Fern Care 101
Maria Failla
Host of Growing Joy Podcast ?? Author ?? Speaker ?? Actress ?? Helping people cultivate more joy in their life, through plants.
Growing Joy with Plants is the top Home & Garden podcast on Apple Podcasts about houseplants, gardening, and nature-inspired wellness. Plant killer turned Happy Plant Lady (me) Maria Failla, interviews experts on how to successfully care for plants and cultivate joy and calm through doing so.?
Each week this newsletter will share nature-inspired insights, tips, and actionable steps drawn from the conversations.?
Still a plant killer? No worries! We’ve all been there - all plant killers, plant enthusiasts, and plant impartial are welcome. All you need to start is your curiosity. I’ve got your back for the rest.?
Here’s why caring for ferns helps you grow joy, cultivate calm, weed anxiety…
Today’s episode is all about ferns—my experiences, care tips, and the best and worst varieties to grow.
I'm going to be honest, plant friends—I’ve done a complete 180 on ferns. If you've listened to this podcast for the last 242 episodes, you've heard me say how I don't like ferns and how I've killed Boston ferns.
But I've been successfully caring for ferns for the last year, and I've learned a lot that I’m excited to share! Sneak peek: It’s all about adding the right ferns to your collection! I’m thankful to Proven Winners Leaf Joy for partnering with me on this miniseries.
The Right Light
Ferns thrive in filtered and indirect light, making them perfect for spots that receive moderate light. They can also tolerate low light conditions but avoid placing them in very dark areas. Too much direct light can cause their fronds to burn.
The golden rule for ferns is to keep their soil consistently moist. They don't like to dry out. Using plastic pots, self-watering systems, or adding a sphagnum moss topping can help retain moisture and keep your ferns happy.
Easy on the Fertilizer
Ferns have sensitive roots, so it's crucial to be gentle with fertilization. Use a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer and only feed them when you see new growth. Over-fertilizing can harm them.
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Troubleshooting Time
Fern Varieties to Try
Here are some fern varieties that are perfect for beginners:
Make sure to follow these tips and plant recommendations, plant friends! Happy planting, and may your ferns bring you joy!
What's the quirkiest place you've ever displayed a fern in your home?
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