How to grow a fern at home?

One of the most mysterious plants on Earth is the fern. This species has existed for millions of years. On the night of Ivan Kupala, many who want to find a flower of this plant go to the forest, but no one has yet found it. Everyone knows the fern, some know it only as a forest dweller, and for some this green handsome man feels quite comfortable in the room. Do you want to house a room fern? Home care for him is not at all difficult. You just need to familiarize yourself with some of the rules so as not to bring your green pet to death. Indoor fern nephrolepis is most commonly found in flower lovers. With the rich green color of its leaves, it gives the room a coziness.

Indoor fern: home care

Among all ferns, nephrolepis is the best option for growing in rooms, as it is the most hardy of this species. Nephrolepis is a very beautiful ornamental plant with rich green leaves of dark and light shades. The color of the leaves depends entirely on the lighting and on the ground in the flowerpot.

How to care for indoor fern? The main thing is not to overfill or overfeed the plant. In addition, there are some more features: you need to know what the fern likes and what makes it start to hurt and dry out. Basically, there are no difficulties, you just need to follow the rules outlined in this article. As a result, you will get a beautiful plant with luxurious green leaves.

Indoor flowers. Ferns: care and the atmosphere of the air

Ferns are considered unpretentious plants, but still there are some conditions, without which they will not delight the eyes with their green beauty. Take, for example, their forest cousins: in natural conditions, ferns thrive without regular watering, without spraying and without fertilizers applied at the right time and at the right time. At the same time, their indoor relatives, even if all the rules are followed, with timely transplantation and circumcision, can wither right before our eyes. What is the reason for the death of the plant?

So that the indoor fern does not dry out, home care must comply with all the rules. In addition, the grower must take into account the fact that the fern is an accurate indicator of the atmosphere in the house or apartment. If the air in the room is dry, gassed or smoky, the green handsome man will start to ache.Thus, you will have an excellent advisor in the form of a fern: by its appearance you can determine that the atmosphere in the house does not correspond to the norms and you need to look for the reason for this. There may be a gas leak - call the gas workers and make sure everything is in order. There may be a lack of fresh air in the kitchen - install a hood. Maybe the air is too dry, the humidity is very low - buy a humidifier. As a result, you will ensure both yourself a normal existence and your plants.

Where to put it?

In order for the indoor fern to grow and develop normally, home care must be correct. Think carefully about where to plant the plant. Nephrolepis can tolerate shadow, but it also needs light, though not direct, but slightly diffused and not in large quantities. Therefore, it is better to put it in the corner opposite the window. At the same time, he needs to provide access to fresh air.

One more feature of plant growth must be taken into account. Nephrolepis grows quite large, its beautiful leaves grow both to the sides and upward. Based on this, there will definitely not be enough space on the windowsill for him. The leaves will rest against the glass of the window and deform, the shape of the plant will be ugly.

Fern soil

To find out what kind of soil is needed for an indoor fern, it is enough to remember what kind of soil is in the forest. The soil there is very loose, with rotted leaves or needles, with remnants of peat. This is the basis for nephrolepis, then he will feel comfortable, like at home.

When filling the flower pot, remember that the soil mixture for the fern should be acidic, with the addition of forest leaf earth. Also add sand and humus there, make sure that the soil passes water freely, is loose. If water stagnates in the flowerpot, the roots of the fern will immediately begin to rot, the plant will get sick. Signs of this are brownish spots on the leaves. Sometimes it is very difficult to understand what is the reason that the indoor fern is withering away. The leaves dry out and become covered with brown spots even when the soil dries out. You just need to do everything according to the norms, water the plant on time, but do not overdo it.

How to transplant?

Indoor fern transplantation should be carried out every year. As mentioned earlier, nephrolepis is a large plant, so after a year it becomes cramped in its pot.

How to transplant indoor fern so as not to injure the roots? The answer is simple: transfer it to a new pot, so the roots will not be damaged. It is recommended to transplant in early spring, at a time when the growing season is just beginning. If you do not heed this advice and transplant the plant in the autumn, then it will take root for a long time and badly, it may even die.

