Emerald Fern

Watering your Emerald Fern is the most important part of its care. When watering, thoroughly saturate the potting medium until the water begins to leak out the drainage holes. Allow the top of the soil to dry partially between watering as overwatering can cause root rot. During periods of active growth, the fern will benefit from misting of its foliage which will help to increase humidity levels and stimulate growth.

Emerald Ferns prefer bright, indirect light in the home but may be able to tolerate a bit of direct light as well. If your Emerald Fern does not get enough light it will be paler in colour and the fronds may be less dense. Likewise, too much light may burn the leaves of the fern. So, its best to keep the fern in bright, dappled light.

The Emerald Fern can survive temperatures as low as 60° Fahrenheit and as high as 75° Fahrenheit, with the optimum temperature range being 65-68° Fahrenheit (18-20° Celsius). Maintaining a steady temperature is key to ensuring that your fern remains healthy.

The Emerald Fern does best with moderate humidity levels of 40-50%. To increase the humidity levels around your plant, you can use a humidifier or place a dish of water near the plant that can be refreshed as needed. You can also place a pebble and soil tray filled with water beneath your pot to increase the humidity levels for the plant.

The Emerald Fern can thrive in a variety of soil types. It prefers a soil with good drainage that is slightly acidic (with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5). A potting mix that is equal parts peat moss, compost, and bark works well for the fern.

Fertilizing your Emerald Fern is important if you want to keep it looking its best. A general-purpose liquid fertilizer diluted to half of the strength suggested on the label can be used. Fertilize the fern every other month during spring and summer, then reduce or discontinue fertilizing during winter when the plant is in a state of dormancy.

Common pests that can attack the Emerald Fern and other houseplants include aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. To get rid of these pests, you must first identify which pest is causing the infestation and then take the appropriate steps. For most pests, a combination of physical removal (washing the plant with water or gently scraping off the pests with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol) and beneficial insects (predatory insects that feed on the pests) may be effective. You can also try using an insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.

Repotting your Emerald Fern is recommended every year or so as the plant gets larger. When repotting, use a pot that is a couple of inches larger than the one it is currently in and fill it with a potting mix that is well-drained and has a neutral pH. Also, make sure to water the fern after repotting to help it settle into its new home.

The Emerald Fern should be pruned regularly to keep it healthy and looking its best. Pruning can be done by removing any yellowed or dead leaves and also by trimming the fronds of the plant to make it more attractive. Cut the fronds back to the point at which the leaves emerge from the stalk, but don’t cut too far back or it will damage the fern.

Mulching is beneficial for the Emerald Fern since it helps to keep the soil moist. An organic mulch of your choice, such as shredded bark, cocoa bean hulls, or wood chips, can be added to the top of the soil to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

The Emerald Fern can be propagated via rhizome division or growing a new plant from a spore. To propagate by rhizome division, carefully separate the rhizomes of the fern into pieces, then replant each rhizome piece in its own pot with a potting mix. To grow a new plant from a spore, simply expose the spore to enough light, warmth, moisture, and air until the plant is established.

The Emerald Fern can grow up to 3 feet tall, so it’s important to ensure the plant has a support structure to ensure the fronds don’t get droopy. A moss pole or trellis is the best way to support the plant and help it grow upright.

The Emerald Fern does not require a rest period, and instead can be kept actively growing year round. However, it is beneficial to reduce the amount of water and fertilizer during the winter months to encourage the plant to remain in a state of dormancy.

The Emerald Fern is not considered toxic to pets.