Ferns are one of the oldest plants, dating back to prehistoric times. These adaptable plants will thrive indoors with the right amount of humidity. Some ferns to consider are button ferns, maidenhair ferns, holly ferns, asparagus ferns and staghorn ferns. Here are a few pointers about their care:

Costa Farms

Watering

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

Bushy ferns can be difficult to water. Try using a watering can with a long spout to direct the water to the center of the plant. Water generously, until it drains out of the bottom of the pot.

Placement

Bathrooms and kitchens are good environments for ferns because of all the running water. To help your ferns thrive in other rooms, try one of these options: add a room humidifier; mist your ferns lightly every few days (avoid daily misting); place plants away from vents and fans to prevent drying out; add well-moistened mood moss around the base of the plant to help hold moisture in the dirt.

Containers

Help maintain moisture levels by using double containers for your ferns. Plant the fern in a terra-cotta pot, and place the pot in a larger decorative container. Stuff well-moistened sheet moss between the containers. The terra-cotta pots will transfer moisture to the plant. Cover the top of the container with more moistened moss to conceal the terra-cotta pot and moss between pots.

Create an attractive fern display full of helpful moisture. Start with a large waterproof container. Line the bottom with pebbles or river rocks. Pour water to the top of the rocks, but don’t cover the rocks, since the plants should not be sitting in water. Fill the container with a variety of ferns planted in terra-cotta pots.

Flynnside Out

Care of Staghorn Ferns

A staghorn fern (Platycerium) is an unusual fern that doesn’t require soil. It can be attached to an organic object, like a piece of driftwood, and hung from the wall. It grows rapidly and makes a dramatic presentation. To water a staghorn fern, simply dunk the entire arrangement into a bucket of water several times. Let it drain well and then rehang.

How to Mount a Staghorn Fern

Take these beauties out of the pots, and put them on the walls in minutes with this simple DIY tutorial.

Read further to know about the Benefits of Boston Fern Plants:

They Purify the Air Quality

The Boston Ferns not only spruce up the indoor air quality but also improve the humidity levels by restoring moisture to the air naturally, which gives a soothing effect. The air-purifying properties provide relief to people suffering from dry skin, dry noses, and sore throats.

They Absorb Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a commonly found indoor air pollutant mainly emitted from smoking, cosmetics, resin paints, perfumes, air fresheners, and adhesives. It can irritate the nose, eyes, and throat. According to the studies conducted by NASA, Boston Ferns are capable of absorbing formaldehyde from the environment in a great way.

Help Get Rid of Xylene

Xylene is a harmful air pollutant primary released from industrial sources, automobile cleaners, aerosol paint concentrates, and household pesticides. There are severe health effects of inhaling xylene that can cause depression of the central nervous system, headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. The buildings with poor ventilation have a higher level of xylene that often causes sick building syndrome. Planting Boston Ferns in homes and offices help get rid of xylene and offer fresh air to breathe.

Help Absorb Toluene

Toluene is another harmful air pollutant found naturally in paint thinners, nail paints, inks, glues, and stain removers. Exposure to the toluene can cause irritation of eyes and nose, central nervous system dysfunction, dizziness, headache, dilated pupil, anxiety, and irritation of the upper respiratory tract. Planting Boston Ferns in houses help removing toluene from the indoor air and thus give clean and fresh air to breathe.

How to Take Care of Boston Ferns?

The Boston Fern is relatively cheap and is a great starter fern for people who enjoy the plants with lush green foliage. These are known to be one of the best air-purifying houseplants that are easy to care for.

Light: For happy and healthy-looking Boston Ferns, a fairly bright spot is required, which does not receive harsh sunlight.

Watering: All the ferns are sensitive to watering routines. The soil should be moist in all seasons except for winter. If the Boston Fern is sitting in a dry area, then it is important to mist with water frequently to keep moist. Do not overwater to the point where the soil becomes completely saturated.

Temperature: The Boston Ferns thrive well between 60 and 75 F. They prefer a high level of humidity and love moist air. Do not keep them near radiators or hot air vents that dry out the air.

Soil: Boston Ferns need rich and organic soil mixture. Make sure the water drainage is good to avoid rotting of leaves.

Fertilizer: Feed the Boston Ferns with light complete fertilizer available in liquid form, water-soluble, tablets or slow-released granules. Overfeeding can damage Boston Ferns and cause damaged roots, browning and drying in the fronds and massive loss of leaves.