The new flowerpot should be three centimeters larger in diameter than the one previously used. Do not forget that the plant is growing, and it needs a bigger dwelling. Then, very carefully, so as not to shake off the soil from the roots, transfer the plant into a prepared pot, after which you can add an earthen mixture prepared in advance according to all the rules. As you can see, there are no difficulties in this matter, you just need to do everything carefully and not rush.

Reproduction

Ferns reproduce by dividing the bush. You can, of course, try to grow nephrolepis from seeds (spores), but this is practically impracticable. It is much easier and more effective to divide the bush; it is recommended to do this during the spring transplant, so as not to disturb the plant once again.

The division process itself is quite simple. After pulling the bush out of the flowerpot, examine the base. You will see small rosette babies there. So they must be carefully separated from the parent bush along with part of the rhizome.Small fern "cubs" after separation from the bush need to create greenhouse conditions so that they can resiliently endure the gap.

Proper watering

Once again, I want to remind you what to expect if you water the indoor fern incorrectly: the leaves dry, the plant becomes covered with brown spots and eventually dies.

The main principle of watering ferns is moderation! The soil in the flower pot should not dry out, make sure that it is always slightly moist, while avoiding waterlogging. It is recommended to water the plant 3 times a week, but this is not a criterion at all, the timing of watering depends on the air temperature and on the place in which the flower stands. Water Nephrolepis only with settled, preferably rainwater, it should be soft.

Mandatory spraying

Having found out that the fern can die without fresh air, you need to take measures to prevent such a sad ending. To do this, you need to regularly spray the bushes of indoor ferns. It is necessary to carry out such a procedure often, with an eye to what kind of atmosphere prevails in the room. If the air is too dry, then it is necessary to spray nephrolepis every day, but if the atmosphere is normal, then it is recommended to do this two or three times within seven days.

Fertilizers for a green handsome man

If, when planting a fern, the soil was prepared according to all the rules with all the necessary additives, then it is often not necessary to feed the plant. It will be enough to feed it twice a month so that it will continue to delight with the rich and bright green color of its leaves.

For these purposes, a solution of mineral fertilizers of a weak consistency is used. In addition, organic fertilizers, such as mullein infusion, are suitable. Only using organic matter can you overdo it and overfeed the fern, this cannot be allowed. The easiest way is to purchase ready-made mineral potash fertilizers, which are sold in every flower shop. There are instructions on the package. Fertilize the fern accordingly in spring and summer. As a result, thanks to the efforts of a caring flower grower, nephrolepis will delight you with the beauty of green spreading leaves!

Caring for indoor fern at home is not very difficult, so many plant lovers choose this particular specimen among many. Of the large number of fern species, nephrolepis is the most popular. It has a beautiful and lush crown that can revive even the most boring interior.

Indoor fern: the nuances of growing

Florists love ferns for their beauty and unpretentiousness. However, there are still cultivation features, and in order for the plant to look attractive, they should be observed.

The main feature of nephrolepis is its ability to detect dirty air, in which it immediately begins to waste away.

Unsuitable conditions for him are being in a stuffy, smoky or dusty room. The fern "does not like" low air humidity.

The flower can stoically tolerate the lack of regular watering, high or low temperatures. But if the air environment is not clean enough, its leaves will quickly turn yellow and dry out.

Home care

Caring for indoor ferns is easy. Like any other indoor plant, it requires a certain soil, a suitable location in the apartment, watering and spraying. Not complete without periodic fertilization. In addition, you should know the features of a flower transplant, since this must be done every year due to its rapid growth.

Ground requirements

The plant prefers loose soil with a lot of leaves and humus. Sometimes peat or needles may be present in it. The ground should be very loose, airy. Through it, water will easily flow to the roots.

The roots of the plant can rot from overflow, so the pot needs good drainage.

Prepared soil can be purchased at the store or prepared by yourself if you have sufficient skills for this.

