Artillery Fern

When it comes to watering, Artillery fern will benefit from regular waterings in the spring and summer months, such as once or twice a week. In winter, the plant should be watered even less, such as once every two weeks or so. As per usual with houseplants, it is important to check the moisture level of the soil before watering to confirm that the soil is not already overly moist.

Artillery fern does best in bright, indirect light. It should not be placed in direct sunlight, as this can cause scorched or burnt leaves. Moderate to bright indirect light is the best spot for the fern, where it can get a few hours of direct sunlight a day, with shadier spots in between to prevent wilting or burning.

Artillery fern should be kept in warm temperatures, with a preferred range from about 60 to 78°F (15-25°C). In cooler climates, it is important to move the plant away from cold windows or drafty spots.

Artillery fern needs higher levels of humidity than most other houseplants. This means it should be misted regularly with filtered or distilled water to increase the indoor humidity levels, if needed. Placing the plant in the bathroom or kitchen – spots that are usually more humid – can also be helpful.

When it comes to soil, Artillery fern needs something that is well-draining and slightly acidic with a pH of no greater than 6.5. Typical succulent and cactus soil is a great option, but a combination of soil with perlite or other soil additives can also be used.

Artillery fern can be fertilized with a balanced houseplant fertilizer such as 10-10-10. This should be done every two to four weeks during the spring and summer, and can be done monthly during the winter months. To ensure the best results, it is important to dilute the fertilizing solution to half the concentration recommended by the manufacturer, as the plant’s roots should not be over-fertilized.

One of the more common pests for Artillery fern is spider mite. If spider mites do take up residence on the plant, the best course of action is to use a neem oil spray. Neem oil is an organic pesticide that not only kills mites, but also repels them. To use, make a solution of 1 teaspoon of neem oil per one quart of water, and spray the entire plant down twice in two weeks. Make sure to concentrate on the backside of the leaves, as this is where mites like to hide. Additionally, wiping the leaves down with either a lemon juice or rubbing alcohol mixture will also help to remove any existing pests.

Due to the slow-growing nature of Artillery fern, they need to be repotted only every other year or so. If the plant is outgrowing its current pot or the leaves start to droop and look limp, it is time to repot it into a slightly larger size. When doing so, it is important to use a well-draining potting mix, as excess water can cause root rot.

Artillery fern should only be pruned if too many of the lower leaves and fronds become dead or diseased. Pruning should be done sparingly and delicately with scissors, as to avoid taking too much of the natural shape of the fern away.

Mulching around the base of the fern is helpful in both retaining moisture, and in keeping the soil full of nutrients. Options include pieces of wood, bark and rock, as well as certain mulches such as peat moss.

One of the easiest ways to propagate Artillery fern is to take cuttings in the spring or early summer. Cut a 2 to 3 inch long stem about ¼ inch from the base of the stem, and then strip the leaves off of the lower 1/3rd of the stem. Place the cuttings in either a potting soil or water and wait for it to root. Alternatively, this species can also be propagated by division of clumps of the fern in the spring or fall time.

Due to the delicate and arching nature of the fern’s fronds, support in the form of a trellis, obelisk or moss pole is recommended. This can help to give the fern a place to climb and keep the fronds from drooping.

Artillery fern does not have a specific rest period, however it should be kept indoors during the winter months in cooler climates. This is due to its tender nature, and its need for strict temperature control.

Artillery fern is not considered toxic to humans or pets, however if ingested it can cause drowsiness or rashes in some cases, so it is best to handle it only when necessary.