Indoor ferns ∗ The 10 best tips for caring for ferns in pots

Origin and Distribution

Ferns are found all over the world: around 12,000 different species are known, most of them come from the tropical regions of the world - in all of Europe only about 170 species are distributed. However, the attractive plants have one thing in common: with a few exceptions, they all prefer rather moist and shady locations as typical tree dwellers. Fern plants have been indigenous to the earth for a very long time: The oldest finds come from the Devonian geological age and are dated around 400 million years ago. The indoor ferns that we like to cultivate in the living room or bathroom also look back on a very long history. Most of the species sold for pot cultivation come from tropical and subtropical rainforests and are therefore not hardy.

Appearance and stature

The different types of the house fern have a very different appearance. Depending on the type and variety, the characteristic leaf fronds can be only 20 centimeters or up to one and a half meters long. The type of reproduction is also typical: Ferns form spore capsules on the underside of the leaves, through which they practically sow themselves. The ripe spores are sometimes noticeable as a fine, dark powder on the window sill. Flowers and seeds, on the other hand, are not formed, which is why they are pure leaf ornamental plants.

Toxicity

Of the bracken is the most poisonous fern species indigenous to us. Like this one, the house ferns are all poisonous for humans and animals and should therefore be set up in such a way that children and pets do not have access to the plants. The mere touch alone does not trigger any symptoms, but consumption of the green fronds can lead to typical symptoms of poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. See a doctor immediately.

Which location is suitable?

He feels most comfortable House fern in a light to partially shaded, but not directly sunny spot. Most species are also quite sensitive to drafts and temperature fluctuations, therefore, try to avoid placing them near a frequently opened window or door should. Most indoor ferns also need a high level of humidity as they live in the rainforest and are therefore best placed in a bright bathroom.

Substrate

For indoor fern it is best to choose a well-drained, loose and humus-rich substrate. Be sure to buy one that is compost-based, as peat is a poor choice for a number of reasons - even if these soils are cheaper. Mix them up Humus soil with Clay granules respectively. Expanded clay,(€ 16.36 at Amazon *) to improve the permeability and thus avoid waterlogging right from the start.

Plants / repotting

Put the house fern in fresh substrate and a larger pot - usually the plants are in much too small planters so that they can be moved quickly benefit. Young ferns should be transplanted into a larger container every one to two years, older ferns only get fresh substrate. Good drainage is essential so that excess irrigation water can flow away unhindered.

Pour indoor fern

Although indoor ferns do not like waterlogging, they also cannot tolerate dry root ball - so both a permanently moist and a dried-out substrate should be avoided as much as possible. It is best to water the plant whenever the top layer of the potting soil has dried - and then calmly penetrate it. Immediately pour drained water out of the cachepot or the coaster. Occasionally you can also dip the plant, i. H. Place the root ball (in the plant pot!) in a bucket filled with water for a few minutes. Then let it drain well.

Fertilize indoor fern properly

If the house fern is potted annually in fresh, humus-rich substrate, additional fertilization is basically not necessary. If this is not the case, provide the plant with a low-dose liquid fertilizer for green plants every 14 days between April and October. There is no fertilization in winter.

How to cut the house fern correctly

Indoor ferns are quite insensitive to pruning measures and usually tolerate them very well. Some vigorous species can be kept compact through targeted pruning, and brown and dried up fronds should be removed as quickly as possible. Older specimens also benefit from more pruning and then sprout many fresh shoots - the plants are rejuvenated, as the gardener calls it.

Propagate indoor fern

You can easily multiply an older room fern by dividing it. But the fronds that carry spores can also be used to obtain new plants. However, you need a lot of patience for this, because it can take up to a year for the young ferns to be recognized as such. And that is how it works:

• Cut off fronds with ripe spores
• place on a sheet of paper and leave in a warm place for two days
• a shallow vessel with Growing substrate(€ 12.99 at Amazon *) to fill
• moisten this well
• Spread spores on it
• Container with plastic film or similar ä. cover
• Put in a dry and warm place
• Keep the substrate slightly moist at all times
• Ventilate daily to avoid mold growth

After about three months - if it worked - a greenish coating appears on the substrate surface. This is not a question of mold, but of the seedlings of the fern. However, they are only recognizable as such after a few more months.

