out the soil faster. Since Boston ferns tend to be planted in potting mixtures that are high in peat moss, it is a good idea to soak the pot of the Boston fern once a month or so to make sure the peat moss is fully hydrated. Boston ferns prefer a warm, moist environment, so its important to keep them out of cold drafts and away from air conditioning vents that could dry out their foliage. A cool-mist humidifier can also be used to keep the air around the ferns humid. In fact, cold hardy ferns, when properly shielded from harsh winter conditions, can often survive temperatures down to 20F (-7C) or even lower. They offer a wide range of readymade soil premixes for all your indoor plants. In conditions of low humidity, the tips of your plan's fronds may turn brown. They grow best when temperatures reach no higher than 75 degrees during the day and 65 degrees at night. Boston ferns need as much protection from high heat as from cold. If you head to a warm climate, such as Florida, youll see hundreds of Boston ferns hanging from balconies. Its also important to ensure they are not placed in direct sun or too close to a heat vent, as the heat can burn their delicate leaves. Boston ferns will do best in a potting mixture of peat moss, sand, and garden soil. Annual plants are short-lived, and they complete their life cycle in one season of growth. Spring is the best time to divide your plants, as well as repotting. They germinate, grow to full maturity, reproduce and then die within one year. Boston ferns can be perennials or annuals, depending on their growing region. Plant your division into either the mix or the ground, taking care to fully cover the roots when you backfill the hole with soil. Pruning your fern isn't a major chore. (+How To Grow & Care), Your email address will not be published. . Q: Can Boston ferns survive outside? The plant should still be thoroughly watered, but only limited moisture is needed for the dormant Boston fernlike once monthly. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Otherwise, it may get challenging to save your plant. Its important to maintain stable growing conditions for Boston fern, as any fluctuation in care may quickly damage the plant. Keep the plant thoroughly watered, but limited. A hard frost or freeze can easily kill the plant in a single night, so you have to be very cautious if you grow it in a very cold area. Advertisement Boston ferns thrive in temperatures in the 60s and 70s but can tolerate an occasional blast of cold air of 40 to 50 degrees for a few hours. For this reason, it can be beneficial to set up a humidifier nearby, or even better, mist the plant every once in a while. When you grow Boston ferns outside all summer, you might notice some shriveled, brown, or discolored leaves. Frost kills Boston fern completely leaving it looking dead but in spring it grows back again. Boston ferns, for example, make for excellent summer decoration in most of the US, but can only survive the winters outside in the milder southern and coastal states. Required fields are marked *. From the elaborate discussion we just had, the confusion regarding the lifespan of your Boston fern is clear. Those living in dry climates need to mist their plants on hot days because the humidity is required for proper growth. [1] How do you know if you are watering your ferns properly? Keep them shielded from direct sunlight, and give them bright but filtered light. Boston fern prefers rich organic soils. Taking care of a dormant Boston fern is no big deal. First, let the soil dry out and remove the plant from its pot. Have you grown them? @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-banner-1-0-asloaded{max-width:580px!important;max-height:400px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'remodelormove_com-banner-1','ezslot_17',157,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-banner-1-0'); Approximately 2 inches of water applied weekly should be adequate. You can also supplement this light with artificial lighting, such as a grow light or fluorescent light, if necessary. Keep the soil moist all winter. The ideal indoor temperature for your Boston fern is between 68 to 78F, as stated by the Colorado State University Extension. Boston Fern Temperature Tolerance: +Ideal Temperature, Why Is My Bird of Paradise Leaning? My name is Richa and I am here to simplify all your houseplants problems and get you a healthy and thriving plant that adds to the beauty of your home. As tropical plants, Boston ferns flourish in humid and warm conditions. Container grown plants require more frequent watering because the water drains quickly out of the holes. Plant outdoor Boston ferns in Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix and indoor Boston ferns in Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix. Contact:support@simplifyplants.com+ 1 307 2248689. They may gradually put out new growth in the winter but will flourish come spring. Do not let the soil get bone dry. Take care to bury all the roots, and then give your fern a good drink of water. Mist or gently water the soil to keep it moist at all times. Your email address will not be published. Watering: Boston fern is drought tolerant thus it requires plenty of water. This plant also restores moisture to dry air, potentially helping with conditions like dry skin, and dry noses and throats. It's easy to take care of. Mulching helps Boston ferns because that mirrors the natural conditions of a forest floor and helps the fern retain moisture by blocking water loss. (+How To Prune), Can Boston Fern Grow In Water? It prefers moist and well-drained acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. 