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How to Repot Fern Plants?

Published in Fern Care 3 mins read

To repot fern plants, gently press the soil around the fern and then give it a healthy drink of water, ensuring the soil is fully saturated.

While the provided reference is very brief, here's a more comprehensive guide to repotting ferns, assuming standard practices and common fern types:

When to Repot Ferns

  • Signs of Overcrowding: Roots circling the pot, slow growth, or the fern drying out quickly indicate it's time to repot.
  • Spring or Early Summer: These are ideal times, as the fern is entering its active growing season.

Materials You'll Need

  • New Pot: Choose a pot that's 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Ensure it has drainage holes.
  • Potting Mix: Use a well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix specifically formulated for ferns. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and compost works well.
  • Watering Can or Hose: For watering the fern.

Steps for Repotting

  1. Prepare the New Pot: Add a layer of fresh potting mix to the bottom of the new pot. This will help with drainage and provide a base for the fern.
  2. Remove the Fern from the Old Pot: Gently loosen the soil around the edges of the old pot. You may need to squeeze the sides of the pot to help release the root ball. Carefully pull the fern out of the pot, supporting the base of the plant.
  3. Inspect and Loosen the Roots: Examine the root ball. If the roots are tightly circling (root-bound), gently loosen them with your fingers or a small tool. You can trim any dead or damaged roots.
  4. Position the Fern in the New Pot: Place the fern in the center of the new pot, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the top of the pot.
  5. Fill with Potting Mix: Fill in the space around the root ball with fresh potting mix, gently pressing down to eliminate air pockets. Leave about an inch of space between the soil surface and the rim of the pot.
  6. Water Thoroughly: Water the fern thoroughly until water drains out of the drainage holes. This will help settle the soil and encourage root growth.
  7. Location: Place the repotted fern in a location with indirect light and high humidity.

Post-Repotting Care

  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
  • Humidity: Ferns prefer high humidity. You can increase humidity by placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water, using a humidifier, or misting the plant regularly.
  • Fertilizing: After a few weeks, begin fertilizing with a diluted liquid fertilizer formulated for ferns.

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