Indoor Fern Growing Tips

I think I have an insecure thumb.  I am an awful gardener, and I never really feel like I know what I am doing with indoor plants, but surprisingly my indoor fern has become so lush and gorgeous I think I better start flaunting my confident green thumb soon.  Welcome to this month’s edition of “Thrifty Style Team” which is dedicated to my rather simple (and extremely thrifty) “Indoor Fern Growing Tips”…

Just look at this beauty  😯 .

This gorgeous real Boston Fern is located in the chameleon room adjacent to our kitchen.  I call it a chameleon because it has once again recently changed it’s “color”.  It started off as a dining room, then transitioned into my office, and now it has become our family room.  Stay tuned for my next post which will reveal the entire room as a colorful family room, but for now, let’s focus on this beautiful fern creature.

Usually my photos don’t quite capture the full story, but whoa!  This time they really did.  The lush green fronds cascading down and shooting upward almost like fireworks really warm up the space and give it a clean, natural vibe.  I really try to have something “alive” in all of the spaces I design because after all, who doesn’t love Mother Nature?  In addition, real plants filter the air we breathe naturally.  So, they look good, and are good for us, so it’s a win win.

So, where did I get this luscious green beast?  Furthermore, how the heck did I get it to look so healthy?

Well, the answer to the first question may be shocking, but I bought the fern at Costco at the beginning of Spring (under $20).  Every year I hang one on our front porch, just like you see here.  The fern below actually came from Home Depot around the same time.  It’s actually still out there on our “Cozy Fall Porch“.  When I saw the larger fern at Costco I knew it would fit perfectly into our new family room.  My only concern was our cat wanting to jump into it or eat it.  At first Sylvia was a little interested, but she got board quick.

*** Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links for your convenience.  Read full disclosure policy here.

Now for the second question, this is how I take care of my indoor fern.  (FYI-the exterior fern doesn’t require anything except indirect sun, a little water every 3 days.)

INDOOR FERN GROWING TIPS 

1. Choose a very bright location in your home preferably in front of a window with indirect sunlight.  Do not choose a sunny window because it will dry out.
2. Allow the plant to have a lot of room to breath.  Placing it against the wall, or window will suffocate the delicate fronds (leaves).
3. Keep a watering can next to your fern (mine reminds me when I see it there) and water it 1-2 times per week.  If you miss one, it will be okay.  The idea is to try to have moist soil at all times.  You can’t see it in my photo, but I have a plastic tray under the pot that catches the water that drains out.  I try to make sure there is always a little water standing in that tray.  If it dries out I am slacking.
4. Here’s a very important tip…also keep a squirt bottle next to your fern.  Ferns LOVE humidity.  They really love being misted with a squirt bottle every day.  I have noticed that when I only do one side, the other side grows way shorter.  So mist, mist, mist, every day if you can.  My kids actually like doing it, too.  Kind of like feeding the cat.  Just do it 😉
5. Keep the Fern away from heat or air vents.
6. Fertilize every couple months with a liquid fertilizer (put it in your watering can).  I use this fertilizer.
7. Talk to the Fern.  Tell it your darkest secrets.  This really works.
   
   

Don’t forget to stop by all my friends that are part of the “Thrifty Style Team”.  All of our ideas are simple, thrifty, and just plain ole down to Earth.  Anyone can do them…

INDOOR IMPATIENS