How to grow potted ferns ?

Potted ferns have the greatest air-purifying capacity among indoor plants. They effectively absorb toxins and, thanks to intensive transpiration, moisturize the air. Their decorative value is also undeniable.

The choice of pot fern species is very wide, but not all of them can withstand the conditions in houses. Get to know the best ferns for home cultivation and see how the care of potted ferns should look like so that they are decorated with lush green, healthy leaves for many years.

Growing potted ferns

In the cultivation of potted ferns, a place with a lot of diffused light is most appropriate. Some fern species also do well in partial shade. Sites where the fern would be exposed to direct sunlight, especially in summer, are unsuitable. Strong sun burns the leaves.

Ferns are undergrowth plants or growing on tree branches in damp forests, requiring high air humidity. That is why important steps in the care of potted ferns are: regular sprinkling of leaves and frequent watering.

Water the ferns with decalcified water, because most of them require a low pH of the substrate. Use an acidic substrate for cultivation. The best option is to purchase a special substrate for ferns. From March to August, regularly fertilize the ferns by applying liquid fern fertilizer.

The optimal temperature for growing potted ferns during the growing season is 18-21 ° C. During the winter dormancy, the temperature should be slightly lower, within 15-18 ° C.

Caring for potted ferns is not always easy. Especially in autumn and winter, when the amount of sunlight is scarce and the air in the apartments is dry due to heating. Then the plants are often bothered by diseases and pests of potted ferns. Therefore, when choosing species of ferns to grow at home, let us lean towards the most resistant and the least demanding.

Pot fern species

1. High nephrolepis (Nephrolepis exaltata)

The tall nephrolepis is by far the best known species of fern grown in homes and public spaces. The most common varieties are: ‘Pulmosa’ (dark and glossy leaves) and ‘Roosveltii’ (crimped) leaves). Also noteworthy are the cultivars ‘Can Can’ and ‘Corditas’ (with notched and notched leaves), ‘Norwoodii’ (with double pinnate and frilly leaves), and ‘Whitmanii’ (with very fine and highly curled leaves).

The popularity of nephrolepis is due to market availability and ease of cultivation. It is considered a fern resistant to neglect, although it is true that it requires attention and proper care. Nephrolepsis are valued houseplants that purify the air from harmful substances – formaldehyde and xylene.

Nephrolepis does not tolerate dry air, drafts, gas fumes from the kitchen, cigarette smoke and leaf polishing preparations. It reacts with yellowing, drying out and losing leaves.

This fern in a pot grows best in rooms with lots of diffused light. It also tolerates shadow, but cannot stand direct sun. Especially in summer, when the leaves are easily damaged. It requires abundant watering (2-3 times a week in spring and summer, and at least once a week in winter) and daily sprinkling. Too little moisture will quickly lead to the loss of leaves.

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2. Adiantum (Adiantum capillus veneris)

Adiantum is a delicate fern with a delicate structure, growing up to 30-40 cm in height. Its leaves are light green, in shape resembling ginkgo biloba leaves. It is characterized by a very fast growth (doubles its size in one season) and quick regeneration.

Adiantum, despite its attractive appearance, is not as popular as nephrolepis due to the ease with which it wilt and wither. This is due to the high sensitivity to changing places. When bought and brought home, this fern in a pot requires a long period of acclimatization. During this period, the leaves may dry out. Then you should trim them close to the ground, and after some time they will start to grow back.

When the plant gets used to the conditions in our home, it does not cause any problems with proper care. The soil in the pot should be moist, but the plant should not stand in the water. Residual water causes wilt and curling of the leaves. In summer, every 2 weeks, when watering, add liquid fertilizer to the water, using half of the dose recommended by the manufacturer. Adiantum feels best on the sill of the northern window. Too intense light makes the leaves of this fern pale.

3. Staghorn fern (Platycerium alcicorne)

Staghorn fern is a fern with the most exotic appearance. The leaves grow up to 70 cm in length, are gray-green and characteristically bifurcated. At the base of the plant, the leaves shapelooks like a bowl.

The lower leaves are large, round, turning brown with time. Under natural conditions, the lower leaves act as water reservoirs. The cup-shaped leaves gradually die from the base, forming a humus layer.

This fern is very resistant to dry air. It is beneficial for it to be sprinkle it with water once or twice a week. Requires a very loose substrate. It is best to plant the plant on peat soil mixed with moss, bark or crushed polystyrene.

It looks great in containers suspended from the ceiling. During care, the leaves must not be rubbed. They have a layer of hairs that help the plant cope with dry air. To clean the leaves of dust, simply sprinkle them with soft water.

4. Nestlings (Asplenium nidus)

Asplenium nidus have shiny, light green leaves, forming a regular, funnel-shaped rosette. The leaves of this fern can reach up to 1m in length. Depending on the variety, they can be wavy, jagged, narrow or wide.

In nature, a funnel made of leaves is used to collect rainwater. Therefore, when watering the foot, the stream of water should be directed towards its interior (as with bromeliads). The Asplenium nidus should be watered with lukewarm water.

It is a species of fern that is easy to care for and tolerates apartment conditions quite well. He reacts badly to changes of place and does not like drafts. Asplenium nidus grows very quickly under optimal conditions, it can double its size within a year. To slow down its growth, grow it in a tight pot. Once every two months, the leaves can be sprayed with a polishing preparation, which will reduce water losses due to transpiration.

5. The button fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)

The button fern is a species of fern native to New Zealand, where it grows on limestone rocks in the undergrowth. The dark green leaves are round, dark green, leathery, placed alternately on both sides of the main axis of the leaf. It is small in size. It grows up to 30 cm in height, and the leaves reach 30-60 cm in length.

Attention! Pellaea rotundifolia is one of the few species of ferns that can tolerate direct sunlight and dry air. Unlike other potted ferns, this plant requires a neutral or slightly alkaline substrate. It is a fern very sensitive to excess water! Water remaining in the substrate causes root rot, which is manifested by yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Water it only when the top layer of the substrate is dry, but not less than once a week.

Occasionally you can gently sprinkle the leaves to prevent them from drying out. For watering this fern, use tap water, rich in calcium, which the Pellaea rotundifolia requires for proper development. To supplement the amount of this element in the substrate, you can enrich it with crushed limestone or dolomite.

The Pellaea rotundifolia does not tolerate abundant fertilization. Feed it from spring to autumn every 3-4 weeks, using half of the recommended fertilizer dose. The result of inadequate fertilization is rapid leaf dieback. To help the plant, replace it in fresh soil and remove any dead leaves.

This fern grows best at a temperature of 23-25 ​​° C, but it also tolerates temperatures a few degrees lower. In winter, it should be kept in a room with a temperature of 13-15 ° C. Higher temperature causes the leaves to age and die quickly.

Due to its low cultivation requirements, the Pellaea rotundifolia is perfect for amateurs, inexperienced in the care of ferns in a pot.