This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.
Boston fern
Fiona MacDonald
Posts: 38
Hi
im finding boston ferns difficult to keep looking good. I keep them watered and misted and they are in the bathroom but they are not handsome looking. Very scraggy fellas! Any tips on helping them to look good welcome.
Thanks,
fiona
0
Posts
In fact ferns in the house, in general. My maidenhair ferns are also looking scraggy too. They are all kept in front of a north-facing window. ?
Do you have some pics Fiona?
not very full or healthy looking. ?
Cut off all of the scraggly bits.
The leaves tend to go yellow before they die and drop off if it's short of water Might you be overwatering it? Is it near a radiator or in a draught.
I have a huge one that's over ten years old. It is not near a radiator and I keep it on the dry side and have never misted it.
I would think being in your bathroom would make it humid enough. don't water it unless the top half inch is dry.
Can't help with the maidenhair. All I know is they're notoriously difficult and unforgiving - unlike the Boston fern.
Ah maybe I am over-watering. It's not near a radiator or draft. For some reason, I got the impression Boston ferns had to be kept moist. Over caring killing my fern! Was also thinking of soaking in bucket of diluted Epsom salts as I'd read that's good for them. Hope my fern will make a come back. ?Thanks for your help. One last question ...actually 2. How often do you pot up your fern and do you feed it at all?
Hi Fiona,
Most ferns require a moist but not water-logged root environment.
Ferns have a low nutrient requirement and over-feeding results in legginess.
Feed should be used sparingly and at half-strength.
Repot as necessary, using a good quality compost, ideally mixed with some leaf mould - all ferns like a humus-rich environment.
Thanks pbff. I suspect I have also been over-feeding my ferns. much appreciate the advice, fiona