For cooking, you will need to take in equal proportions:

• sod land;
• peat;
• leafy ground.

You should also add some humus and sand. This recipe is most suitable, creating the very soil conditions required by the indoor fern.

An earthen pot is most suitable for keeping nephrolepis. It tends to collect excess moisture from the soil, and then give it away as needed. This nuance helps to control the moisture content of the earth.

However, clay tends to become covered with fungus, which is very difficult to remove later.

Plastic containers are fine too. It should be remembered that this material does not allow air to pass through and does not have good resistance. In order for the plant to feel great and not fall off the surface, it is necessary to choose a stable and large pot. Its diameter in diameter should be 2 times less than the size of the flower crown.

Lighting and temperature control

The leaves of nephrolepis are large and green, so their need for a large amount of diffused sunlight is quite logical. The plant can tolerate shade, but it will not look so impressive.

Direct rays of the sun will scorch the sheets, leaving brown spots on them. Therefore, it is better to place the fern near the window, but not on the windowsill.

The optimum temperature for keeping is 15-22 degrees. It can be warmer in the room, especially during the heating season, so during this period it is recommended to moisten the leaves by spraying more often. The minimum temperature at which an indoor fern can survive is 5 degrees.

Watering and spraying

Water the fern with soft, slightly warm water. In the summer season, this can be done 2 times more often than in winter. Otherwise, in winter, the plant will continue to grow and will be too elongated with small leaves, since there is not enough sunlight.

Watering should be such that the soil in the pot remains slightly damp. Excess water, like drought, are not the best conditions for indoor ferns.

Spraying the leaves should be done daily, especially during the heating period. Excessive dryness of the air is not suitable for nephrolepis. You can also take care of a suitable indoor humidity. To do this, it is recommended to purchase a humidifier or regularly hang a wet towel on the battery. Such a microclimate in an apartment is useful not only for a flower, but also for people.

It is better to take distilled water or rainwater, as tap water will leave white spots on the greenery.

Top dressing and fertilization

It is recommended to fertilize indoor fern in spring and summer. This can be done using any ready-made feeding solutions. They must be diluted according to the instructions on the package. Then add the same amount of pure water to the resulting solution. This feeding option is most suitable for nephrolepis.

How to transplant?

One of the main steps in caring for a green flower is its transplant. It is required to carry out it every year, since the rhizome of the plant grows rapidly. The crown also grows larger, which may make the previous pot unable to support its weight. Choose a new container 2-3 cm larger in diameter.

To transplant a room fern, you will need:

1. Gently holding the flower by the base, pull it out of the container along with an earthen lump.
2. Shake some of the old soil from the rhizome. If there are decaying roots, they must be removed.
3. Place the plant in a new container, cover the surface with fresh earth.

It is best to transplant in the spring.If this is done at other times of the year, the indoor fern will take root for a long time and look not the best.

Reproduction of indoor fern

The most suitable way to reproduce nephrolepis is by dividing the mother bush. This action can be performed during the transplant period. The plant is examined for the presence of daughter rosettes, after which they are separated with part of the roots from the common rhizome. They also need to be planted with prepared soil.

At the stage of growing a new fern, it is necessary to carefully monitor the indoor microclimate and strictly observe all the requirements for caring for the flower. Some of the outlets do not take root, which is the norm. However, dividing indoor ferns is the easiest method to reproduce.

Plant diseases and pests

A fern can be sore like any other houseplant. Most of the troubles are associated with improper care, as well as insufficient attention of the hostess at the stage of purchasing and transplanting a flower.

To reduce the incidence of nephrolepis, it is necessary:

1. Refuse to self-prepare the soil. The store soil is thoroughly sterilized and pest-free.
2. Quarantine newly acquired plants.
3. Do not leave the flower in drafts, in direct sunlight, near the battery.
4. Monitor soil moisture, do not overflow soil.

If you follow the recommendations for the prevention of indoor fern diseases, they can be successfully avoided. But if the plant is still sick, it is necessary to quarantine it and immediately take action.

