Operation: Sleeping Beauty - How to Send Your Boston Fern into Dormancy (and Maybe Even Teach It Kung Fu)
Let's face it, folks. Summer is glorious, but all that sunshine can be a real drag for our beloved Boston ferns. They crave humidity like a Kardashian craves attention, and those dry indoor conditions can leave them looking about as thrilled as a sloth at a sprint race.
Fear not, fellow fern fanatic! There's a secret weapon in our arsenal: dormancy. It's basically a fern spa day - a chance for your plant to chill, recharge, and emerge from its slumber next spring ready to party like it's 1776 (because that's roughly when ferns became a thing).
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| How To Make A Boston Fern Go Dormant |
Why Dormancy? You Say Tomato, I Say Fern-tastic Rest
There are two main reasons to consider dormancy for your Boston fern:
- Winter Woes: Living in a place with proper furnace rage in the winter? Dormancy can be a lifesaver for your fern. Dry air and blasting heat are the enemies of happy ferns, and dormancy lets them escape this hostile environment.
- Space Cadet: Short on space? Dormancy allows you to tuck your fern away in a cool, dark corner, freeing up valuable real estate for, you know, more ferns (because you can never have too many!).
Operation: Sleeping Beauty - Step-by-Step
1. Prepare Your Fern for Slumberland:
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- Trim those tips: Just like you wouldn't send your kid to bed with grass stains, give your fern a little haircut. Remove any brown or dead fronds to encourage new growth come spring.
- Hydration Hero: Give your fern a good soak before tucking it in. A well-hydrated fern will weather dormancy much better.
2. Finding the Perfect Hibernation Hideaway:
- Cool and Calm: Aim for temperatures between 50-55°F (10-13°C). A basement, unheated garage, or even a cool closet will work wonders.
- Darkness is Your Friend: Light isn't necessary during dormancy, so a dark spot is ideal. Just don't shove it in the back of your fridge next to the questionable science experiment leftovers.
3. Beauty Sleep Doesn't Mean Sleeping Beauty (Forever):
- Water Wisely: You don't need to drown your fern, but don't let it completely dry out either. A light watering once a month should suffice.
- Spring is Coming!: Once spring peeks its head around the corner (and temperatures rise above 50°F), gradually introduce your fern back to sunlight and increase watering frequency.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Fern Dormancy FAQ
How often should I water my fern during dormancy?
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A light watering once a month should be plenty.
Will my fern lose all its leaves during dormancy?
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It might lose some leaves, but don't panic! This is normal. New growth will appear in spring.
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Can I keep my fern indoors during winter instead of dormancy?
Yes, but you'll need to provide high humidity and cooler temperatures. Grouping your fern with other plants or using a humidifier can help.
How long does dormancy last?
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Dormancy typically lasts throughout the winter months, but you can bring your fern out of dormancy once spring arrives.
Is dormancy difficult?
Absolutely not! With a little preparation, dormancy is a simple and effective way to keep your Boston fern happy and healthy during the winter.
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