We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. The best and most simple thing to do is check the moisture level in the top half-inch of soil to determine if it needs some water. Consistent watering and keeping the soil moist (but not wet) is necessary for the health of your indoor fern. Use lukewarm water or water that is at room temperature, rather than watering with cold water which can shock the roots. However, if you select quick-draining ground, youll need to water your fern more frequently. Its best to water them lightly more frequently than watering them a lot less frequently. The Boston fern, maidenhair fern, and staghorn are especially susceptible to damage when humidity in their environment is low. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Water Pooling - Finally, water pooling is a sign of overwatering. There is no hard and fast rule here, as regards quantity. Keep a close eye on the health of your houseplant because some ferns, like the Boston fern, are more susceptible to these symptoms than others. If it feels dry, then you need to add more water. This is much easier than you might think it is. When to Water Fern Water your ferns weekly if their soil is dry. Simply stick your finger into the soil near the fern. Spotting Signs of Fertilizer Overdose in Ferns, Re-potting 101: Identifying Signs That Your Fern Needs a New Home. How to Water Ferns. Ferns are hardy plants and can survive for long periods without water. Once you know the type of fern, you can use a soil moisture meter or the finger test to determine when to water it. This will also ensure that they don't get too much water at once and cause problems like root rot or root . You simply add water when it is needed and make sure that it can drain away freely. Thai Basil vs Basil: Can You Substitute Them? The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. You can water indoor ferns once a week as a general rule of thumb. Don't let your ferns dry out completely - wilted leaves are a sure sign that your plant is thirsty . Keep in mind that a fern plant that is wilting does not necessarily always need water. Too much water at once can also cause the plant to uproot itself, as soil washes away easier when the plant doesnt have a solid root structure in place. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, being careful not to get any on the leaves. To test if this is the case, lightly touch the plants leaves. Most of the time, I examine the soil by feeling it (it should be slightly moist, crumbly, not sticking to your fingers). Nevertheless, this frequency could vary depending on the kind of fern you have and whether you plant it indoors or outdoors. Hanging Ferns make wonderful houseplants and they are easy to maintain, providing you focus on getting the watering right. Ideally, you should do your main watering in the early morning. Overall, you should aim to keep the soil moist without letting it get too wet this will help ensure that your fern plant stays healthy and happy. How often should you water the lawn in summer? - Homes & Gardens If temperatures in your area climb above 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius) or, if your ferns are kept indoors, whenever the room theyre in gets warmer than this, the plants will need you to water them more often. In cloudy weather but without rain, watering will need to occur once every two weeks. Asparagus ferns, which are not ferns but belong to the lily family, require bright light year-round and thrive in direct sunlight. If the soil is still damp, you dont need to add any more water. The Essential Guide To Watering Ferns In The Summertime These are popular devices with people who are serious about their indoor plants. Once you know the type of fern you have, you can determine the best watering schedule for it. Here are some tips to help you keep your fern happy and healthy: By following these tips, you can help your fern thrive indoors. When it comes to how often to water ferns seedlings, you want to make sure you give your young fern plant the water it needs for its early growth. Fern plants that are planted inside may not need as much water, as direct sunlight is normally not available. Excess soil around the roots acts like a sponge and retains too much moisture. If the top layer of soil is dry, then give your fern a drink; if the top layer is wet, hold off on watering until it dries out. There is another factor to consider with hanging baskets. What do you do with poinsettias after Christmas? Knowing the best time to water your lawn, and how often to do it is key, as getting the timing right both short and long-term will have a considerable impact on the health of your lawn. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Water you give to plants (where you are providing hydration near the plants roots or misting its foliage with a spray bottle to increase humidity) should always be room temperature. The whole pot can be placed in a container of water, and the water will be absorbed through the process of osmosis. Your ferns can utilize it by absorbing it from the root, where it will eventually trickle down. Keep track of how moist the soil is to know the difference before watering the fern plant more. In light of this, you shouldnt water your tropical ferns too frequently or in excess. If the air is very dry, you may need to water more often. However, as long as you provide a consistent level of moisture and take into account any specifics youve learned here that have to do with your particular variety of fern, youve got hydration mastered. You will need, however, to place your fingers on the soil surface every day or two. Ensure, though, that the humidity is manageable. Generally speaking, you should aim to keep the soil around your fern moist