Indoor fern - care at home, signs and types

Ferns are a favorite of many experienced and novice gardeners. Their lush greenery and spreading, lush foliage are attractive and can brighten any room. Caring for an indoor fern is quite simple. They thrive on a windowsill, on a special stand, or in a hanging pot.

The plant's native land is the tropical forests of South America. It was from there that ferns spread throughout the world. They serve not only a decorative but also a practical function: they perfectly purify indoor air and remove dust. Perhaps for this reason, ferns are often used in busy areas. They adorn hallways and foyers, as well as medical and educational institutions.

The beauty of ferns, their popularity and relative unpretentiousness distinguish them from many other indoor plants.

Signs about indoor ferns and the history of their cultivation

Ferns are common throughout the world, and every culture has its own legends, beliefs, and superstitions associated with them. Regardless of the various theories surrounding the plant, they all essentially boil down to one thing: the fern is imbued with mystical powers.

A characteristic feature of ferns is their lack of flowering period. This fact gives rise to many legends surrounding the plant. Among Slavic peoples, the holiday of Ivan Kupala is widely known, centered on the flowering of ferns. It is believed that on this single night of the year, the flowering plant can be seen. The reward is happiness or the discovery of treasure.

Existing beliefs are mixed: the bush is attributed both positive and negative properties. Among the undeniable advantages of keeping the flower at home is its ability to positively influence the psychological atmosphere in the home. Ferns are recommended for large families, where each person has their own character. The plant's presence in the home promotes peace among residents, reduces aggression and irritability, and promotes peace and tranquility.

Moreover, according to legend, the flower attracts good fortune to those passionate about gambling, fostering financial success and protecting them from foolish and unexpected spending. There are many stories of sudden wealth after acquiring a houseplant. Whether this is true or not is difficult to say. It only proves that having a houseplant in the home is not a cause for concern or fear.

On the other hand, the bush is imbued with dark magical powers. It is believed to be a thief of happiness and well-being, a source of misfortune and grief. According to legend, it absorbs all the positive energy in the home, using it to grow. This causes its owners to experience a feeling of helplessness and emptiness, apathy, and even depression. Another argument against keeping the plant in the home is that it can attract sudden illnesses and cause discord and misfortune.

Whatever the truth, these are just legends. This beautiful and useful houseplant is worth growing at home. It doesn't require complicated care, and its appearance will be a source of good mood.

You may be interested in:

Growing Canna Outdoors and At Home
The beautiful canna plant is quite a heat-loving plant, but if you take proper care of it, you can easily…Read more…

Characteristics of indoor ferns and their types

Ferns are among the most ancient herbaceous plants on Earth. Their history spans hundreds of thousands of years, and their appearance and reproductive methods are not at all typical of most plants.

Ferns don't flower. In the wild, they reproduce by spores located on the underside of the leaf. And leaves aren't exactly foliage. Their proper name is fronds, or leaf blades. Contrary to popular belief, fronds can have more than just a dissected appearance.

In nature, there are many species with elongated leaves or numerous small, rounded ones. The roots of the flower, like those of other epiphytes, are shortened. Furthermore, the plant produces aerial roots, which, once embedded in the soil, easily take root and give birth to a new flower.

There are over two thousand varieties of this plant. Not all are suitable for growing indoors. The most common species among gardeners include the following, shown in the photo:

1. Nephrolepis is the most common species found indoors. Its leaves are serrated and pinnate, a rich green, and arch in different directions as they grow. It is considered the most low-maintenance.

   

2. Maidenhair fern has lacy leaves that curl at the tips. It requires high humidity and shade. Special greenhouses or botanical gardens are considered the best places to grow it.

   

3. Asplenium. This species is characterized by lanceolate leaves. They can be either slightly dissected or carved. Asplenium nidus is considered the most suitable for indoor cultivation. A mature plant rarely exceeds 70 cm in height indoors, but in the wild it can grow up to two meters.

   

4. Platycerium, or flathorn, gets its name from its resemblance to deer antlers. There are about 15 varieties and it's very popular among gardeners. It prefers high humidity and soft, filtered light.

   

5. Polypodium, or centipede. The fronds are deeply dissected, and the stems are almost completely absent. The roots are located on the soil surface. This species is characterized by its wide spread, rarely exceeding 50 cm in height. This species can thrive in low humidity.

   

6. The common ostrich fern has leaves that resemble ostrich feathers. It grows quickly and is easy to care for. It is often used in rock gardens because it requires little care. There are four species in the wild, but only two are cultivated. It can reach a height of one and a half meters.

   

7. The shield fern is a large plant with stiff, dissected leaves, triangular or elongated in shape. It is often used in landscape design. It is considered easy to grow and is suitable for garden plots.

   

When choosing a plant, consider not only its appearance but also its care requirements. Not all species thrive in apartments with central heating, and some are completely unsuitable.