Overwinter

In winter there are no special care instructions for most species, with the exception of humidity. The air is particularly dry during the heating season, which is why you should use a humidifier or similar. ä. should take countermeasures.

Diseases and pests

When it comes to disease and pests, indoor ferns are quite tough, provided they are properly cared for. Annoying leaf suckers such as Spider mites, Scale and aphids usually only appear when the plant is too dry.

Species and varieties

Indoor ferns are decorative and - with proper care - long-lasting indoor plants. At this point, we will introduce you to the most beautiful types for living rooms and the like.

(Hanging) sword fern

Of the Sword fern has been cultivated for a very long time: for 200 years, it has been enjoying the native of the tropical regions of Africa, South America and Asia fern great popularity in the home and garden. This is not a single species, but a genus comprising around 30 different species, which in turn belongs to the sword fern family (bot. Nephrolepidaceae) must be added. The well-known upright sword fern (bot. Nephrolepis exaltata), which looks extremely decorative with its pinnate, light green leaves up to 150 centimeters long. The fronds grow - depending on the variety - upright to slightly overhanging, can be curled, wavy or twisted. The corded sword fern (bot. Nephrolepis cordifolia), which has smoother leaflets. Both types come into their own as imposing solitaires in hanging baskets or on plant pillars.

Maidenhair fern

Of the Maidenhair fern (bot. Adiantum raddianum) has a filigree and dainty appearance, including the countless fresh green ones and very fine leaflets on the thin, shiny, blackish-brown petioles contribute. The feathered fronds, which grow upright at first and then overhang, can be up to 50 centimeters long and allow water to simply roll off. Maidenhair ferns are found all over the world, some species are even at home in the Alps. However, the varieties cultivated as indoor ferns are all of tropical origin and therefore not winter hardy. This plant feels most comfortable in a bright bathroom due to the high humidity.

Antler fern

The bizarre one Antler fern (bot. Platycerium) lives up to its name: The green leaves, which are up to one meter long, branch out over the years like deer antlers. The spore capsules on the underside form large, dark brown and conspicuous areas that are characteristic of the species. In addition, the antler fern develops so-called coat leaves, which turn brown after a while and die. The antler fern is at home in almost all tropical forests in the world, where it is epiphytic (i.e. H. perched) grows on the trunks or forks of the jungle giants. In the living room, the attractive plant is particularly effective in hanging baskets and, thanks to the waxy surface of the leaves, it also feels good in dry room air. These protect the plant from drying out. For this reason, the antler fern should not be sprayed like other indoor ferns. Instead, immerse it in lukewarm water for about a quarter of an hour once a week.

Button yarn

At first glance, the button fern, also known as pelle fern (bot. Pellaea rotundifolia) not at all like a fern: where filigree fronds are expected, the fur fern family (bot. Sinopteridaceae) counting species thick, leathery and shiny leaflets. These are reddish in color when they shoot and are located on the up to 20 centimeters long, dark and creeping fronds. The button fern also differs from other indoor ferns in its other properties: it needs a comparative bright location, only needs to be watered a little and is right compared to dry room air and normal tap water insensitive.

Nest fern

The elegant one Nest fern (bot. (Aspenium nidus) has up to 100 centimeters long and 15 centimeters wide leaf fronds, all of which consist of grow at a central point of vegetation and form a funnel-like rosette in its center - that "Nest". The glossy leaves are undivided and mostly corrugated in a decorative way. The advantage of the nest fern lies not only in its pretty appearance, but also in the fact that it can cope with very little light. Thus, the plant is also suitable for dark locations, but needs a warm place all year round with temperatures of at least 18 degrees Celsius and high humidity. In addition, the nest fern has a high water requirement and should not only be watered regularly, but also watered occasionally. Use water with little lime such as rainwater or filtered tap water.