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| Ferns |
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FERN Facts |
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COLORS |
Rich green |
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LIGHT |
Bright indirect or filtered sunlight |
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SOIL |
Pot in a mixture of perlite or vermiculite and peat moss or leaf mold |
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WATER |
Water thoroughly and allow soil to dry slightly between waterings |
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pH |
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HARDINESS |
Boston fern, in particular, are extremely sturdy |
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USES |
Decorative foliage in hanging pots |
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TIP |
Because the soil mixture for ferns is low in nutrients, ferns should be fertilized once a month during the growing season. |
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FERNS |
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Ferns are a large group of perennials known for their interesting foliage. They have an especially soothing effect as houseplants, they are easy to grow in a relative humid environment and there are plenty from which to choose. Perhaps the best-known indoor fern is the Boston fern, an easy houseplant to maintain with rich, green arching fronds (leaves). A bit less-known but just as interesting are the staghorn fern, whose fronds look like moose antlers, and the rabbit's-foot fern, whose long rhizomes look like brown, furry paws crawling out of the pot and hanging from the rim. |
Ferns are a large group of perennials known for their interesting foliage. |
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FERTILIZING FERNS |
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Few ferns can tolerate much sun, and most grown indoors don't like shady areas too much, either. Ferns do best with bright indirect light or filtered sun and an average room temperature. Generally speaking, the more feathery its fronds, the more moisture in the air a fern needs. Ferns with leaf like fronds are more drought tolerant. Misting or a humidity tray can help.
Ferns are shallow-rooted and should be grown in shallow pots in a light, organic soil mix. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. The surface can be allowed to dry out during watering in the winter. Indoor ferns don't need a period of dormancy, but they may go dormant if the temperature is below 50°. They should be fed lightly about once a month all year. All ferns look better when well groomed. Cut off dead or injured fronds near the trunk. Fertilize with VigoroŽ All Purpose Liquid or Water Soluble Plant Food every few weeks.
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