but not wet. Once a week (usually the day I cut the grass and am doing outside yard work), I fill 2 large buckets with water, take the ferns down, and dip the ferns into the water. They should generally get one to two gallons of water a week, but this depends on other factors, such as the sign of the plant, where the fern is planted, and what kind of soil it's planted in. However, signs of overwatering are usually accompanied by other signs, such as discoloration. Know the signs of overwatering and underwatering so that if your plants start showing the symptoms, you can take action to adjust your hydration routine accordingly. fern plants that are grown in full sun will dry out fast, especially if they are getting direct sunlight during the noon of the day. Dont let their soil fully dry out. Additionally, you can stick your finger into the soil to see if it is moist or not if it feels dry to the touch, its time to water. Ferns may show theyre craving more humidity with brown discoloration at the ends of their leaves, or areas may die completely. If the temperature rises higher than 75F (24C), then watering will need to be more frequent. Young shoots can die even if there is a slight overdrying. There are way too many criteria at play to use a system as rigid as a schedule. If your fern is planted in the ground or in a container that drains well, you can typically water it every 2-3 days. A far less expensive option is to group plants together so that they create their own microclimate. Below are specific growing scenarios and information on how often to water the fern plant for each. Know your ferns needs: Different types of ferns have different watering needs. When you plant into new potting soil, it should be moist and will probably remain that way for several days. They can be cut away and disposed of. Get this right, and you will have dramatically reduced most of the problems you face with growing healthy ferns. Dont let the soil get overly wet or soggy, as this can lead to root rot. Brown leaf tips and sagging leaves tell you that the fern is too dry. Because both overwatering and underwatering can cause wilting, differentiate between the two by checking the moisture level of the soil. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about keeping your ferns hydrated looking great. In general, most ferns need to be watered about once a week. If the soil is slow-drained, then it needs to be watered not too often, and in drought, it can be watered every 7-10 days. It is only natural to try to replicate these conditions. To check, stick your finger about an inch into the soil around the fern. Keep reading to find out the answer and learn other tips for ensuring your ferns stay healthy and grow to their full potential. Signs that you may be underwatering your fern include: Some ferns are more prone to these signs than others, such as the Boston fern, and wilting, so its important to keep a close eye on the state of your houseplant. Gardening can be a fulfilling and rewarding hobby, especially when it comes to caring for plants like ferns. But with any plant, understanding how much to water is key to its success. Aim for a consistent level of moisture. Cold water can shock the fern and damage its delicate leaves. How to Grow and Care for Autumn Ferns - The Spruce You may find a wide range of these ferns indoors around your neighborhood. Stick your finger into the potting soil and feel it. As a rule of thumb, if its dried out, give the fern plant some water. If the plant is wilting or looking yellow, it may not be your watering that is the problem. Weekly watering is generally adequate for staghorn ferns during summer and every 2 to 3 weeks in winter. If the fern plant is wilting, that could be a sign that it is under or over-watered. As a rule, they prefer 1 to 2 inches of water a week, but this will vary depending on the soil and the . Root rot is a direct result of overwatering or waterlogged soil. When repotting a fern, only ever pot it into the next hanging basket size up. Allow the excess water to drain away before putting the fern back in its spot. Growing Ferns | UGA Cooperative Extension Spring weather is generally rainier in some areas, so you may not need to water your fern plant as much. During the summer months, you will typically need to water your ferns more often than during other times of the year. Knowing how often to water a fern inside is key to keeping it healthy and vibrant. Instead, water the soil above the roots of your ferns. If the soil has become moist, take it out after 20 minutes. Some people are a little frightened of ferns because they are seen as being tricky to look after. Water thoroughly, but not too often: Aim to water your fern until the soil is evenly damp. Fertilize your ferns every month during the growing season (spring and summer), using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Put the container on this tray and wait for 20 minutes until the soil absorbs the water. If it feels wet, then youve added enough water. If youre using clay soil, youll water your plant less often. How Often Do You Water Ferns? - My Heart Lives Here For example, is the fern plant planted in a pot or in the ground? For these fern types, you should allow the soil to become slightly dry before watering the plants again. In general, its best to monitor your ferns closely and adjust your watering schedule as needed this will help ensure that your ferns stay healthy and happy during the summer months. This amount of water should be enough to keep your fern hydrated without saturating the soil and causing root rot. The pot can then stand on the pebbles without having its base in the actual water. Choose a fertilizer specifically formulated for ferns, and follow the instructions on the package.