What suits a fern?

I recently got a small fern plant (about 4 inches), and I would love to keep it for a long time. How can I ensure that I am taking care of it properly?

What suits a fern?
Ferns by their very nature are well adapted to shady areas - they've evolved to survive under low light conditions. Most ferns (not all of them) prefer lots of moisture and will wilt if you do not care for them daily. Some ferns are hardier than others, so choose wisely and you will be rewarded with lush tropical greenery to die for.





You can guess the sort of care that ferns adore by taking a close look at what conditions they thrive in their natural environment. Most ferns live in little pockets of soil in rock crevices or live off trees so whilst they adore humidity and moisture, they will only cope with frequent watering if they are planted in well drained soil. If the flower pot you pick has insufficient drainage holes, drill in a couple more to ensure that the poor thing doesn't just sit in the moisture day in day out and suffer from root rot.





Common pests that attack ferns...


These would include mealybugs, scale insects, thrips, snails and slugs. Ants aren't a problem per se, except they seem to be the bringer of bad tidings as they are often the carriers of sucking insects to your precious ferns.





Have you named it?


Best of Luck





PS I don't think it will enjoy Alaska very much *WINK
Reply:Water when drying out, use miracle grow at least every two weeks, don't give it too much sun. Ferns like bright rooms, but not usually direct sun. Transplant at least every two years and cut off the dead stems and leaves weekly too.


I still have the ivy from my wedding bouquet 12 years ago.
Reply:I live on 26 acres of rainforest predominantly ferns outside Coffs, they need morning sunlight, afternoon shade and heavy watering twice a week, clear the drip trays or you'll get mosquitoes breeding in them.
Reply:make sure you give it some fertilizer every 2 weeks and make sure you do not over water as some people tend to do stick your finger about a 1/2 inch into the plant if it is dry it needs water if the soil is moist it does not need watering that is the best way to check.give it plebty of sunlight and love you should be all set.