The chill in the air can only mean one thing, that it's time to start thinking about saving your precious ferns! Many that I have talked to don't like to bring their ferns indoors because it makes such a mess. However, if you follow some quick steps, you can have gorgeous ferns back outside in the spring, with minimal cleanup.
Bring Then In Early: Ferns can tolerate the cold, but do not like a frost and definitely not a hard freeze. If the temperature is fluctuating in the fall, as it does quite often here in Eastern North Carolina, be sure to have a sheet or blanket ready for a few possible nights before deciding to take the plunge and bring them inside.
Hose Down the Plant: Preferably on a day where temperatures are still warm (60+), completely saturate each fern. Pick up fronds and spray the underside of the leaves and down in the canopy. This will remove any insects or loose leaves before bringing inside. Leave to dry completely.
Give it a Trim: There is no need to give a fern a hard prune, unless you have a small space to place it indoors. Cut back any stragglers and/or trim back into the desired shape. Make sure to give the fern a good shake and ruffle through the fronds before bringing inside.
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.
Survive, Not Thrive: Ferns will not be actively growing when brought inside, therefore water minimally, only once dry, and do not fertilize at all. Do not be alarmed if the plant turns a paler color, or if you do have occasional leaves that drop. Ferns love humidity, so if you find leaves dropping a lot, try moving to a cooler spot in the house and place the pot on a plate of gravel with water.
When warmer temperatures hit in the spring, it is tempting to let your ferns air some outdoors, but be prepared to cover them back up outside! Those late frosts can sneak up on us again. Here's to happy, healthy ferns next spring!
