Ferns come in different species and can grow anywhere from a few inches to well over 50 feet (15 meters). How to keep ferns alive in winter will depend on the kind of fern and where you are growing it. Is it in the ground or a container?
Most ferns are easy to grow, even when they “die” during the winter. Yes, you read it right! More on that later. If you have tropical ferns such as the Boston ferns then a haggard look at the end of winter should not frighten you. If the ferns’ fronds dry up, do not despair. As long as your plant was healthy before, the fronds will decompose naturally and, in their place, new, beautiful fronds will grow.
Let’s explore how to keep ferns alive in winter:
Ferns Planted in the Ground
If your ferns are in the ground, then you should cover them during the very heavy winters to keep them alive. Ferns do not mind a bit of chill, but hard frost may not be so forgiving. You might want to go to the garden center and buy garden fleece (also known as horticultural fleece) or bubble wrap. Alternatively, you can improvise and use a bed sheet to protect your ferns from frost.
Potted Ferns
The potted ferns are easier to keep alive during winter, as long as they are not the “delicate” variety. All you have to do is to bring them indoors. But, before you do, prune them if they are huge unless, of course, you want to bring a huge bush into your home.
Prune as much of the plant as possible and give it a good wash-down/ spray to remove any clippings and lingering pests. Allow it to dry outside before bringing it into your home. If the plant is too huge, then you should divide it up and re-pot to get more plants and increase their chances of surviving wintertime.
Once inside, you will not have much to do apart from occasional watering. You do not need to add fertilizer and you do not need to look for sunny areas as ferns need little light. As long as you pick a spot that does not get below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius), your ferns will thank you for looking after them until the summer when they can blossom to their full glory!
Depending on the species, you may also want to check the humidity levels of the spot where you intend to keep it indoors. Some ferns love high humidity, and you may have to spray them with water once or twice a week to help the matters. Examples include the Maidenhair, Japanese Painted Fern, and the Scaly male fern.
Also Read: What Temperature Should I Set My Thermostat in Winter?
Is There a Way Around it?
If you are forgetful or lazy, then skip finding answers to how to keep ferns alive in winter. Instead, opt for hardy or evergreen ferns that tolerate most weather. For example, the Golden Male fern will do well for most of the winter.
You could also opt for ferns such as the Southern Polypody which does not produce new fronds until late summer. The Southern Polypody will do well in warm, wet winters. If you happen to live in a warmer climate, this fern species is a prime candidate.
Another great option that will not have you scratching your head about how to keep ferns alive in winter is the Intermediate Wood Fern (Dryopteris Intermedia). You can also check out the Marginal ferns, the Christmas ferns, and the Spinulose ferns.
Other winter hardy ferns include the Cinnamon fern, Dixie wood fern, Japanese Holly fern, Ghost fern, Wood fern, Lady Fern, and the Korean rock fern.
Will Pruning Ferns Before Winter Help?
The species of ferns you have will determine just how much pruning you should do. If you have the evergreen variety, then it is best not to tamper with the fronds. If you are not sure about the type of fern you have, then it is best to play it safe and do some very light pruning.
Light pruning right before winter can help preserve your plant and help it embrace the upcoming winter conditions. However, care must be taken not to overdo it as it will need its fronds for protection. Look out for dead fronds and get rid of them. As you prune, keep away from the top of the fern as much as possible. Instead, focus on the yellowing or dead fronds and the sides of the plant.
Other Care Tips to Keep Your Ferns in Good Health
Soil is also very important for healthy plant growth. Ferns love a bit of moisture in the soil, but too much of it will turn the leaves yellow. Ensure that the soil is not soggy and that it drains well. You may also want to apply light fertilizer just before winter. Focus on low-nitrogen fertilizer.
You should mulch over the soil to keep weeds at bay and retain moisture. Try using organic soil as much as possible. It should be porous and well-drained. Also, find out if your fern thrives better in alkaline soil or acidic and act accordingly. For example, the Maidenhairs will thrive best in alkaline soil.
As for watering, ferns do not need too much water. Once or twice a week will do for most varieties. If you forget and the soil dries out and your ferns “die”, the good news is that most types will spring back to life when watered, as long as you did not leave it too late and the plant completely dried out!
Watch out for light green fronds as this could indicate a problem. Especially, if there are not new leaves that you are looking at. You should not worry if the overall plant is healthy and only a few light green leaves form and dry out as this is part of its life cycle. Otherwise, if you think that there is a problem, check the soil moisture. If it is dry, then that could be the cause. If it is soggy, then that could be another problem.
Placing the fern under too much light could also cause the leaves to fade. Ferns need a shady spot to thrive, with medium to low light.
Last but not least, pest infestation may also cause the leaves to turn.
How About When Winter is Over?
When the winter is over, be in no rush to take your ferns under direct sunlight! You will have wasted your time learning how to keep ferns alive in winter. Instead, slowly re-introduce them to the light so that it is not too much of a shock for them. A few hours of partial sunlight for a few days or weeks will do to help them re-acclimatize to increased sunlight.
Also Read: What is Permafrost?