How Often to Water Ferns: The Ultimate Guide
Ferns are popular and much-loved houseplants, which blend gorgeously with any home decor due to their feathery, lush fronds. They naturally grow in the tropical areas where the light is soft and the ground stays moist around the clock. Because of this, they enjoy damp soil whether they’re in your garden or indoors. Do Ferns like to be wet or dry? They prefer to be consistently moist; however, it’s essential not to overwater them, as overly wet soil can harm their roots.
So, how often should you water Ferns?
Get all the answers in this comprehensive blog. Let’s start without any further ado.
About Fern Plants
Ferns are lush and beautifully textured “vascular plants” that grow in tropical regions of the world, with New Zealand’s rainforests home to over 230 species alone. They multiply via spores and don’t produce seeds or flowers. In addition, fern plants are renowned for their powerful air-purifying qualities.
Caring for Ferns is very straightforward; hence, they are ideal plants for beginners. You can keep them happy and thriving with just 4-6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight, warm and humid conditions, loamy soil with good drainage, and frequent watering or when you notice signs of dehydration. Soggy soil is a big no! Symbolically, a Fern represents sincerity, humility, and new beginnings, bringing a calm vibe to any home. While Fern plants are considered pet-safe, it’s wise to prevent pets from ingesting large amounts of the foliage to avoid tummy upset.
Popular varieties include the Boston Fern, with its long, arching fronds; the Silver Lace Fern, known for its variegated lace-like foliage; and the Maidenhair Fern, with fan-shaped leaflets attached to deep reddish-brown, wiry stems.
How Often Should You Water Ferns?
Do Ferns need a lot of water? Or, should you water Ferns daily? Keep reading to find the answers you may have regarding the frequency of watering Ferns.
When to Water Fern Plants
The best time to water Fern plants is in the morning. Do Ferns like to dry out between watering? No, they prefer moist soil, not dry or soggy. In hot or dry climates, they need more frequent watering. Indoor potted Ferns usually need water 2-3 times a week. On the other hand, outdoor or garden Ferns may require daily watering during summer or dry seasons, depending on the temperature and humidity in your region.
How Much Water Do Ferns Need?
Ferns need the right amount of water, so there’s adequate moisture in the soil. Do Ferns like to be constantly wet? Well, the best practice is to ensure the soil is always slightly damp but not too wet or soggy. Water them frequently but not deeply.
So, what is the proper way to water a Fern? Let’s find out!
How to Water Ferns: Tips and Tricks
What's the best way to water a Fern? You can water a Fern from either the top or the bottom after checking the moisture level in the soil. While watering from the top is convenient for most indoor gardeners, bottom watering has its benefits in keeping the soil consistently moist and preventing the fronds from getting wet. Smart, self-watering planters are also a good option for fern plants, as they deliver water to the roots as needed.
Do Ferns Like to Be Watered From the Bottom?
As discussed above, Ferns like to be watered from the bottom because this technique helps keep the fronds dry and prevents root rot. To water your Fern plant from the bottom, place the pot in a shallow tray or bowl filled with water. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, allowing the soil to soak up the water. Then, take the pot out of the tray and let it drain. This method keeps your Fern happy and healthy without wetting the leaves.
How to Water Ferns From the Top
To water Ferns from the top, fill your watering can with water at room temperature. Mimicking how rain would fall over your plant, water around the entire diameter of the plant’s container in a circular pattern. Let 10-20% of this water drain through the drainage holes, and repeat the above step one more time after a few minutes.. Make sure you don’t overwater.
Overwatered Vs. Underwatered Fern
Can you overwater a Fern? Unfortunately, yes. Many inexperienced plant enthusiasts soak their Fern plants, unaware that too much water can harm the root systems. The same apples if your Fern gets too little water. Over time, the roots become stressed, unable to support the lush fronds that they once did. In both cases, your green buddy will show specific, often similar, signs that it’s unhappy and suffering. Knowing the difference is, thus, important to set a proper Fern watering schedule. But how to tell if a Fern needs more or less water? The following sections explore how to understand your plant’s water needs.
