" The" room fern actually doesn't exist, as various types of ferns can be found in specialist shops that are well suited for cultivation in pots within your own four walls. However, the fern species sold as indoor ferns all have similar location requirements, which is why the care required can definitely be reduced to a common denominator.
How do you properly care for a room fern?
Proper care of an indoor fern includes regular watering with low-lime water, a bright location without direct sun, sparing fertilization and occasional repotting. Watch out for pests, diseases or care errors to ensure he althy growth.
How often should indoor ferns be watered?
Ferns generally need a lot of water and should never dry out completely. However, these plants cannot tolerate standing waterlogging. Therefore, planters (€19.00 on Amazon) with a drainage option for excess water are recommended for indoor ferns. Water at the latest when the top layer of soil has dried out. Occasionally, indoor ferns can also be dipped in water with the entire root ball or rinsed along with the fronds. In order to easily maintain the right level of moisture, indoor ferns are often cultivated in clay granules as hydroponics, since as tree ferns they are usually not very dependent on the substrate used. Please note that all types of indoor ferns may only be watered with very low-lime water.
What should you consider when repotting indoor ferns?
Repotting an indoor fern and replacing the substrate can not only protect against deficiency symptoms and diseases, it is sometimes also necessary to offer the specimen more space to grow in size. Indoor ferns are quite insensitive and can be easily repotted all year round. Wear gloves when repotting if it is one of the more poisonous house fern species.
Does a house fern need to be cut?
You can carefully cut back the indoor fern for various reasons:
- to keep overgrowing specimens compact
- to remove unsightly or dead fronds
- to stimulate the growth of new fronds and thus rejuvenation of the plant
Ferns are not particularly sensitive to cutting as long as a cutting tool with a sharp, clean blade is used.
What pests can attack a room fern?
As a rule, there are no significant pest infestations on indoor ferns.
How do diseases or care errors manifest themselves in a room fern?
Since indoor ferns are “protected” by their location, diseases are almost non-existent. Sick specimens usually indicate location and care errors, which can lead to stunted growth or dying leaves.
Should indoor ferns be fertilized?
Indoor ferns require very few nutrients for their growth apart from a bright location without direct sunlight and sufficient liquid with a low calcium content. Therefore, all types of fertilizer or compost should generally only be used very sparingly.
Are special measures necessary in winter?
Some room ferns go into a kind of rest phase in winter, during which they visually appear a little less vital. This is usually reflected in the increase in light supply in spring.
Tip
Pay particular attention to an inaccessible location for a poisonous indoor fern if there are children or pets living in the household. The spores of indoor ferns, which are sometimes quite harmful, should be removed regularly so that they are not accidentally inhaled.