1. Small amounts of fertilizer are best for Boston fern, non-toxic methods to discourage the pests, Uses For Diatomaceous Earth - Diatomaceous Earth For Insect Control, Boston Fern Propagation: How To Divide And Propagate Boston Fern Runners, Boston Fern Fertilizer - Tips For Fertilizing Boston Ferns, Do Plants Scream? Spread a thin layer of compost and mulch at the base of the plant and water it throughout the winter, as needed, to keep the soil barely moist. Never expose your Boston fern to the cold outdoors. If you want to save your ferns for next year, there are a few steps you can take. Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. Light Requirements: Two hours of indirect sun in winter, early a.m. or late afternoon. Here are some tips for keeping potted ferns healthy during the colder months: 1. If possible, place the fern away from direct sunlight and in a spot with filtered light, like an east- or north-facing window. You can also try non-toxic methods to discourage the pests. Putting the fern in a room with a humidifier or ensuring moisture in its placement through misting can also help supplement the environment that the fern needs. If the soil dries out, the ferns foliage may quickly drop. Miracle Grow is an all-purpose fertilizer that can be applied to plants, shrubs, and turf. Its also a good idea to move your fern to a shady spot to prevent over-exposure to direct sunlight, which can cause dry, brownish leaves. These ferns are perfect for the front porch. How to make a Boston fern go dormant When to bring Boston ferns inside Will Boston ferns grow back after winter? If you are keeping it in a container, make sure the container has adequate drainage holes in the bottom (and is not completely sealed). Boston fern prefers temperatures between 65 and 75 F. They cant tolerate extreme heat or extreme cold. If your outdoor Boston fern is growing in a container, it will probably need water every day during the summer. Despite being tropical ferns, they cannot tolerate temperatures above 95F or higher. Regularly test the soil with your hand to dial in the right schedule. Welcome to SimplifyPlants.com. When winter comes, youll need to give your ferns a little extra protection. Terracotta, clay, or ceramic pots can become brittle at low temperatures, and once a crack or flaw . Pest control: Boston ferns are pest-resistant but are susceptible to damage by slugs. Do not expect the plant to grow the same way it does in the growing period. Watch on Boston ferns, or Nephrolepis exaltata, can live in low light, though they prefer bright, indirect sunlight. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_36',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1-0');Yes, it is generally safe to water ferns with tap water. All Rights Reserved. Last updated Apr 25, 2023 Difficulty Advanced Posted by May Leong Category Ferns Gardening is a wonderful hobby that brings a sense of joy to many. Bringing your plants inside can be problematic if your house is too hot and dry. Always provide adequate water to keep your soil moist not too much or too little. If you dont want your plant to grow larger, remove it from the pot, shake off the soil, and trim back the roots. Epsom salt also helps to prevent yellowing of leaves and encourages plants to better uptake nutrients from the soil, providing important minerals and trace elements to allow fern plants to thrive. Many home gardeners buy Boston ferns in spring and use them as outdoor decorations until cold temperatures arrive. It will die if exposed to temperatures below 30F. Adding compost and peat to your outdoor garden before planting is typically recommended. Keep your Boston fern away from direct sunlight. (Ultimate Care Guide), Why Is Bird of Paradise Not Blooming? Overwatering your Boston fern can result in root rot, which causes your fern's fronds to turn grey and its roots to brown. Locate in shade during spring, summer and fall. Its sword-shaped, blue-green foliage contains tiny leaflets and grows erect, arching only when fronds grow larger. Its not as hard as you might think! Perennial plants like Boston ferns grow year after year and continue growing through several maturation phases. Can Boston ferns survive the extreme cold? Ferns planted in pots should have drainage holes so that water doesnt pool at the base. As with pothos care, soggy compost can result in wilting or yellowing leaves and may cause the roots and fronds to rot. Peat moss and perlite can be added to the soil to improve airflow to the roots while ensuring proper drainage. Also remove old, discolored fronds near the soil to allow new growth to come through. In about a week, check the pot or garden for a thin green haze (prothallia) that contains the sperm and the egg. Dividing your fern is an essential step because ferns can become pot-bound or root-bound, making it hard to keep your plant watered. Prune the plant and remove the dead leaves before the start of winter. Potted ferns require extra care in the wintertime. If your fern stays outside, bring it indoors before the harsh winter season begins. Next, give your fern a good haircut by trimming off the side fronds at the base with sharp shears. Get daily tips & tricks to help make your best home. They have been around for more than 350 million years, and they're still thriving. When repotting, make sure your new pot is only one to two inches larger in diameter than the current pot. That being said, if you can't place your plant outdoors because of climate or other reasons, there are still some easy things you can do to help maximize their health and lifespan while indoors. Move your potted fern to a warm, bright, and humid location. Use a dilute mixture of water-soluble fertilizer or provide a slow-release fertilizer in spring. It is best to move them into a shadier area or under a tree. Fern is a tall perennial that makes an excellent specimen plant. Do not forget to give the plant more humidity by constantly misting or adding a humidifier. Choose a container that has lots of drainage holes. If you keep it indoors, keep it near a north-facing window or a window with a sheer curtain to block the suns rays. These also ensure proper drainage after