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A very beautiful plant when decorating the interior of an apartment are ferns. In addition, ferns are plants that give a great freshness to the environment, however it is a family of plants that is not easy to maintain, because they have some physical characteristics that make them very different from plants with seeds, since ferns they do not have. In this Green Ecologist article, we give you some tips on growing and caring for ferns.
Fern characteristics
Unlike other plants, ferns are seedless perennials (Pteridophytes), with large leaves (similar to giant feathers) and are natural inhabitants of the understory. Since they have neither seeds nor flowers, reproduce by spores or by the seedlings that grow on its rhizomes. For their reproduction they are very dependent on humidity, since their spores need high humidity, that is why they grow where the environmental conditions are humid.
Most of the ferns do not exceed 2 meters in height, however the tree ferns (genus Cyathea) can reach 15 meters. Epiphytic ferns can develop on the trunks or branches of a tree. Other ferns are terrestrial and develop in humid areas and on humus mulch. Some genres like Davallia, Asplenium or Athyrium they are more easy to grow.
If you want to learn more about the curiosities and characteristics of these plants, we recommend you read this other article by Green Ecologist about Ferns are plants without flowers or seeds.
Growing and caring for ferns
It is recommended that fern cultivation is done in autumn or spring and prepare the ground for it well. The substrate must be well aerated and of medium consistency, for example, made of heather soil and a little sand. You can also have a good leaf mulch or compost rich in shredded branches. In short, a light substrate and good drainage. Micro-organisms and mycorrhizal fungi can also be added to the soil, to mimic the conditions of its natural substrate.
Here you can find specific information on Caring for the elkhorn fern.
Proper location and humidity for ferns
As we said before, ferns need shade and always indirect light. The ideal is to place the plant a little away from a window facing north, since they receive less light, or towards the south.
Ferns are plants that need high levels of humidity in the air and in the environment. We can achieve good humidity with methods such as placing the plant in double pots or putting a humidifier nearby.
To use a double pot, the second must be larger than the pot where the fern is planted. This should be filled with moss and water and placed on it the other pot. The upper part of the pot on which it is planted should be covered with soil and moss. A few days after planting, it can be watered to make sure it is moist.
Fern temperature
The temperature at which the ferns are kept should be approximately 20 ºC, being able to drop below 15 ºC, although they do not grow well. This is so because most of the ferns that are grown at home, are of tropical climate. Placing ferns in bathrooms can be a solution, since the temperature and humidity are generally higher due to showers and bathtubs. So if you have space in this area of the home, we recommend placing it there.
Of course, it is not advisable to place them near a heating or air conditioning, even if it is an area where you can better control the temperature since these systems dry out the environment too much.
How to water and fertilize ferns
It is convenient watering the soil from the fern pot, a little every day, but always avoiding that it is completely filled with water. The ideal is, in addition, sprinkle the fern with water with the help of a diffuser or spray, and if possible reuse rainwater for irrigation and sprinkling. Solutions such as denatured alcohol can also be used, which in turn helps in fighting pests.
With regard to fertilizers and manures, they can be applied after six months. Your application will be monthly and must be a specific fertilizer for ferns.
Pruning and transplanting the ferns
Ferns also suffer from certain diseases, although they are usually resistant and do not die, although it is convenient prune or cut with scissors, previously sharpened and disinfected, the diseased or damaged parts of the fern. If the contagion is to the entire plant, it should be removed so that it does not spread the disease to other ferns. In addition, when there are dry or very old parts, it is advisable to prune them as well, which can happen at any time of the year.
At the time that fern growth, exceed the size of the plant, it is advisable to transfer them to another pot. The time it is necessary to wait to transfer them depends on each species and also on the health status of the specimen. So, you have to transplant a fern when we see that the space in the pot is too small or when we see that there are problems with the soil or drainage.
Here we leave you a video about this fern care guide.
If you want to read more articles similar to Growing and caring for ferns, we recommend that you enter our category of Cultivation and care of plants.
