Fern Plant Care

The fern plant is known to be among the first plants on Earth, and this is evident by its fossil which dates back to around 452 millions years. Except the Antarctica region, fern plants can be spotted in almost any part of the world, with around 12,000 species of them in the world today. These plants have a reproduction method that takes place through spores and not seeds. Fern plants in the wild grow under heavy shade and therefore can adapt to less brightened areas inside the house. They are a great choice for both outdoor as well as indoor gardening. Shade gardens, rock gardens, sun gardens, bog gardens, ponds and flower borders are all suited for growing these plants. It is said that ferns dominated a major part of vegetation during the Carboniferous Period, which was known as the age of ferns. Now let's come to the section that describes about different aspects of a fern plant care.

How to Care for a Fern Plant?

# Light is one of the most important factors in taking care of a fern plant. Ensure that the plant does not get exposed to direct heat or too much of light from the sun. Best way of providing appropriate lighting condition or a low lighting condition is to place the plant under a bright window, and maintaining exposure to indirect lighting. This can be managed by covering the window with a transparent curtain. Another method can be, placing the plant near a west or north window of the house, as this provides perfect low-light (but not total dark) conditions as required by the plant. Avoid choosing windows at the south or east.

# It is important to note that the plant dislikes cold weather; conditions which can cause the fronds (green strands) of the plant to freeze. So, take care not to keep the plant outside, especially during colder months and maintain a normal temperature inside the room. You can help the plant maintain a round shape given its tendency to move towards the light. So all you have to do is turn the plant every two days.

# Under or over watering of the plant is another crucial aspect of a fern houseplant care. This plant loses more moisture than other common houseplants. This is due to their fronds, which make them dry out quickly. To ensure proper fern plant care, watering should be done heavily until the potting mix becomes entirely moist. Once the top of the mix becomes dry, water again. Most species of a fern plant generally wilt in absence of enough moisture. So it is a good practice to mist the plant with lukewarm water to increase the humidity level, and hence the moisture. It is advisable to use an atomizer, plant mister or a plastic spray, so as to maintain a fine mist. Mist enough to moisten the fronds, but also take care that water droplets do not sit on the fronds, as it may harm them. You would know that you are overwatering your fern when its fronds start turning brown or even black in patches. Also, places in the house such as the kitchen and bathroom are known to be the first choice for these plants. This is because, in these places, the plant will have access to plenty of moisture.

# Like all common houseplants, fertilization is also required apart from other methods to care for fern plants. Fertilizers you choose for your fern plant must be rich in nitrogen, for keeping the plant and its foliage green and in good shape. To add more to the good health and beauty of this plant, keep the pot clean and wash it with water and soft brush occasionally. Do not miss out to remove dead fronds of dropped leaflets.

Light and water are the two major deciding factors among others, when you want to bring a fern plant home. Seek for more important information from the plant seller. Any plant belongs to the wild initially and are not accustomed to indoor conditions. So, it becomes necessary to know the requirements of the plant, and providing it with similar conditions. Having said that, not all species of the fern plant have similar requirements. For instance, Blechnum (hard fern) enjoys growing in moist to wet soil, while species such as Asplenium nidus, and Phlebodium require lesser watering. Again, the species such as Blechnum Gibbum and Platycerium need not be misted as it is in the case of other species.

Here is a list of some fern species which are known to be the most popular as houseplants, as they adapt well to indoor surroundings.

• Bird's Nest Fern
• Boston Fern
• Crocodile Fern
• Hare's foot fern
• Kangaroo Paw Fern
• Lemon Button Fern
• Maidenhair Fern
• Nephrolepis
• Rabbit's-Foot Fern
• Silver Brake Fern
• Staghorn Fern

To close, before making up your mind, be abreast about the particular species you want to bring home, and about its specific requirements. A fern plant care is not a dauntless task, if it is taken up with responsibility, and with a view to see the plant live longer and be more beautiful than ever!