How To Trim Boston Ferns

October 11, 2024 Post a Comment

How to trim boston ferns

Ferns do grow back after cutting, but the new growth will emerge from the rhizome below the soil. This means you should cut any damaged or discolored foliage down to the crown at the base of the plant to stimulate new growth.

Can you trim ferns without killing them?

As you begin cutting, you can cut nearly all the way down to the base of the fern without harming it. So go deep and leave just a few inches sticking up. Older ferns will have a pretty substantial base, especially those that were not regularly trimmed while newer ferns won't have as much base.

How do you trim a fern house plant?

Consider the fern's overall natural shape which should be maintained during pruning. Avoid pruning the top of the plant but clip off older side fronds which are shading the new growth, again at soil level. Finish the pruning by clipping the outer edges of the fern to the desired shape.

Should Boston ferns be cut back in winter?

Ferns do not need to be cut back for the winter unless you are bringing a potted fern indoors to grow during the cold weather season. Your fern has most likely grown fairly large during the summer. It is a good idea to cut back the plant before you bring it indoors.

What time of year do you cut ferns back?

Late winter or early spring is the best timing, before the new fronds start to emerge. I usually cut them down sometime in March. Once all of the fronds are cut down, small “curled fist” or “knuckles” start forming at the base of the plant. Each of those fists will unfurl delicate fronds, forming a fresh new plant.

How far back do you cut ferns?

Pruning evergreen ferns To avoid a mish-mash mess, cut all of the fronds from your fern to the ground late each winter or early each spring. Once all of the fronds are cut down, each plant should look like a tiny, curled fist on the ground.

Can I cut back a Boston fern?

An ideal time for pruning is during repotting, when plants can be dramatically cut back. In fact, Boston fern responds well to severe pruning, which encourages more prolific, bushy growth and corrects dull, leggy growth. When pruning Boston fern always use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Do you cut runners off ferns?

Runners will extend out from a large Boston fern and will gradually develop roots. These runners are called stolons. You can remove these at the base of the old plant and repot them in sterile potting soil.

Can I cut my fern in half?

Over-sized ferns can actually be split in early fall to create smaller plants. Plants that can then be brought indoors to overwinter and use again next year. Not only is it a great way to keep your fern plant alive, but a perfect way to create even more ferns for next year's porch and patio!

Where do you cut a fern clipping?

To be sure of successful propagation, take a cutting from a section of the uncovered rhizome that has obvious roots and ideally at least one emerging frond. Simply re-plant this cut segment into new potting mix and water well. Keep in a sheltered, shady position and in time new fiddleheads will begin to appear.

How long do Boston ferns live?

Boston ferns can live for more than 100 years, provided that you give them what they need in terms of nutrients, water, and sufficient light. They have been around for more than 350 million years, and they're still thriving.

What to do with Boston ferns in the winter?

Find a Spot: Basements, garages, barns, a cool corner of a room would all be good locations for overwintering your ferns. Ferns need moderate, indirect lighting. Keep them away from a southern facing window, as the harsh light can burn the edges of the fronds.

Can I cut back ferns in January?

Many perennials, especially ferns, look ragged as winter wears on. I'm often asked if ferns need to be cut back in winter or early spring. The simple answer is no.

How do I prepare my ferns for winter?

Cut Them Down With fertilizing applied in the spring, and division in the fall, there is not much maintenance required in the winter for most ferns. What you can do is cut back all of the browned and dead fronds in late winter; cut all the fronds down to within a few inches of the plant's crown.

Can Boston ferns be left outside in winter?

In USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11, Boston ferns can be grown outdoors year-round. During the dormant season, their need for supplemental irrigation and fertilization will be greatly reduced.

How do you take care of a Boston fern outside?

Boston fern outdoors requires plenty of water and isn't drought tolerant. Provide enough water to keep the soil consistently moist, but never allow the soil to remain soggy or waterlogged. If you live in a dry climate, mist the plant lightly on hot days.

Do ferns come back after turning brown?

Outdoor ferns turn brown with a dying appearance naturally in the Fall before Winter. The fern grows new green leaves the following Spring. Outdoor ferns can also turn brown if the soil is too dry or they are in too much sun. Outdoor ferns require moist soil and shade to prevent the leaves turning brown.

Do Boston ferns outgrow their pots?

Although this classic houseplant requires minimal maintenance, it periodically outgrows its container– usually every two to three years. Repotting Boston fern into a larger container isn't a difficult job, but timing is important.

Can you cut a Boston fern in half?

Dividing Boston Fern Plants First, allow the fern roots to dry out a bit and then remove the Boston fern from its pot. Using a large serrated knife, slice the fern's root ball in half, then quarters and finally into eighths. Cut a 1 to 2 inch (2.5 to 5 cm.) section and trim all but 1 ½ to 2 inches (4 to 5 cm.)

Can you shape a Boston fern?

You can also trim around the edges of the Boston fern to shape the plant. If you don't do this, the plant might grow erratically and it won't look as nice.