Ferns – these leafy perennials can amaze you with their lush green fronds. But only as long as the fronds are not brown and the plant looks miserable. Then there could be a nutrient deficiency
How should you properly fertilize ferns?
Ferns in the open field do not require additional fertilizer, while indoor ferns prefer organic fertilizer such as horn shavings, bone meal or compost. Fertilize evergreen ferns during the growing season from April to September, using only half the concentration of liquid fertilizer and watering regularly to avoid root damage.
Ferns in the open field do not need fertilizer
If you have ferns in your garden, you don't necessarily have to fertilize them. Of course, this is recommended by fertilizer manufacturers. But save yourself the money: Ferns in the open field fertilize themselves via their fronds. These turn brown in autumn, fall off and lie over the root area. It is best not to remove this natural fertilizer!
On the other hand, indoor ferns need fertilizer. For one thing, most indoor ferns are evergreen and rarely shed their fronds. On the other hand, the little bit of soil in the pot is usually not enough for them to survive vitally for many years.
Which fertilizers are suitable?
Above all, you should make sure that you do not choose a mineral fertilizer. Ferns don't like s alt because they are humus roots. Your roots are sensitive to it. Therefore, you should choose an organic fertilizer.
There are special fern fertilizers on the market. But home-made and other conventional fertilizers are also suitable for ferns, especially if they contain predominantly nitrogen. A few examples of fertilizers for ferns in the field and in pots:
- Horn shavings (€32.00 at Amazon)
- Bone meal
- homemade manure (e.g. from nettles)
- brewed and cooled black tea or herbal tea
- Compost
- Liquid fertilizer
- Long-term fertilizer in stick form
Dosage of fertilizer
If you want to use a ready-made liquid fertilizer, do not dose it too much! Half the concentration is enough for ferns. You should also add this fertilizer directly to the irrigation water.
The period and frequency of fertilization
Last but not least, timing is important:
- Do not fertilize summer green ferns in winter
- Do not fertilize evergreen ferns in winter or only fertilize sparingly
- Vegetation season from April to September is fertilization time
- Fertilize potted ferns in peat soil every 2 weeks
- Fertilize potted ferns in compost every 4 weeks
- enrich the soil with compost before planting
Tips & Tricks
After fertilizing, ferns should be watered well several days later. The soil must not dry out, otherwise the roots will be damaged by the fertilizer.