Many ferns are considered demanding to care for and react sensitively to changes in location. However, transplanting a fern does not necessarily have to result in it dying. With the following information, there is a good chance that he will survive the transplanting operation safely.
How to successfully transplant a fern?
To successfully transplant a fern, choose the right time - ideally in the spring before the new fronds sprout, a shady to semi-shady location and prepare the soil well. Make sure there is good drainage and, if necessary, divide the root ball when moving. Protect the fern from frost in the first winter.
Remove before new growth
The long-lived ferns should not be moved for many years if possible. If there is no other option, transplanting should be done in early spring before the new fronds sprout. The period between February and March is ideal. Anyone who transplants their fern in autumn should attach particular importance to protecting it from frost afterwards.
Select new location
Before you get started, choose a suitable location. You definitely don't want to transplant the fern again, right? The location for the fern should be shady to partially shaded. Places under shady conifers or other light trees prove to be well suited.
Prepare the soil well at the new location
Once the location has been determined, the soil there should be prepared:
- Dig planting hole
- loose up the soil in it
- Humus administration e.g. B. in the form of rotted compost
- make sure there is good drainage
- if applicable Add peat (some species of fern need an acidic pH value)
Transplanting step by step
Before digging, you should know whether your fern has shallow or deep roots. Most species have shallow roots, such as bracken. You can lift out the root system with a digging fork (€139.00 on Amazon).
Afterwards, if necessary, the fern can be divided and freed from old roots. After it has arrived in its new home and been covered with earth, it is watered. It is even better to briefly immerse the root ball in a bucket of lukewarm water before planting.
In the first winter, it is recommended to cover the fern with a protective layer, for example made of leaves and/or brushwood. It needs some time until it is properly rooted and is sensitive to frost.
Tips & Tricks
At the wrong time, even ferns in the pot resent being moved or turned and boycott this with browning fronds.
