Boston Fern Care Outside

Boston fern care outside

Today, Boston fern is still a top pick for indoor and outdoor settings. But, because Boston fern can grow 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide, it are often a better choice for outdoor situations. In zones 9-11, Boston fern can be planted directly in the ground.

How do you keep ferns alive outside?

Outdoor ferns require soil enriched with compost, which will retain moisture yet allow air and water to flow reducing the risk of waterlogging. Fertilise the plant during spring, summer and autumn with an all-purpose, slow-release organic fertiliser. Ferns will require extra water in hot, dry or windy weather.

Do Boston ferns like sun or shade?

One of the oldest plants in the world, Boston Ferns like bright but indirect sunlight and optimum temperatures of 60°F – 75°F /15°C – 24°C but will tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F /10°C.

Can Boston ferns stay outside in winter?

In USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11, Boston ferns can be grown outdoors year-round. During the dormant season, their need for supplemental irrigation and fertilization will be greatly reduced.

How cold is too cold for Boston ferns outside?

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.

What temp Kills Boston fern?

Boston fern prefers temperatures between 65 and 75 F. They can't tolerate extreme heat or extreme cold. Temperatures above 95 F can harm the plant, as can near-freezing temperatures below 35 F. This fern also thrives in humidity levels above 80 percent.

Can I leave my fern outside in the winter?

Ferns plants in the ground can be left as is the entire winter. The fronds will protect the plant's center crown, where new growth will emerge in the spring. Ferns are a hardy perennial plant that will grow back each year. Many gardeners bring potted ferns indoors to continue growing during the cold weather season.

Why are ferns so hard to keep alive?

Ferns don't like the wind; so keep them sheltered and out of spaces like corridors that can create wind tunnels. Wet feet: ferns love water but they hate being soggy (it's all a very delicate mix). If the leaves of your fern are yellow and wilted you're over watering them.

What to do with Boston ferns in winter?

Find a Spot: Basements, garages, barns, a cool corner of a room would all be good locations for overwintering your ferns. Ferns need moderate, indirect lighting. Keep them away from a southern facing window, as the harsh light can burn the edges of the fronds.

Where is the best place to put a Boston fern?

Situate Boston ferns indoors in bright, indirect sunlight away from drafty doors and heating vents. Provide as much humidity as possible and carefully monitor the soil to ensure plants stay consistently moist. You can set the plants on pebble trays filled with water, so long as the pot does not sit in standing water.

Do Boston ferns need big pots?

Potting and Repotting Boston Fern Select a pot size that is slightly larger than the plant's root ball, or size up your pot by 2 inches.

Where should I put the Boston fern in my yard?

Now the one thing that will get people on ferns is humidity levels because most of us are growing in

How do I keep my Boston fern alive in the winter?

How to Overwinter a Boston Fern

Prune the fern by removing any brown or dead fronds, and leaving the newest growth.
Try to acclimate the plant before deciding on its permanent location.
Houseplant: Weekly watering and misting/spraying for humidity. ...
Dormancy: Monthly watering is necessary when preserving with dormancy.

When should I bring ferns inside?

Before the first frost of the fall is the perfect time to bring potted ferns indoors for the winter.

How do I protect my ferns in the winter?

If an unexpected early season frost or freeze is on the horizon, move your fern into a semi-protected place. A barn, shed or garage all work well. If that is not an option, at the very least, cover it with a blanket or sheet. The key is to protect it from damage until you can prepare it for indoor life.

Will Boston ferns come back after a freeze?

Ferns can recover from a freeze as long as the roots and rhizome have not been killed. Potted ferns should be moved into a porch, garage or utility room that is sheltered but not heated like the main house, and the extent of root damage assessed.

Can Boston ferns survive 30 degrees?

Boston Ferns are Tropical Plants Boston ferns planted in the ground may survive temperatures as low as 30 degrees, although the top growth will be killed to the ground.

Can ferns be outside in 40 degree weather?

Considered perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 to 11, they may stay out all year where temperatures seldom drop below 45 degrees F, but must be brought indoors if threatened by frost.

Can Boston ferns get too much sun?

Light: Boston Ferns are adaptable plants that thrive in medium and bright, indirect sunlight. Prolonged exposure to bright direct sunlight may burn and scorch their leaves.

How hot is too hot for Boston fern?

Boston fern likes a night temperature of 65ºF and a warmer day temperature that does not exceed 95ºF, but will tolerate cooler temperatures if growing outside. If grown seasonally outdoors it should be moved inside or protected when temperatures dip into the low 40's.