Should I re-pot a Boston Fern that I just got today? It's very bushy and beautiful but some of the?

leaves (branches, fronds, stalks, I don't know what they're called) were broken from being mishandled at the store so I trimmed the damaged ones. I noticed the pot is rootbound and packed REAL tight and wondered if I can separate the fern into several smaller holders or will it cause it to die?


I've never had one of these before and usually do best with plants that thrive on being ignored.


I appreciate any advice. Thanks.

Should I re-pot a Boston Fern that I just got today? It's very bushy and beautiful but some of the?
One of the attributes of the Boston fern is that it can easily be divided to create more potted ferns for your home. If you have an overgrown Boston fern, simply remove it from the pot and carefully divide the root ball using a pruning saw or other sharp tool. Even a kitchen knife works well for this.





Separate the roots and untangle the foliage, then place the newly divided fern into a new pot. Ferns like well-drained soil, so use loose, well-draining potting soil. You may want to add perlite -- the white pellets that aid in soil drainage.





Tip: Ferns do like humidity, but using a plant-mister may cause brown spots on the fronds. A better method of providing humidity is placing the potted fern in a pebble-filled tray, and adding water into the tray until it just covers the pebbles. As the water evaporates, it will provide the necessary humidity to keep the fern healthy.
Reply:I have never replanted one either. But having many ferns before they do tend to shed, in the summer I like to spray them with water and on occassion take them outside for a spray from the hose and let them sit out there for awhile to dry off a little. In the winter I occasionally put them in the bathtub and let the shower water them really good. They like indirect light but not hot summer light hitting straight on them through the window, they will burn if it gets too hot for them. I ususally spray them twice a week in the summer and once a week in the winter. They do better if you hang them too.


Good Luck.
Reply:They are fronds. Most ferns when moved tend to shed. I would wait a bit for it to get a bit used to being in a new place before I started to cut it up.
Reply:Now is an excellent time to re-pot the plant and help it get started in your climate. I do not believe you have to at this time though. If you choose to repot break the plant up into 2 or 4 parts and repot into 12 inch pots with a good potting soil. Water and keep moist but not wet and they should take off just fine. filtered light is best and misting your fern with water will keep it healthy. Do not set it in direct sunlight like 12 hours a day. filter light is best but direct sunlight for 4- 6 hours is great. Fracts are what they are called--the branches