Ferns: Love to Hate Them, How to Care for Them

[Alyssa Piombo]

By Maddy Hogan



Houseplant ferns have always been popular among plant lovers, with their delicate fronds and unique textures adding a touch of natural beauty to any indoor space. However, many plant parents are intimidated by these plants, as they are often seen as fickle and difficult to care for because without the proper environment ferns will suffer from brown or crispy edges and thinning fronds or leaves. We are going to explore why ferns are worth the effort, how to care for them, and how Riza will help you source the best and hardiest ferns to add to your collection based on your personal green thumb skills and environment.

One of the reasons that ferns can be intimidating to plant parents is that they have specific care requirements that can be challenging to meet in certain home environments. Unlike many houseplants, ferns prefer consistently moist soil and high humidity, which can be difficult to achieve in many indoor environments without over saturating the soil and creating a soggy environment. Overwatering a fern will create a soggy soil that can cause root rot, whereas underwatering a fern will cause the fronds to dry out and wither and the leaves to crisp and turn brown on the edges. Ferns prefer bright, indirect light, which can be a challenge depending on your lighting within your home or office space. The combination of wanting bright indirect light and a consistently moist, but never soggy, soil can present an opportunity for your fern to quickly show signs of stress and be deemed finicky. Overall, ferns are highly sensitive to light and temperature changes, but knowing their needs and maintaining consistency will help you achieve a happy and healthy fern.

Despite the fact that ferns are a more advanced houseplant that present these challenges, ferns are well worth the effort. They are natural air purifiers, helping to remove harmful chemicals from the air and improving indoor air quality. They also add a touch of natural beauty to any room, with their unique fronds and lush green foliage.

To care for your ferns and ensure that they thrive, there are a few key steps to keep in mind:

1. Watering - Ferns prefer consistently moist soil, so be sure to water them regularly. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. A good rule to follow is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. We also have moisture meters in our store available for purchase that will prove incredibly helpful with determining if a ferns soil is moist enough.
2. Humidity - Ferns thrive in high humidity environments, so consider misting the fronds regularly or placing a humidifier near the plant. You can also place the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water, which will help to create a humid microclimate around the plant.
3. Light - Ferns prefer bright, indirect light, so try to place them near a sunny window without exposing them to direct sunlight. If your fern is not getting enough light, the fronds may start to turn yellow or brown.
4. Temperature - Ferns prefer temperatures between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit, so be sure to keep them away from drafty windows or doors or near heating vents or fireplaces.
5. Fertilizer - Ferns benefit from regular fertilization once a month during the growing season of April - October.

At Riza, we are committed to providing our customers with the hardiest and healthiest ferns available. Our ferns are carefully selected for their resilience and adaptability, making them the perfect addition to any indoor space. We offer a variety of ferns, including the Kimberly Ferns, Jester Ferns, Bird's Nest Fern, Maidenhair Ferns (only upon request), and Staghorn Ferns. Each of these ferns has its own unique appearance and care requirements and the team at Riza will be sure to educate you on the specific needs of the particular fern you have selected. It always helps us to take photos of the placement in your home so we can recommend the best type of fern to make sure we set you up for success. In addition to our variety and hardiness of ferns, Riza also offers a wide range of plant accessories and care products to help you keep your ferns healthy and thriving. From moisture meters, misters, and watering cans to fertilizers and potting soil, we have everything you need to create the perfect environment for your ferns to grow into your new best frond!