Boston fern is a classic, old-fashioned houseplant valued for its long, lacy fronds. Even though the fern isn’t hard to grow, its leaves fall off if it doesn’t get enough water and bright light. It’s not hard to water a Boston fern, but it takes some practice and close attention to detail to know how much and how often to water them. Too much or too little water are both detrimental to the plant. Lets learn more about Boston fern irrigation.
How Often to Water a Boston Fern – Keeping Your Fern Hydrated
With their graceful, arching fronds, Boston ferns bring a bit of tropical flair indoors But keeping these beauties looking their best relies on getting their watering schedule right Understand the signs of thirst and customize your watering habits to your specific conditions.
What is a Boston Fern?
Boston ferns, also called sword ferns, are a classic houseplant with frilly, arching fronds. Their wispy foliage cascades in a fountain-like effect.
Native to tropical regions, Boston ferns have complex watering needs. Their lush leaves lose moisture rapidly in our heated homes. But soggy soil quickly causes root rot.
Balancing these demands takes attentive, customized care. Let’s explore tips to keep your Boston fern properly hydrated.
How Often Should You Water a Boston Fern?
There is no fixed rule for how frequently to water a Boston fern. Watering depends on factors like:
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Age of plant – Younger ferns need more frequent watering as their roots establish.
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Pot size – Small pots dry out faster than large pots.
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Growing conditions – Warm, sunny, dry locations increase water needs.
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Time of year – Active growth in spring and summer requires more water than winter rest.
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Soil mix – Well-draining soil mixes require more frequent watering than moisture-retentive ones.
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Humidity – Low humidity causes faster moisture loss from fronds.
The average range is to water a Boston fern every 5-7 days in spring and summer, and every 7-10 days in fall and winter. But monitor your specific plant and conditions.
Monitor Soil Dryness
The top few inches of soil should be allowed to dry out between thorough soakings. Use your finger to test moisture before watering:
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Top inch is dry – Time to water soon
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Top 2 inches dry – Water immediately
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Still damp below surface – Wait a few days
Adjust frequency based on how rapidly your soil dries. In warm weather, ferns may need water every 4-5 days. In cool winters, stretch to 8-9 days.
Read Thirst Signs
In addition to soil dryness, watch for these cues:
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Fronds drooping or curling inward signal under-watering
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Yellow lower fronds indicate too little water
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Brown leaf tips appear with under or overwatering
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Fast drying soil and soft fronds show higher water needs
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Wilting between waterings means increase frequency
Water Well But Infrequently
When you do water, soak the entire root zone until water drains freely from the drainage holes. Avoid frequent, light sprinkles that only wet the surface.
Saturate the entire soil mass periodically to encourage deep root growth. Then allow the plant to use up that reservoir before watering again.
Provide Steam Baths
Misting your Boston fern provides added humidity between waterings. Or set its pot atop a pebble tray filled with water. As the water evaporates, it increases humidity right around the plant.
Bathrooms and kitchens offer naturally steamy environments. Group houseplants together to create a humid microclimate.
Adjust for Seasons
As growth slows in fall and winter, your Boston fern needs less water. Allow soil to get slightly drier between waterings.
But don’t let it get bone dry or leaves will brown. Width your watering interval by a few days during cooler months when growth is minimal.
Troubleshoot Watering Issues
If your fern shows signs of underwatering, increase watering frequency. For overwatering, allow soil to dry further before the next drink.
Potting mixes also matter. Quick-draining mixes avoid soggy soil but need more frequent irrigation. Water-retentive mixes can go longer between waterings but require excellent drainage.
Find the Right Balance
For luscious Boston ferns, find the sweet spot between overly dry and wet soil. Customize frequency based on moisture meters like soil dryness, pot weight and thirst signals.
Avoid watering on a fixed calendar schedule. Your individual conditions determine true needs. With a little practice, you’ll find the perfect regimen to keep your fern hydrated.
How to Water a Boston Fern
Boston fern likes slightly damp soil, but rot and other fungal diseases are more likely to happen in soggy, waterlogged soil. The first sign that a fern is overwatered is usually yellowing or wilted leaves. If you want to know for sure if it’s time to water a Boston fern, just touch the soil with your fingertip. If the surface of the soil feels slightly dry, its time to give the plant a drink. The weight of the pot is another indication that a fern needs water. If the soil is dry, the pot will feel very light. Hold off watering for a few days, then test the soil again. Water the plant thoroughly, using room-temperature water, until water runs through the bottom of the pot. Let the plant drain thoroughly and never let the pot stand in water. Boston fern watering is enhanced if you provide a humid environment. A tray of wet pebbles is a better way to raise the humidity around the plant than misting the fronds every once in a while. Spread out some gravel or pebbles on a plate or tray. Then, put the pot on top of the wet pebbles. Add water as needed to keep the pebbles consistently moist. Make sure the pot’s bottom doesn’t touch the water. Root rot can happen if water gets in through the drainage hole.
How often should you water ferns outside?
How to care for Boston ferns?
The Boston fern care requirements are relatively simple to follow, even for people who aren’t gardening experts. Mainly, you have to adjust the temperature, humidity, and light exposure to match the plant’s tropical nature. Once you get these basics down, you could touch up with fertilizing boosts and pruning the faded fronds every now and then.
How often should you water Boston ferns?
Sandy soil require watering at least once weekly. Clay soils usually require watering every couple of weeks, provided there has been no rainfall. Container grown Boston Ferns, such as those potted up in decorative planters placed on a porch always require more frequent watering.
How do you water a Boston fern?
When the top couple of inches of soil feel nearly dry, give the plant a deep watering, allowing the water to pour through the soil and out the ample drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Let excess water run off completely. Never leave your plant sitting in water. 3. Should I Water My Boston Fern In The shower?
How do you know if a Boston fern needs watering?
The best way to understand the plant’s watering needs is to check the soil’s moisture level. If the top 2 inches of the soil feels dry, a Boston Fern is ready to take more water. Once you excel in checking, you will understand and know the gaps required between each watering and then follow up a routine accordingly.