Impressive, verdant ferns hanging from hanging baskets or gracefully placed on stands flanking the entryway exude a warm, “Welcome to Our Porch” vibe. The dense foliage creates a vibrant backdrop, either for vibrant blooming plants or simply for captivating visitors. Here are some expert tips to ensure your ferns maintain their charm alongside your autumn pumpkins, and how to prepare for the arrival of freezing temperatures.
Adored for their preference for shade, ferns are perennial plants that flourish in the humid atmosphere of the southern regions. Despite the myriad of species available, there are three standout porch ferns:
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Known affectionately as the “sword fern,” its fronds stand tall and proudly display dark brown to black spores in a distinctive pattern on the undersides of its leaves. This fern thrives in bright, indirect light and is moderately tolerant of drought. It is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a-13b.
Kimberly Queen Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia x ‘Kimberly Queen’): Another fern with long, sword-like fronds that can stretch up to three feet. Unlike many ferns, this variety can withstand dry conditions, poor soil, and even full sun, though it prefers a mix of shade, humidity, and well-moistened soil. It is hardy in Zones 8b-10b.
Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflous Sprengeri Group): Often mistaken for a fern, the beloved asparagus fern that adorned our dining room each autumn is actually a perennial herb. Esteemed for its graceful, delicate, bright-green foliage, it is adaptable to various temperature ranges and light levels. It is hardy in Zones 9a-11b.
As the temperatures begin to drop, porch ferns require less water as growth and evaporation slow down. Watering frequency can be reduced from twice a day in July to checking the soil before watering during cooler temperatures. If the soil feels dry an inch deep in the container, it’s time to water, ensuring the container drains well to avoid root rot.
With the slowing of growth during the fall, there’s no need for regular fertilization until the plants emerge from dormancy in the early spring. Most gardeners opt for a water-soluble fertilizer, gradually diluting it in late summer and early fall in the Upper and Middle South, ceasing fertilization by the end of October in the Lower South.
Throughout the summer, it’s beneficial to rotate your ferns. By moving containers and hanging baskets to different light sources, you’ll encourage more even growth across all sides of the plant.
Regular maintenance, such as pruning with sharp, hand-held clippers to remove dead fronds, will keep your fern looking tidy and encourage fresh growth.
Should you feel the urge to seek out a sweater, your porch ferns may also be feeling the chill. When nighttime temperatures reach the mid-50s, ferns should be brought indoors. Once the temperature falls below 50°F, growth halts, fronds can turn yellow, and frost can be fatal. Some ferns can withstand a light frost, but why take the risk if you plan to overwinter the plant?
Should an unexpected cold night looms, move the plants closer to the house and cover them with a sheet. Remove the cover as temperatures rise and begin planning for your ferns’ indoor accommodations or removal from the porch.
When daytime temperatures reach the mid-50s F., it’s time to decide whether to bring your porch ferns indoors. Before committing to save them all, consider your indoor space and whether you can provide the light and humidity they require to look their best.
Preparation for bringing your porch ferns inside includes:
- Washing the fern thoroughly to eliminate pests and ensure it is well-hydrated (allow it to air dry after rinsing).
- Pruning the fern to remove any dead, overlong, or damaged fronds.
- If the fern is root-bound, repot or divide the plant into fresh potting soil with good drainage.
- Position the fern in a spot with bright, indirect light, avoiding heat vents and direct sunlight. Group ferns together or place them on a tray filled with water and pebbles to boost humidity.
- Water approximately once a month during the winter when the soil is completely dry. Ferns are more susceptible to overwatering than under-watering.
- Be prepared for some color loss and shedding.
Porch ferns are not just for indoor display. They can be tucked away in a temperature-controlled basement or garage with some indirect light, watered monthly to prevent complete soil dryness.
Ferns are perennials, and with proper care, they can be reused year after year. If you lack an ideal indoor space or the green-thumbed touch, your ferns’ foliage may appear lackluster by winter’s end. However, you can prune them back and gradually increase watering as temperatures warm in early spring. Use a diluted fertilizer to stimulate new growth and reintroduce the fern to your porch slowly, starting with daytime placement and nighttime indoor storage until it adapts fully to the warmer temperatures.
