Caring for a hurricane fern is relatively easy and requires minimal effort. The most important aspect of caring for the fern is to ensure it is placed in an area with adequate brightness and humidity, such as a kitchen or bathroom.
The ideal temperature range is 65-75°F and they like high humidity.
When it comes to watering, it’s important to use tepid, slightly acidic water and to water thoroughly ensuring that there is no standing water left in the pot. You should also re-pot the fern every two years or so during the springtime in fresh sphagnum moss or peat-based potting soil.
To ensure proper growth and a full, healthy plant it’s important to fertilize the hurricane fern on a monthly basis during the spring and summer months and once every other month in the fall and winter.
A liquid fertilizer is your best option and should always be applied according to the directions on the package.
Finally, if you notice any signs of pests, such as small yellow spots or brownish spots on the leaves, then prune off the affected area and treat the plant with an insecticidal soap. Also, try to keep the leaves dry and dust-free as humidity and dust can cause health problems in your fern.
Overall, with proper care, your hurricane fern will thrive for many years.
How much sun does a hurricane fern need?
A hurricane fern (Dypsis lutescens) needs bright, indirect sunlight for about 4-5 hours a day for optimal growth and health. Avoid placing the fern in direct sunlight, as this can cause scorching of the foliage.
If possible, position the plant near a window that receives ample sunlight during the day. If the sun exposure is too low, the fern’s growth may become stunted and its foliage will become pale or yellow.
Additionally, ensure that the soil remains moist, but not soggy, throughout the season.
How big do Hurricane ferns grow?
Hurricane ferns (Schizaea pusilla), also sometimes referred to as curly grass ferns, grow to be a maximum size of about 18 inches (45 cm) in height and about 18 inches (45 cm) in width. They grow in clumps and have delicate, lacy blades with a distinct curling effect.
The foliage of the Hurricane fern is medium green, with light green tinting along the edges of its sprays. Its delicate foliage can give the illusion of movement when wind or air is passing through it, hence the name Hurricane fern.
Hurricane ferns are generally slow-growing; they should be planted in moist and well-draining soils in part shade to full shade. They prefer temperatures between 60-80°F (16-24°C). Avoid direct sunlight as direct sunlight may cause foliage burn or discoloration.
With the right care, your Hurricane fern will make an interesting addition to your garden and landscaping.
Why is my Hurricane fern turning brown?
Common causes can include too much direct sunlight, over or underwatering, or fluctuations in temperature. It may also be a sign of nutrient deficiency, pests or disease.
If your fern is receiving too much direct sunlight, the leaves may be scorched. Consider moving it to a shadier spot where it can still get bright, indirect light.
Overwatering or underwatering can also cause leaf discoloration. Hurricanes like consistently moist, but not soggy, soil. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Make sure it’s draining properly too.
Sudden temperature changes can shock ferns, which can cause their leaves to turn brown. Keep your fern in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-26°C).
If overwatering and temperature fluctuations have been ruled out, it’s likely a nutrient deficiency or pests. Check the leaves for signs of pests and treat if necessary. Yellowing or browning leaves could also indicate a nitrogen imbalance in the soil.
Try applying a balanced fertilizer.
Identifying the cause of the browning can help you remedy the problem and get your Hurricane fern healthy again.
Is a hurricane fern the same as a birds nest fern?
No, a hurricane fern and a birds nest fern are two different types of plants. The hurricane fern (also known as Maidenhair Fern or Adiantum capillus-veneris) is a genus of ferns native to tropical areas in the Americas.
It is recognized for its triangular black stems and delicate fronds. The birds nest fern (Asplenium nidus) is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Pacific islands.
This species of fern is characterized by their broad, wavy leaves which form an arching rosette at the center. The birds nest fern is also very tolerant of a wide range of light conditions, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings.
Do birds nest ferns like to be root bound?
No, birds nest ferns do not like to be root bound, as these ferns need plenty of moisture and a humid, warm environment in order to thrive. Restricting the growth of the roots by keeping the fern in a root-bound container can cause the plant to become constricted and stunt its growth.
To ensure that a birds nest fern is healthy, it is important to select a container with plenty of space for the roots and to re-pot the fern periodically, roughly once per year. With proper care, a birds nest fern can live for years.
Is a hurricane fern toxic to cats?
No, a hurricane fern (also known as Nephrolepis exaltata) is generally not considered to be toxic to cats. The plant has been listed as non-toxic to cats by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
While consuming small amounts of the hurricane fern may result in an upset stomach, vomiting and/or diarrhea, these symptoms usually resolve themselves without medical assistance. It is important to monitor your cat if they do decide to munch on these plants and contact your veterinarian if any of the symptoms persist or become severe.
Additionally, the hurricane fern may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some cats.
Are hurricane ferns easy to care for?
Yes, hurricane ferns are easy to care for. As a tropical plant, they thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and warm temperatures. They require evenly moist soil, but do not tolerate soggy soil or prolonged periods of dryness.
Hurricane ferns should be fertilized every two weeks with a well-balanced liquid fertilizer. Make sure to water thoroughly, allowing the excess to drain out the bottom of the pot. You can also mist the leaves to boost the humidity in the air, but do not do this when the leaves a wet from rain or from watering.
Prune the ferns as needed when tips and leaves become damaged. With these tips in mind, it’s easy to maintain healthy hurricane ferns.
Do birds nest ferns need sunlight?
Yes, birds nest ferns need sunlight. These ferns usually grow in bright, indirect light but they can tolerate areas with bright, direct sunlight, as long as they have good air circulation too. If a birds nest fern is not receiving enough natural light, supplement it with artificial grow lights.
Place the fern so they get at least 6 hours of sunlight exposure per day. Keeping the plant near a window that faces east, west or south will achieve the best results. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn, so avoid placing the fern in a spot that receives too much direct exposure.
If the fern is located in a spot which receives too much direct light, block some of the exposure with a sheer curtain or blinds.
Can I cut back my birds nest fern?
Yes, you can cut back your birds nest fern. If you would like to keep it in a compact shape, you can prune it from the top or side. Make sure to use clean, sharp shears or scissors so you don’t damage the plant.
When trimming back, try to cut one-third of the frond. Make sure you avoid cutting too close or below the crown or too close to the center of the frond. You can use the removed foliage for propagating the new fronds.
When pruning, avoid damaging the crown and the fronds near it, as it will affect the growth of the fern.
