Boston Fern Repotting How And When To Repot Boston Ferns

Pot Boston ferns in a container with ample drainage holes that's slightly larger than the plant's root ball. Once the roots are poking out of the soil, it's time to repot. Another telltale sign that the fern is out of space is if it's not growing as much as it normally does. Repotting is best done in the spring.

When should I repot my Boston fern?
How do you divide and repot a Boston fern?
When should I transplant ferns?
How do you repot a root bound Boston fern?
Do Boston ferns like to be root bound?
Why is my Boston fern turning brown?
How often should you water a Boston fern?
Do Boston ferns grow back?
Can you start a fern from a cutting?
Do ferns need big pots?
Do ferns do well in pots?
How often should ferns be watered?

When should I repot my Boston fern?

Don't wait until the pot is badly root bound. If the potting mix is so root-compacted that water runs straight through the pot, or if the roots are growing in a tangled mass on top of the soil, it's definitely time to repot the plant. Boston fern repotting is best done when the plant is actively growing in spring.

How do you divide and repot a Boston fern?

Here's how to divide a Boston fern:

Start with a large, full Boston fern plant. ...
Remove plant from its pot.
Using a pair of garden forks, divide the root ball in half. ...
Divide the root ball again into quarters. ...
Repot the plants into individual pots or place several in a larger container.

When should I transplant ferns?

The best time to transplant ferns is in early spring, while still dormant but just as new growth begins to emerge. Potted ferns can usually be transplanted or repotted anytime but care should be taken if this is performed during its active growth period.

How do you repot a root bound Boston fern?

Fill in around the root ball with more potting mix, then thoroughly water the plant, let it drain, and move it to its permanent location. Repot Boston ferns when the roots have filled the container. If you're planning to grow Boston ferns indoors, replant in late summer or early fall in Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix.

Do Boston ferns like to be root bound?

Most Boston ferns benefit from repotting at least every two to three years, although some fast-growing ferns may require repotting more often. Several signs indicate your fern needs a larger home. ... A badly root-bound fern may crack the pot. It's a good idea to repot the plant before this happens.

Why is my Boston fern turning brown?

Boston fern browning may be caused by poor soil, inadequate drainage, lack of water or humidity, too much light, excess salt, or simply mechanical injury. If your cat tends to chew on the leaves, the tips will turn brown and die.

How often should you water a Boston fern?

Water the fern when the soil becomes damp. Do not allow the soil to dry out. This may mean watering twice a week or daily in hot weather. The frequency will change depending on the temperature and moisture in your home.

Do Boston ferns grow back?

Like many other varieties of semitropical plants, Boston fern grows as a perennial in warm climates, but won't overwinter in areas that experience freezing temperatures. In cold climates, you must bring this type of fern indoors or grow it as an annual.

Can you start a fern from a cutting?

Ferns can be grown from clippings, also known as cuttings. Place a 1-inch layer of sand in the bottom of a small pot for drainage. ... The soil should drain well and be loamy as ferns don't like it too wet. About 4 inches of soil is adequate for growth.

Do ferns need big pots?

Fern plants don't like containers that are too large for their size, but they can become pot-bound as the roots grow and develop. ... It's possible to salvage a pot-bound fern, either by division or by transplanting it to a larger pot.

Do ferns do well in pots?

Ferns generally grow in rocky soils, and their roots don't need deep soil in which to grow well. Shallow containers are best for ferns in container gardens. Containers no deeper than six inches are bes. The fern should fit in the pot with an inch or two to spare around the edges for growth.

How often should ferns be watered?

Most ferns like an evenly moist soil with regular waterings. Allowing the soil to dry out between waterings stresses these plants.