Indoor ferns are a great way to add a touch of green to your home, but they can also be a bit tricky to care for. Two popular indoor ferns are the Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) and the Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum). In this article, we’ll dive into the specifics of Boston Fern care and Staghorn Fern care, so you can keep your ferns healthy and happy.
Boston Fern Care
Boston Ferns are popular indoor ferns due to their lacy fronds and ability to thrive in low light conditions. However, they do require consistent watering to prevent their delicate fronds from wilting. Here are a few tips for Boston Fern care:
- Light – Boston Ferns prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, so it’s best to keep them away from windows.
- Water – Boston Ferns need to be kept consistently moist, but they don’t like to sit in standing water. Make sure the soil is well-draining, and water your ferns frequently to prevent the fronds from wilting.
- Humidity – Boston Ferns thrive in high humidity, so it’s important to provide them with a moist environment. You can achieve this by misting the fronds daily or placing a tray of water near the plant.
- Fertilizer – Boston Ferns benefit from regular feeding during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month to keep your ferns healthy and happy.
Staghorn Fern Care
Staghorn Ferns are unique indoor ferns that grow on walls or in hanging baskets. These ferns have two types of fronds – shield fronds and antler fronds. The shield fronds are the round, flat fronds that attach to the wall or basket, while the antler fronds resemble deer antlers. Here are a few tips for Staghorn Fern care:
- Light – Staghorn Ferns prefer bright, indirect light. They can also tolerate some direct sunlight, but be careful not to expose them to too much.
- Water – Staghorn Ferns don’t like to be overwatered, but they do require consistent moisture. You can achieve this by soaking the entire plant (shield fronds and all) in water for 10-20 minutes once a week. Allow the plant to dry out slightly between watering sessions.
- Humidity – Staghorn Ferns love humidity, so it’s important to provide them with a moist environment. You can achieve this by misting the fronds daily or placing a tray of water near the plant.
- Mounting – Staghorn Ferns need to be mounted on a board or hung in a basket. Make sure to use a well-draining potting mix and attach the plant securely to its mount.
In conclusion, indoor ferns are a great way to add a touch of green to your home. However, they do require specific care to thrive. By following these Boston Fern care and Staghorn Fern care tips, you can keep your ferns healthy and happy for years to come. So, go ahead and add these beautiful indoor plants to your collection!
