The secret to keeping ferns happy
Ferns are one of the most interesting houseplants to grow, but notoriously one of the trickiest to keep happy. Humidity, light, water and potting mix are the biggest factors to get right to keep them looking lush through the drier summer months.
Where do ferns grow in the wild?
Ferns as a group are found almost everywhere on earth, from arctic tundra to desert rock crevices, but the ones most commonly kept as houseplants, such as the bird's nest fern (Asplenium nidus) and staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum), come from tropical forests, where they grow on tree branches and trunks rather than in the ground. That background explains a lot about what they want indoors: warm, humid air and bright but indirect light, much like the dappled, sheltered conditions of a forest canopy rather than open ground.
How often should you water a fern?
A fern's potting mix should never be allowed to fully dry out, which means it needs watering more often than most other houseplants. Even so, frequent watering means it's worth checking the mix regularly rather than working to a fixed schedule, since how quickly it dries out will alter with the season.
What potting mix do ferns need?
Ferns do best in a moisture-retentive, humus-rich potting mix, one built to hold onto water rather than let it drain straight through, so the roots are never left to dry out completely, rather than a standard, fast-draining mix.
What light do ferns need?
While too little light can slow growth down, too much direct sun and the delicate fronds scorch easily. A spot with bright, indirect light suits most ferns far better than a dark corner or a sunny windowsill.
Do ferns need humidity?
Ferns come from naturally humid environments such as Indonesia and Australia, and the air in most homes is far drier than what they're used to, especially with central heating on. Low humidity shows up as crisping or browning at the edges of the fronds, even when the watering and light are otherwise right. A lighting misting can help temporarily, but placing ferns in typically humid rooms like the bathroom or kitchen is best long-term.
Ferns ask for a bit more attention than most houseplants, and the right can makes that easier to keep up with, especially when you're watering more often than usual. Take a look at our indoor watering cans. 