Caring for a fern at home

In general, the plant is considered undemanding for indoor growing. However, when caring for it, its origin and the climatic conditions of its native regions should be taken into account. Some species thrive in bright light, while others prefer shade or partial shade. The most important factors in caring for this plant are humidity, temperature, and lighting.

You may be interested in:

Nephrolepis - home care, types of ferns, and why do leaves dry out?
Nephrolepis is a perennial evergreen fern belonging to the Davalliaceae family. This plant…Read more…

Lighting

Fern fronds are very sensitive to bright light. Although the plant is considered a sun-loving plant, it's best to protect it from direct sunlight. Bright sun will cause burns, which will result in the plant turning yellow or losing its vibrant color.

To avoid this, it's best to place the plant near light sources, but on the east side rather than the south. Furthermore, even ideal light on a windowsill can seriously hinder the plant's growth. A plant with wide, spreading foliage will feel uncomfortable on a cramped windowsill. It's better to place it on a stand or use a hanging pot.

Temperature and humidity

The best temperature for growing ferns is considered moderate, ranging from 15 to 23 degrees Celsius. Ideally, there should be no sudden temperature fluctuations.

High humidity is essential for the bush to thrive. Dry air can kill the plant, so it's important to keep the humidity between 50-60%. To achieve the desired effect, the fern can be sprayed with lukewarm water.

Watering and fertilizing

To maintain vibrant and lush foliage, it's essential to maintain a proper watering regime. The plant requires regular watering, otherwise it will dry out and lose its natural elasticity. The water should be settled, free of impurities and chlorine. It's important to water the fern through a tray. Avoid watering the shoots, as the spreading fronds often prevent access to the soil and moistening it from above.

The period of active growth is a time to pay special attention to the plant. Not only is regular watering essential, but moderation is also crucial. It's best if the plant also gets moisture from the air. Avoid overwatering, as this will cause root rot and the plant to die.

Fertilize the plant no more than once a month. During the winter, when the plant is dormant, do not fertilize. Fertilizer is added to the irrigation water. For this purpose, use a general-purpose fertilizer or a special fertilizer for palms and ferns.

Diseases, pests and methods of control

Proper care of the bush almost completely eliminates plant diseases. However, certain care errors can lead to plant diseases:

1. Overwatering not only leads to root rot, but also causes leaves to lose their decorative appearance, become covered in brown spots, and then dry out and die.
2. Cold water for irrigation is a common cause of nematode infestations. They affect both the leaves and the root system. They are difficult to get rid of. You can try repotting the plant after treating it with Actellic, but even this doesn't guarantee the plant's survival.

   

3. In dry air, ferns are most often attacked by aphids, scale insects, and thrips. Regular spraying is the best preventative measure. If an infestation occurs, treatment with a standard insecticide is essential.

Hygiene

Fern diseases are always best prevented. To protect your fern from pests and diseases, follow these simple rules:

• adhere to all basic care requirements;
• provide the necessary air humidity;
• wipe the leaves or spray them;
• Monitor the frequency of fertilizing - a lack of it is usually indicated by pale leaves;
• observe temperature and light conditions.

With proper care, a fern will become a worthy decoration of your home and will provide comfort and a pleasant microclimate in the house.

How to propagate and transplant a flower at home

Caring for houseplants involves more than just watering and feeding. Almost all require repotting from time to time. Ferns are no exception, and will likely need a pot change once a year.

Choosing soil and pot

Indoor plants require special attention when choosing soil. In the wild, terrestrial species thrive in loose soil. Potted plants also require a particularly loose substrate. A soil mixture of leaf mold, turf, and peat is considered ideal. All components should be used in equal proportions.

When adding sand, be sure it's not too fine, otherwise the substrate will become dense and impermeable. This is detrimental to the fern. Loose soil ensures drainage and good ventilation, which is essential for forest dwellers.

When choosing a pot, keep in mind the structure of the plant's root system. Since the roots are compact, it's best to choose a wide, shallow container. If the pot is deeper than necessary, fill it about halfway with drainage material.

Reproduction

In the wild, ferns reproduce by spores. This method of propagation is unavailable at home; root division is most often used. The best time to do this is when repotting the plant. After removing it from the pot, inspect the root system. If any offshoots are found, separate them with a sharp object and plant them in a separate container.

If there are no offshoots, the root can be divided into two parts, and the resulting bushes can be replanted in separate pots. Before propagating, it's advisable to thoroughly moisten the soil to prevent damage to the cleaned roots when untangling.

Transfer

The most common reason for repotting is a cramped pot. Repotting is done in the spring. If done in the fall, the plant may not have time to recover before the cold weather sets in and will die.

Select a pot slightly larger in diameter than the previous one, adding drainage. Place a small amount of new potting soil on top and move the fern, along with the soil ball, from the old pot. Add the required amount of fresh soil and water the plant.

If the root system has not grown much, you can replace the top layer of soil and postpone replanting until next year.

Frequently asked questions about growing

Even novice gardeners can create the necessary conditions for a fern. In gratitude, the plant will delight its residents with bright, lush greenery, fresh air, and a wonderful microclimate.