watering. (Note: Even small sections can become established new plants with proper care.). Keep the humidity up around the plant with the help of. When temperatures dip below 50 degrees, shelter them or bring the plant indoors. How much sunlight does a Boston fern need? If you are growing your fern in a container, it will need watering daily in the summer season. In the garden, ferns can last indefinitely if conditions are right, with some species of tree ferns known to live for centuries. Yes, in most cases Boston ferns will come back after a freeze and return to their lush, green beauty. In summers, keep them away from harsh heat and dry air. Boston ferns can live for more than 100 years, provided that you give them what they need in terms of nutrients, water, and sufficient light. Can a Boston Fern Survive the Winter Outside? Also, be sure to keep the fern away from any heat sources such as heating vents, as this could dry them out. The plant needs cool nighttime temps and lots of bright, indirect light like that from a south window not blocked by trees or buildings. Brown tips on a Boston fern can be caused by a variety of factors. If you live in a cold climate, think about bringing your potted ferns indoors when temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Generally speaking, most ferns prefer warmer temperatures and will do best when the daytime temperature is in the range of 60-80F (15-27C). Containers can help insulate the ferns root system against cold temperatures and help them survive the winter. If your garden soil is low-quality, add several inches of compost, leaf mulch, or finely chopped bark to increase the humus while also ensuring that the soil drains well. In winter, you can give 2-3 hours of early morning sunlight to your Boston ferns to give them some warmth. During periods of high heat, you may need to bring your Boston fern indoors or under a porch awning for shade. No fertilization is necessary during the late fall and winter months. With adequate moisture, the plant may tolerate drier climates. In direct sun, fern fronds can get burned, resulting in a dry, crispy plant. Although Boston ferns are relatively pest-resistant, they are susceptible to damage by slugs. Adding water to this tray and keeping at least 1/4 inch of water in it at all times adds humidity to the air directly around the Boston fern. Additionally, it is also important to make sure that your Boston fern gets plenty of light and moisture Miracle Grow alone will not make the fern thrive. Select a pot size that is slightly larger than the plant's root ball, or size up your pot by 2 inches. Boston fern is said to be one of the best air-purifying houseplants. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); How to Remove Phone Number from Snapchat? Mist the fronds frequently to help increase moisture levels. Like orchids, Boston ferns like humidity. Fern leaves may be yellowing or browning on the edges, wilting, curling, or turning black. Boston fern in gardens require partial to full shade, or dappled, filtered light. A: They are perennial plants in their hardiness zones. Gather a sharp pair of garden shears, a garden trowel (for indoor plants), a spade shovel (for outdoor plants), a pot, and potting soil (for indoor plants only). When new fronds appear at the end of spring, increase your watering schedule. It is important that the Boston Ferns are not placed near any vents because they can dry out quickly due to hot air being blown over them 24/7. 2. If your Boston fern lives outdoors in hardiness zones 8b to 11, prepare them for winter temperatures by trimming the fronds, leaving only the newest sprouts. Its best to prune your ferns before wintertime. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. If you live in a region that the temperature falls under 55 degrees in the Winter, you will need to grow your ferns in pots. Check outrePotme. Taking care of a dormant Boston fern is no big deal. Standing water is never a good thing for your plants. Gardening Channel. A massive search and rescue operation is under way in the mid Atlantic after a tourist submarine went missing during a dive to Titanic's wreck on Sunday. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Boston ferns crave warmth and humidity, so if they grow in areas of mild winters and less extreme weather, then your plant will live for years. Boston ferns are one of the most popular houseplants and they can be kept outside in summer. Environmental changes need to be gradual. Provide indirect and diffused sunlight, so the plant will be able to better absorb the nutrients it needs. If kept indoors by a window, it will grow spectacularly. Mist frequently until you see the prothallia sprout, and then water the seedlings on a regular schedule to maintain moist soil conditions. However, make sure it does not get exposed to direct, hot sunlight as this will burn the leaves. To cut the dead leaves off your fern, start at the bottom of the plant and use a pair of scissors or pruners. Read on to learn more about winter care for Boston fern. North of that, you need to move this plant indoors to help it survive the winters or consider them as annuals. Weve answered the question, can Boston ferns stay outdoors in winter. The plant prefers rich, organic soil. Boston ferns have the potential to live for over 100 years when provided with the proper care, which includes adequate nutrients, water, and sufficient light 1. Do not fertilize your ferns in winter because their growth decreases. Overwintered plants resume growth in early spring and should be lush and full again in the second year. Copyright 2023. One family in Virginia claim to have maintained their Boston fern for over 114 years! You can also divide a Boston fern. like plastic or glazed terracotta pots with ample drainage holes. You should also check for pests, which can often be found on the underside of the leaves, and remove any that you find.