Frosty Fern

Frosty Fern likes its soil to be moist, but not wet. It’s best to water until water comes out from the pot’s bottom drainage holes, then wait until the soil is slightly dry before doing so again. It is important to keep the leaves misted as they prefer wetter conditions than other houseplants. During summer, mist every few days, and reduce this to once a week during winter.

Frosty Fern prefers bright, indirect light or filtered sunlight. Locations with either too much or too little light can cause the leaves to become yellow or fade to a pale green. They should never be exposed to direct sunlight, as it can burn the leaves.

Frosty fern prefers warm, moderately-humid climates with temperatures that range from 65-80 Fahrenheit (18-27 Celsius). They can tolerate a colder environment (as low as 55 F/12 C) for short periods, though their leaves may start to dry out.

Frosty Fern requires high levels of humidity and will struggle in dry climates. To raise the humidity level in the home, you can use a terrarium or mist regularly. To prevent their delicate leaves from becoming soggy, apply the mist lightly and be sure to let water run off.

Frosty Fern prefers an aerated soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.5 or lower. A soil designed for succulents and cacti is an ideal choice, and you should also use a well-draining pot or planter so the roots stay healthy. Add in perlite or pumice to improve drainage.

Frosty Fern prefers a light fertilizer during the spring and summer months. Any liquid all-purpose fertilizer designed for houseplants can be used and should be applied every two to four weeks. During the winter, fertilizer is not necessary as the plant will be resting.

Common pests that affect Frosty Fern include spider mites, aphids, small whiteflies, mealybugs, and thrip. These pests can cause yellowing of the foliage and eventually stunt the growth of the plant. Spider mites can be identified by small webs they create on the plant leaves. Aphids, small whiteflies, mealybugs, and thrip can be identified by the damaged, discolored, or curled leaves and stems. To treat and get rid of the pests, use isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab or a hard-spray of water. Insecticidal sprays can also be used, but liberally spraying alcohol is often more successful.

Frosty fern should be repotted when its roots become tightly bound, which can cause discoloration. To repot, use a soil designed for succulents and cacti (or a mix of both) and a well-draining pot. Repot during the spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing, and do so on an occasional basis - every two to three years is ideal.

Frosty Fern should not be pruned, since this will cause it to lose its attractive foliage pattern. Removing dead leaves occasionally is okay, but any leaves that are still alive should be left undisturbed.

Frosty Fern prefers mulch to be included in its soil. Useful choices of mulch include organic materials like dried pine needles, bark, and pebbles. Make sure to use lightweight mulch, as heavier options may damage the roots.

Frosty Fern can be propagated through cuttings or leaf-budding. Cuttings require healthy leaves and stem that are free of pests and, for best results, should be taken from the middle of the plant rather than the perimeter. To propagate through leaf-budding, peel off healthy leaves from the stems and press them into moist soil. Make sure to water regularly until new growth appears.

Frosty Fern does not need any extra support, as it can provide its own structure with its lightly-woody stems.

At least once a year, Frosty Fern should be given a rest period, where it is completely removed from sunlight and its soil is not watered during that time. The rest period should last approximately six weeks (from mid-September to October.) During this period, the plant will become dormant. Once the rest period has ended, return your Frosty Fern to bright, indirect light and resume watering.

Frosty Fern is not toxic to pets, making it a safe choice for any household.