How Do You Know If a Fern Is Underwatered?
What does a Fern look like when it needs water? You can identify an underwatered Fern from the following signs:
- Dry soil (look for the soil’s color to confirm if it’s dry)
- Brittle leaves
- Drooping leaves
- Browning tips
- Slow growth
- Leaves falling off the stems
How Do You Revive a Dehydrated Fern?
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, you may be able to rejuvenate a dehydrated plant. So, how do you save an underwatered Fern? To save and revive your Fern, give it a nice soak in a pot full of water for 15-20 minutes. Mist the leaves in addition to this and keep the plant in a shady, humid spot. Trim any dry or brown parts to redirect the energy to healthy leaves and promote new growth..
How Do I Tell If My Fern Is Overwatered?
What does an overwatered Fern look like? A Fern that’s getting more water than required will show the following signs of stress:
- Yellowing fronds
- Droopy leaves
- Soggy soil
- Discolored and soft leaves
- Unpleasant smell from the roots due to rot
- Mushy fronds
How to Revive an Overwatered Fern
To revive an overwatered Fern, stop watering it further and let the soil dry out first. Furthermore, if you’ve been growing the plant in a shady location or a low-light spot inside your home, consider moving it to a brighter area. If you suspect rotting roots, you may need to take a different course of action. You may be better off repotting your Fern plant in fresh, well-draining soil. But what does Fern root rot look like? Well, for a start, you can smell Fern root rot before you see it. The unpleasant odor (from the base of the plant and soil) indicates that something is not quite right. Also, dark, black, and mushy roots are a sure sign of root rot. Remember that healthy roots are light-colored and firm to the touch. So, you’ll need to examine the roots.
How to Fix Root Rot on Fern
To fix Fern root rot, remove the plant from its pot and trim all the mushy, black-brown roots using clean scissors. Handle the root system gently to avoid harming healthy ones. Then, repot the Fern in fresh, well-draining soil. Water it lightly and keep it in a spot with good airflow and bright, indirect light.
How Often Do You Water Ferns: FAQs
Q: Should you mist or water Ferns?
A: Ferns need to be watered consistently but not deeply. They also like high humidity, so spritzing them occasionally is a good idea, especially during dry seasons.
Q: Do you water Ferns from the top or bottom?
A: There’s no fixed rule when it comes to how to water Ferns. You can water them from the top or the bottom. However, the latter method is often preferred because it delivers the moisture more evenly.
Q: Should I mist my Fern daily?
A: It depends. Misting your Fern daily is a good idea if the air in your home is usually dry. But make sure not to soak the leaves to prevent fungal issues. Use a fine spray and mist in the morning so the leaves can dry during the day. On the other hand, daily misting isn’t required if the air has enough moisture..
Q: Why is my Fern turning brown?
A: Your Fern may turn brown due to dry air, too much sun, or a lack of proper humidity. These beauties thrive in moist soil and dappled light. Brown leaves often mean the plant needs to be watered. So, check the soil, mist the leaves, and keep the Fern away from direct sun.
Q: How do you keep Ferns alive in pots?
A: To keep Ferns alive in pots, provide them with sufficient water, filtered light, and high humidity. Keep the soil slightly moist, and place the pot in a spot with indirect sunlight. You may mist the leaves to maintain high humidity, especially if the air feels dry. Also, ensure the pot has good drainage to let excess water drain.
Q: Where is the best place to put Ferns?
A: The best place to put Ferns is where they can get bright but indirect sunlight for 4-6 hours daily, like near a North- or East-facing window. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as it can burn their feather-like leaves. They also like humid spots, so bathrooms and kitchens are undoubtedly great locations for your Fern plants.
Conclusion
Taking care of Ferns is easy when you know how to water Ferns correctly. Ferns like moist soil, not too dry and not too wet. Ensure the pot has good drainage, and keep the air around the plant humid. Watch for signs like brown leaves or drooping to know if your Fern needs more or less water. With the right Fern watering schedule and a little attention, your plant will stay green, vibrant, and healthy all year round.