Possible diseases and how to deal with them:

• Anthracnose

It appears as dark brown streaks at the ends of the leaf. It is recommended to remove the affected leaves from the plant, treat the crown with a fungicide. Watering should be reduced for a while, and the sheets should not be sprayed.

• Rhizome decay

At first, the leaves turn yellow, then turn brown. The fern dies quickly. At the initial stage, it is important to monitor watering, not to overmoisten the soil.

• Leaf spot

It appears as moist brown spots. It is necessary to completely remove the affected areas, treat the plant with a fungicide and do not water for a while.

• Gray rot

Leaves, stems and soil are covered with a gray moldy bloom. The fern should be quarantined, all affected leaves should be removed from it, and treated with an anti-mildew solution.

• Pests

Ferns are affected by: whitefly, white puffs, mealybugs, nematodes, spider mites, aphids, thrips, worms and others. Most pests are caused by improper plant care. The affected areas should be removed by carefully treating the entire crown and rhizome with a suitable insect repellent solution. In this case, the plant requires quarantine, since the pests quickly move to healthy flowers.

The main problems in growing

All the problems that a florist may face are associated with improper care of indoor fern. On green leaves, the consequences of an inappropriate microclimate or watering immediately begin to appear.

Among them are:

• falling foliage - occurs due to insufficient watering, darkening - the consequences of overflow;
• yellowness on the leaves indicates dry air;
• slow growth and pale green foliage indicates insufficient feeding.

If you follow all the conditions for keeping nephrolepis, he will decorate any room with the greenery of his lush crown. Therefore, all the efforts to take care of the flower are definitely worth the time spent.

The oldest plants, ferns, were grown in greenhouses as far back as the Victorian era. And until now, these amazing openwork shrubs are very popular. Homes and apartments are decorated with home ferns. Plants of impressive size are planted in offices, hotels and various institutions.

Most of these plants are able to survive various natural disasters and survive in the most difficult conditions. Some of them are not difficult to grow at home. However, in order for the fern to please with its luxurious and healthy appearance, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with some of the rules for its care.

Description, varieties and photos of domestic ferns

All ferns are perennial terrestrial epiphytic plants. They have short rhizomes and pinnately dissected leaves. On the stems covered with leaves, they also form ground loops that quickly root when in contact with the ground... Sporangia are located on the bottom of the leaves of the plant.

More than 10,000 species of aquatic, terrestrial, herbaceous and tree ferns grow in nature. Depending on the division, they can grow in forests, swamps or meadows. There are babies and giants among them, the length of the leaves of which is more than half a meter. In moisture-loving plants, the leaves are delicate, strongly dissected and have a light green tint. Drought-resistant ferns are characterized by leathery leaves, sometimes with a waxy coating.

Types of indoor ferns

To date bred many cultivated fern species suitable for cultivation at home. The most popular of them are:

1. Nephrolepis is the most unpretentious and well-known type of house fern. It is distinguished by a spectacular rosette, which is formed by openwork leaves with spores on the inside. The length of each leaf reaches 45-50 cm.
2. Davallia or hare's foot is distinguished by reddish shaggy rhizomes that hang along the edges of hanging pots. The exotic plant is covered with lush green leaves.
3. Platizerium is a plant whose flat leaves grow in different directions and are very similar to antlers. Its middle with brown leaves resembles a head of cabbage.
4. Asplenium or kostenets differs from other fern species in undivided leaves wavy along the edge. He does not like very much when his leaves are touched.
5. Blehnum or Derbyanka is similar in structure to a palm tree. In an adult plant, the crown reaches one meter in diameter and consists of hard fronds.
6. Disconia as a houseplant can only be grown at a young age. Over time, it grows into a tall tree, the height of which can reach up to 3–6 m.
7. Polypodium or millipede is distinguished by deeply dissected leaves located on thin stems. The rhizome of the plant crawls and clings to the surface, and the bush itself is able to grow in the air.

How to care for a fern at home?

The active growth and beautiful appearance of the plant directly depends on the growing conditions and adherence to the rules for care.

