Ferns are a welcome addition to any home, and the Boston fern is no exception. But what do you do with your fern when winter comes? If you live in a cold climate, you may be tempted to simply put your fern away until spring. But with a little extra care, you can overwinter Boston fern in the garage.
About Boston Fern
The Boston fern is a popular houseplant that originates from the tropical regions of Central and South America. It gets its name from its native city of Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston fern has long, and with proper care, your Boston fern can grow to be 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide.
This plant prefers humid environments and indirect sunlight. If you live in a dry climate, you can still enjoy the beauty of a Boston fern by keeping it in a pot and placing it near a humidifier. It is known for its lush, green foliage and ability to thrive in humid environments. When cared for properly, the Boston fern can live for several years.
How Low Temperature Can Boston Fern Survive?
Boston ferns are a type of evergreen that can survive in both cold and warm climates. It is common to see them in office buildings or homes as they do not require direct sunlight and can tolerate low light.
The ideal temperature range for Boston ferns is between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. They will start to experience stress when the temperature drops below 50 degrees or goes above 80 degrees. If the temperature drops too low, the leaves will turn brown and die. If it gets too hot, the leaves will dry out and turn yellow.
Boston ferns need high humidity to stay healthy, so they should be misted regularly or placed on a pebble tray filled with water. Overall, Boston ferns are easy to care for as long as you keep an eye on the temperature and humidity levels.
Can Boston Fern Survive Winter Indoors?
As the weather outside gets colder, you may be wondering if your beloved Boston fern can survive the winter indoors. While these plants are tropical and prefer warm, humid conditions, with a little extra care, they can thrive indoors during the winter months.
Here are a few tips to help your Boston fern survive winter indoors:
- Place the plant in a spot that gets bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it in front of a drafty window or in a dark corner.
- Keep the soil moist by watering it regularly and misting the leaves with water every few days.
- Increase humidity around the plant by placing it on a pebble tray or using a humidifier.
- Protect the plant from temperature extremes by keeping it away from fireplaces, vents, and radiators.
Can Boston Fern Survive Winter Outdoors?
The Boston fern is a tropical plant that is not tolerant of cold weather. So you can’t leave them outdoors during winter in extreme regions. If you live in an area where the temperature dips below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, you will need to bring your Boston fern indoors for the winter.
While the Boston fern is not frost-tolerant, it can survive a light freeze if it is well-watered and protected from the wind. If you live in an area with a mild climate, you can try keeping your Boston fern outdoors during the winter months. Just be sure to give it extra water and protection from the elements.
If you are not sure whether or not your Boston fern will survive the winter outdoors, it is best to err on the side of caution and bring it indoors. With proper care, your Boston fern can thrive indoors all winter long.
Can You Overwinter Boston Fern in Garage?
Assuming you have a garage with a window, the answer is yes! Boston ferns make excellent houseplants because they thrive indoors and can tolerate lower light levels than many other plants. Plus, they help purify the air of your garage.
To overwinter your Boston fern in your garage, start by moving it to a spot near a bright window. If possible, open the window a few inches to let in some fresh air. Follow the steps below in the next section to overwinter Boston fern in garage.
How to Overwinter Boston Fern in Garage?
Prune Your Ferns
First, prune your Boston fern. This will help the plant to stay healthy and vigorous. Cut back the fronds by about one-third of their original length. Be sure to make clean cuts so that the plant can heal properly.
Pruning not only helps to keep your plant looking its best but also encourages new growth. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying leaves as well as any that are brown or yellow. You can also trim back any long, leggy stems.
Prepare Garage Environment for Them
The next key aspect is to mimic its natural environment as closely as possible. Here are a few tips on how to prepare your garage accordingly so your fern can thrive:
- Start by cleaning out your garage and getting rid of any clutter. This will give your fern plenty of space to grow.
- Next, open up all the windows and doors to allow for good air circulation.
- Then, set up a humidifier to keep the air moist. This is especially important in the winter when the air is dryer.
- Make sure that the temperature in the room stays consistent by using a space heater if necessary.
- Lastly, place your fern in an east-facing window where it will get indirect sunlight.
Water Carefully
Water your fern less frequently than you did during the summer. Once a week should be sufficient. When you do water, make sure that the soil is moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out before watering again.
In the winter, your fern will need less water overall. So, if you’re not sure whether or not to water, err on the side of caution and don’t water it. Better too dry than too wet!
Mist Weekly
Lastly, ensure to mist the leaves weekly. You can do this with a spray bottle filled with water or by setting the plant on a tray of pebbles and water. Be sure that the water in the tray doesn’t touch the leaves, as this could cause them to rot.
Weekly misting will help to keep the leaves hydrated and prevent them from drying out and turning brown. Misting also increases humidity around the plant, which is important because Boston ferns like humid environments.
Avoid While Overwintering Boston Fern
While you are overwintering your Boston fern in the garage, here are a couple of things you should be aware of and avoid them:
Don’t Over Water
When it comes to overwintering your Boston fern, don’t go overboard with the watering. Too much water will encourage fungal growth. When waterlogged, the roots of a Boston fern will rot, and the plant will slowly die.
Overwatering is the number one cause of death for houseplants, and it’s especially dangerous when combined with low temperatures, as is often the case in unheated garages during winter.
Don’t Over-Fertilize
Next, be careful not to over-fertilize it. Over-fertilizing can be dangerous for the plant, causing leaf burn and root damage.
When fertilizing your Boston fern, use a half-strength fertilizer solution and apply it every other month. If you see the leaves turning yellow or brown, reduce the amount of fertilizer you’re using.
Over-fertilizing can also lead to problems with drainage, as excess fertilizer can build up in the potting mix and cause it to become waterlogged. If you notice that your fern is sitting in water for too long, remove it from the pot and repot it in fresh potting mix.
Conclusion
Overwintering your Boston fern in the garage is a great way to keep it healthy and happy. By following the above simple steps, you can ensure that your fern will make it through the winter months without any problems. So don’t be afraid to give it a try – your fern will thank you for it!