Crocodile Fern Care - Tips For Growing Crocodile Ferns

Crocodile ferns need regular water, but the plant won't last long in soggy, poorly drained soil. A rich, well-drained potting soil such as a soil formulated for African violets works very well. To keep the plant happy, water whenever the surface of the potting mix feels slightly dry.

How can I make my ferns grow better?

When using ferns as houseplants, choose tropical species. Rather than standard potting soil, ferns will grow best in a richer medium, such as a fern-specific commercial mix or compost mixed with peat moss and sand. Repotting is necessary when the plant begins to crowd its container, which may lead to smaller fronds.

Do ferns grow best in sun or shade?

Perennial plants that grow in nearly every country around the world, ferns provide interesting color and texture and a lush, woodsy feel to the garden. Although most ferns are woodland plants that prefer moist, shady areas, some hardy types tolerate sunlight with ample water and protection from intense afternoon light.

What is the best Fertiliser for ferns?

Fertilization. Ferns are relatively light feeders compared to many other foliage plants. They prefer a balanced fertilizer, such as 20-10-20 or 20-20-20, with micronutrients applied at approximately 200 ppm nitrogen. Too much nitrogen can cause tip burn on the roots and leaves if the plant becomes dry.

How do you keep ferns moist?

To help your ferns thrive in other rooms, try one of these options: add a room humidifier; mist your ferns lightly every few days (avoid daily misting); place plants away from vents and fans to prevent drying out; add well-moistened mood moss around the base of the plant to help hold moisture in the dirt.

What does Epsom salt do for ferns?

Ferns – Epsom salts work wonders on ferns as a liquid fertilizer helping the leaves have a rich, deep dark green color. Elephant ear plants are another plant which benefits from the extra magnesium. Apply as a drench mixing 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts to 1 gallon of water.

Are coffee grounds good for ferns?

In most cases, the grounds are too acidic to be used directly on soil, even for acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas and hollies. Coffee grounds inhibit the growth of some plants, including geranium, asparagus fern, Chinese mustard and Italian ryegrass.

Do ferns need lots of water?

Along with a humid environment, ferns require moist soil. Make sure to keep the soil evenly moist (but not soaking!) by giving the plant a small amount of water daily.

What ferns tolerate sun?

Both the male fern, Dryopteris filix-mas, and the scaly (golden) male fern, D. affinis, are among the most sun-tolerant of the evergreen fern species.

Do ferns need sunlight?

Ferns Need Plenty of Indirect Light

Most ferns prefer indirect light, which means you should avoid placing them where sunlight will hit them—their leaves can get scorched if you do, resulting in a dry, crispy plant.

Is Miracle Grow good for ferns?

Feed outdoor ferns with Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food and indoor ferns with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food. Prune when the plant looks scraggly or has dropped a lot of leaves. Provide indoor Boston ferns with additional humidity as needed.

Is blood and bone good for ferns?

Ferns are gross feeders and fertilisers are best applied during the warm months when plants are growing. Blood and bone or liquid organic fertilisers such as fish emulsion are suitable.

Should I cut the fronds off my tree fern?

The fronds should be left on the plant unless they have died off and then should be cut back. The green fronds continue to produce food for the plant. Removing them before they have died off reduces the amount of food produced resulting in shorter and fewer leaves the following season.

Should you mist ferns?

Misting is good for broad-leaf ferns and those of simple-leaf forms. Use less spray on crinkled varieties, which tend to collect moisture and hold it, contributing to development of fungus. Humidity can be increased in the vicinity of the plants when pots are set on trays of moist pebles or on damp sand.

How do you bring ferns back to life?

Dig up your fern and add organic material or compost to the hole if you have clay soil that that doesn't drain well. Replace the fern, water it well and give it a few weeks to bounce back. Transplant the fern if it currently grows in direct sunlight and has browned leaflets or fronds.

Can you overwater ferns?

Over-watered ferns may drop their leaves or the foliage may yellow. You may notice a green, mossy growth on the top of the soil or gray fungi may form. Over-watering ferns poses the risk of root rot and other fungal diseases.

Do ferns grow back if you cut them?

Cut back to the base if desired.

If you are not liking the look of your plant at all, you can cut it down to just above the crown, much as you do with an outdoor fern. Use sharp, clean scissors to cut off the fronds. The fern will grow back from the crown, if you let it remain.

What does an overwatered fern look like?

The first sign that a fern is overwatered is usually yellowing or wilted leaves. One surefire way to determine if it's time to water a Boston fern is to touch the soil with your fingertip. If the surface of the soil feels slightly dry, it's time to give the plant a drink.

How long do you soak Ferns in Epsom salt?

Once the Epsom Salt is fully dissolved, pour into the galvanized bucket and place your first fern in. Let sit for a minimum of 3 hours. Some recommend leaving it overnight for best results, but since we had more than one and only one bucket big enough, I stuck with the 3-5 hours.

Can macho ferns take full sun?

The most important piece of Macho fern info recommends filtered light. In full sun situations, the fronds will burn and the plant will lose vigor. It is perfect on a covered porch or in shade near the patio. Indoor plants should be grown away from southern and western windows.

Can I pour coffee on my plants?

To use coffee as a plant fertilizer, you'll need to dilute it. ... You can use coffee fertilizer on your potted plants, houseplants, or in your vegetable garden. Coffee and coffee grounds can be acidic, but since we're diluting it so much, that's not really a problem unless you're watering the same plant with it every day.

What is the best time to plant ferns?

Fall is the very best time to plant ferns because it gives the plants a chance to establish their roots before the leaf growth of spring and summer. Most ferns are evergreen and will stay beautiful throughout the fall.