Lighting and temperature control

Indoor ferns need a well-lit place protected from direct sunlight. Many growers mistakenly believe that these plants are shade-tolerant. However, in the shade, the shrub will stop growing and may even die. Therefore, to keep the leaves large and healthyand, diffused but bright light is needed. It is best to place or hang the fern pot near the southwest window.

Shrubs feel good in rooms with an air temperature of + 15- + 22 degrees. but some fern species belong to certain groupsfor which it is necessary to create specific conditions:

1. For the pimpled polypodium and pellea, the air temperature in winter should be about +12 degrees.
2. Asplenium, platycerium, nephrolepis and maidenhair are thermophilic plants, so the air temperature during their cultivation should not fall below +18 degrees.

It should be noted that all types of ferns like well-ventilated rooms, and do not tolerate cold air and drafts.In summer, plant pots can be placed in the garden or on the balcony, protected from direct sunlight.

Watering and humidity

When caring for ferns at home, a certain watering regime is required. The plant needs a lot of water. It needs to be watered regularly.as soon as the topsoil dries a little. The optimal watering regime depends on the room temperature. In the hot season, the plant is watered several times a week.

Prolonged overdrying of the soil is detrimental to ferns. You should know that a flower that has been in a dry earthen mixture for several days after watering will no longer recover.

Excess moisture for plant roots is also harmful. That is why ferns are planted in well-drained soil so that excess moisture immediately drains off. For watering shrubs, it is recommended to use soft water at room temperature.... It is desirable that it be boiled or settled for several days.

Ferns are very fond of high humidity. They respond well to daily spraying. In hot weather and in rooms with batteries turned on, the plant needs to be sprayed several times a day or use a special humidifier. It is also recommended that shrubs take a shower periodically.

Ferns

Top dressing

If during active growth the plant does not receive the necessary nutrients, the color of its leaves will first become very pale, then they will begin to turn yellow and dry... Therefore, once a week at home, shrubs should be fed with special complex liquid fertilizers.

From late October to mid-February, the houseplant needs to triple the dormant period. If at this time the fern is kept in a cool room, then it will be necessary not only to stop feeding, but also to halve the watering.

Fern transplant

Indoor fern care includes transplanting young plants annually. Mature plants are transplanted only after the roots have completely filled the pot..

The difficulty lies in the fact that the shrubs tolerate the transplant procedure painfully and can recover from it within several months. therefore it is recommended to use the transshipment methodby replanting the plant from one pot to another without clearing the roots of the earth.

The best time for transplanting is spring. For the fern, you need to pick up a wide, low flowerpot and soil with an acidity level from 5.0 to 6.6 pH... For self-preparation of the earthen mixture, you will need to mix:

• peat - 1 part;
• humus - 1 part;
• leafy ground - 1 part;
• bone meal - 1/5 part.

At the bottom of the pot, which should be 5 cm larger than the previous one, drainage is poured first, then moss spreads, and the substrate is poured. The plant is planted and its roots are covered with an earthen mixture so that there are no voids between them.

Immediately after planting and for another two weeks, the plant needs abundant watering.

Fern breeding

Plants reproduce in two ways:

• disputes;
• dividing the bush.

In nature, ferns reproduce by spores, however, this is a very complex and painstaking process. At home, shrubs are best propagated when transplanting by dividing the bush.

It is recommended to separate young rosettes from an adult plant. This must be done with extreme caution.so as not to damage the roots as a result of the procedure. If possible, they need to save as much land as possible.

Delenki are planted in prepared small pots and put out in a warm room in a well-lit place. During the period of adaptation and rooting all the necessary conditions must be created for young plants... They need high humidity and abundant watering.The absence of this or that on the plant will have a detrimental effect.

