The summer green fronds of the lady fern are finely feathered, juicy light green and elegantly overhanging. In order for this fern to sprout anew every year and enhance its surroundings with its fresh color, it needs a portion of care.
How do I properly care for a lady fern?
In order to properly care for the lady fern, you should water it regularly, protect it in winter, provide it with organic fertilizer in spring, cut off old fronds, divide if necessary and protect it from pests. When grown indoors, it should also be sprayed with low-lime water.
Should you water this fern?
Similar to other ferns, the lady fern does not tolerate drought. He wants to be in a moist substrate. Therefore, regular watering is recommended if you keep this fern in a pot. Outdoor plants also need to be supplied with water when it is hot and dry outside.
Do you need to protect the lady fern in winter?
This is what you should know:
- hardy down to -40 °C
- the fronds fall off in autumn
- Rhizome overwinters in the soil
- Place the lady fern in the pot on the protective house wall and surround it with insulating material
- We love to cover lady ferns outdoors with leaves
Does the lady fern need fertilizer?
Lady fern in the open field can be provided with an organic fertilizer in spring. Compost and horn shavings are well suited. These fertilizers are carefully worked into the soil. You should not use mineral fertilizers for the lady fern! Phosphorus-rich liquid fertilizers (€8.00 on Amazon), which are given sparingly every 2 weeks, are suitable for potted plants.
What should you cut out?
You can simply cut off old fronds of the lady fern. Other fronds should not be cut. Cutting back all the fronds weakens the plant so much that it will not sprout again. If necessary, it could even die.
Should you divide the plant for rejuvenation?
If the lady fern no longer looks as beautiful as it did many years ago, perhaps it is time to share it. The best time for this is in spring or autumn. Dig up the mother plant, divide it in the middle and plant the sections in another location!
Do diseases or pests play a role?
The lady fern is usually not affected by diseases or pests. Only if you care for this plant incorrectly will it become susceptible to pest infestation. Then, among other things, spider mites, fungus gnats and scale insects can appear on the fronds.
Tip
Is your lady fern in your apartment? Then it is advisable to spray the fern with low-lime water every now and then.
