Contact: Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Environmental Horticulture
Posted April 1997
Because of their soft, delicate appearance, ferns add interest and texture to any room. The most familiar varieties for indoor landscapes are those native to a tropical setting.
The natural habitat of ferns is the forest floor and shaded conditions. Therefore, filtered, indirect light from a northern exposure is fine during the summer months. During the winter (November-March), an east window is a satisfactory light source, since the sun is low in the horizon and scalding will not normally occur. Ferns will grow in a temperature range of 65 to 80 degrees F. Temperatures 5 to 10 degrees cooler at night are beneficial.
Ferns have a fibrous root system (roots near the surface) which limits their planting to shallow pots, approximately 4 to 6 inches deep except for very large specimens. A soil mix that is well-drained and containing a large amount of humus is satisfactory. For example, a mix consisting of 2 parts peat moss, 1 part loamy garden soil, and 1 part perlite may be used. Packaged potting soil available at floral shops, garden centers, etc., may also be used.
Plants should be fertilized on a regular basis. Due to the shallow roots of ferns, it is easy to damage them by over fertilizing. Therefore, use 1/4 to 1/2 the manufacturers recommendations on the house plant fertilizer package.
The soil should be kept evenly moist, not wet. Over-watering causes the fronds to turn yellow and wilt. The roots are unable to function due to lack of oxygen and they may actually rot. Once the roots are damaged from over-watering the plant may not survive. Examine the roots to determine if they are damaged. A healthy root system has light brown to whitish growing tips. A dead or injured root will be dark brown or black.
Under-watering can also cause wilting. If the soil is dried out completely, water immediately. To be sure the soil is thoroughly soaked, submerge the pot in water until bubbles cease rising, then allow it to drain until dripping ceases. Once the fern has recovered, use regular watering practices to keep the soil evenly moist.
Some recommended indoor ferns are:
(Adapted from "Care of Ferns" Landscape Facts Sheet, by Irene M. Wilson, Ohio State University.)
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