Possible problems when caring for ferns

If the plant create the necessary conditions and take care of him in compliance with all the rules, then there should be no problems with growing. However, in indoor conditions, shrubs can be affected by some pests:

1. Aphids, thrips and scale insects can appear on the plant if the indoor air is dry. Therefore, when caring for a fern, frequent spraying is required. If, nevertheless, insects appear, then the plant is treated with special chemicals.
2. The nematoda affects shrubs that have been watered with cold water with a large amount of chlorine. The plants affected by this insect turn yellow and the leaves dry out. The bush must be urgently transplanted into fresh soil, having previously treated the plant with insecticides. But this procedure may not help the fern either.

When growing a fern in unsuitable conditions for it, it can react with yellowing and drying of the leaves... It is recommended to study the main causes of leaf drying:

1. Watering with cold water.
2. Watering with water with a high chlorine content.
3. Drafts.
4. Growing a plant in a room that is too cold.
5. Exposure to direct sunlight.
6. High temperature and too dry indoor air.

It should be noted that the brown dots on the underside of the fern leaves are plant spores that some growers mistake for pests.

Choosing a fern as a houseplant, you will not regret it. These wonderful shrubs live and grow well in a variety of conditions.... And with proper care, they look colorful and beautiful, decorating the room and reminding of the forest.

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Ecology of consumption. Plant world: The fairy tale about this wondrous plant is known to us even from school literature lessons. In a folklore work ...

The fabulous story about this wondrous plant is known to us even from school literature lessons. In the folklore work of N.V. Gogol in all colors describes the legend of the fern, the flowering of which occurs on the night of the pagan festival of Ivan Kupala. Whoever is lucky enough to see a uniquely bewitching sight, become rich and powerful.

And here is another beautiful belief. They associate him with a young maiden who fell from a steep cliff. At the place where the girl died, a spring with healing water appeared, and her hair turned into lush fern leaves. Such stories have been passed on by the people since ancient times.

But these are all just fairy tales. Let's talk about the real: how to grow this flower at home?

Reproduction.

Ferns reproduce in two ways - by spores hidden under the leaf plate and by dividing the overgrown rhizomes. The first method is very difficult, requires a lot of time and sufficient experience. But the second one is suitable even for a beginner florist. A small spine with several carved leaves, with proper care, soon takes root and after a couple of weeks throws out young fluffy arrows, which turn right before our eyes into magnificent openwork leaves, reminiscent of the greenery of an exotic palm tree.

Care.

The western and eastern rooms (windows) are considered a favorable place for the successful growth of the fern, since the flower does not tolerate direct sunlight. He loves moisture and frequent spraying. Overdried soil is destructive for him. In this case, the beautiful leaves dry up and soon the plant dies. A little trick can save him. It is required to subject the bush to pruning dead wood and move the pot for 2-3 hours in a basin of water. The root has amazing vitality. He greedily quenches his thirst and restores his strength. Just as drought is destructive to the fern, overflow does not suit it.Avoid standing water in the sump and waterlogged soil in the pot. From this there is a threat of rotting of the underground part, and the crown is covered with ugly brown spots.

Top dressing.

During the period of intensive growth, ferns ask for additional feeding. The ratio of fertilizers is as follows: 1.5 g of ammonium nitrate, 1 g of potassium salt and 1.5 g of superphosphate are added to 1 liter of settled water. The solution is injected directly under the roots in late spring or summer. Fertilizing the soil is optional the rest of the year.

Special conditions.

Another prerequisite for the lush growth of ferns is to provide it with its own space. In other words, a flower pot is placed where the spreading leaves will feel at ease, enjoying their privacy. If I may say so, the fern does not like it when they violate the boundaries of their personal territory. The reaction is unpredictable. He can "kick up": stop growth, change the color to a dull color, grind or even die.

Finally, we will designate species that are distinguished by their docility and do not cause much trouble. Cyrtomium, Davallia, Cretan Pteris, Nephrolepis, Kostenets nesting, Round-leaved pellea are considered easy to grow. For hanging pots, falling types of Nephrolepis, Adiantum are suitable. By the way, Nephrolepis is very demanding on space. The varieties Kostenets gnezdovaya and Blehnum humpback have the same character. The whim is balanced by gorgeous foliage that will transform even the most impersonal room.