When to Bring Ferns inside?

Ferns are a popular choice among plant enthusiasts for their lush, delicate fronds and relatively straightforward care requirements.

However, if you live in an area with harsh winters or scorching summers, you may be wondering when to bring your outdoor ferns inside to protect them.

This article will provide you with all the necessary information about when and how to bring your ferns inside to keep them healthy throughout the year.

Understanding Your Fern’s Natural Habitat

Before deciding when to bring your ferns inside, it’s crucial to understand their natural habitat. Most fern species are native to tropical or subtropical regions, where they thrive in humid, warm conditions with indirect light.

Recognizing Signs of Stress in Your Ferns

Knowing the signs of stress in your ferns can help you determine when it’s time to bring them indoors. Some signs of stress include:

1. Brown or Dry Fronds: This could be a sign that your fern is getting too much direct sunlight or not enough water.
2. Wilting or Drooping Fronds: This might indicate that your fern is either receiving too much water or not enough.
3. Slow Growth or Yellowing Fronds: These could be symptoms of a lack of necessary nutrients.

When to Bring Ferns Inside

These are some important things that you should know:

Monitoring Weather Conditions

• The timing for when to bring your ferns inside largely depends on the weather conditions in your region. As cold-sensitive plants, most ferns don’t handle frost or freezing temperatures well. If your local weather forecast predicts a frost, it’s time to move your ferns indoors.
• On the other hand, if your summers are particularly hot and dry, your ferns might also benefit from being brought indoors to escape the heat. Extreme temperatures can cause the ferns to dry out and become stressed.

Timing the Transition

• The transition from outdoors to indoors shouldn’t happen abruptly, as this can stress the plant. Instead, start by bringing your ferns inside during the cooler nights about a week or two before the first expected frost. After a few days of this, begin leaving them inside for longer periods, gradually increasing their time indoors until they’re inside full time.
• The same applies when moving them outside after winter. Start by leaving them outside for only a few hours a day, gradually increasing their exposure to the outside environment.

Considering Light and Space

• Remember to consider indoor light conditions when bringing your ferns inside. Most ferns prefer bright, indirect light, so a north or east-facing window can often provide ideal conditions.
• Also, ensure you have enough space indoors for your ferns. Some fern varieties can grow quite large, so it’s crucial to have a designated space where they can thrive without being crowded or jostled.

Indoor Humidity Levels

• Humidity is another important factor. Most ferns are tropical plants and are accustomed to high humidity levels. Indoor environments, particularly those with central heating or cooling, can often be quite dry.
• Consider using a humidifier, or grouping plants together to create a more humid microclimate. Regular misting can also help, but ensure the foliage has time to dry out fully to prevent fungal diseases.

Pest Inspection

• Finally, before you bring your ferns indoors, inspect them thoroughly for pests.
• Look under the leaves and along the stems for any signs of insects or disease. It’s easier to deal with these issues while the plants are still outside.

How to Care for Indoor Ferns

This below points explains how to care for Indoor Ferns:

Watering Indoor Ferns

• Indoor ferns prefer soil that is consistently moist, but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is often fatal to plants. Before watering your fern, check the top inch of the soil. If it’s dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, wait a day or two before checking again.
• Using lukewarm or room temperature water is ideal, as cold water can shock the plant’s roots. Additionally, try to water the soil directly, rather than pouring water over the fern’s foliage, to prevent leaf rot.

Light Requirements

• Ferns are generally not fans of direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves. They do best in bright, indirect light. East or north-facing windows are often great locations for indoor ferns.
• If you notice the fronds becoming pale or bleached, it may be receiving too much light. On the other hand, if the fern seems to be reaching or stretching toward the light, it may not be getting enough.

Humidity Needs

Ferns thrive in humid environments. Maintaining an appropriate level of humidity is often the most challenging aspect of indoor fern care, especially in winter when indoor air can become particularly dry. To increase humidity, you can:

• Mist your ferns regularly: Use a spray bottle to gently mist your ferns with water, preferably in the morning so the leaves can dry out during the day.
• Use a pebble tray: Fill a shallow tray with pebbles and add water until it is just below the top of the pebbles. Place your fern pot on the tray. The water in the tray will evaporate, increasing the humidity around the plant.
• Use a humidifier: If you have several plants or live in a dry climate, it might be worth investing in a humidifier.

Feeding Your Ferns

• Ferns generally don’t require a lot of feeding. During the growing season (usually spring and summer), you can feed your fern once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
• Follow the package instructions to avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm your plant.

Regular Maintenance

• Regularly remove any dead or brown fronds from your fern to keep it looking its best and to prevent disease. This also allows more space for new growth. Regularly check for pests such as spider mites, which can infest indoor plants.
• By providing the right light, water, humidity, and care, your indoor ferns can thrive and bring a touch of natural beauty to your home all year round.

Also, have a look at the below gardening articles:

• How to Grow Ferns in Outdoor Gardens
• Fern Garden Design Ideas for Small Spaces
• Why Are My Ferns Turning Brown? [Reasons & Preventions]

Conclusion

Caring for ferns involves understanding their needs and preferences. By knowing when to bring your ferns inside, you can protect them from harsh weather conditions and ensure they stay healthy and vibrant. Remember, the key is to pay attention to your local climate and the individual needs of your ferns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)