Ferns are one of the most popular houseplants. They’re also one of the easiest to grow and care for, so long as you keep them warm enough—but what happens when it gets cold outside? Can you keep your ferns alive through a winter? Does it matter if they get frost or not?
In this post, we’ll answer those questions and more!
Can Ferns Survive Frost?
Ferns can survive only light frost and the temperature must not go below 55 degrees for an extended period of time. If the fern is going to be exposed to frost too often, consider bringing them indoors.
How Tolerant Are Ferns To Cold Weather
Ferns are hardy plants that can survive cold weather, frost, and snow. While not all ferns are quite as tough as others, most ferns will be able to withstand a light frost without issue. Most varieties of ferns also have shallow root systems that make them less susceptible to colder temperatures than many other garden plants.
Ferns are native to moist, humid regions of the world and are accustomed to wet soil conditions; therefore they don’t require much water when it freezes outside. However, if you do notice signs of browning or wilting on your ferns during cold weather (like the beginning stages of drought), give them a good soaking—and then put some cover over them so they don’t get too much sun exposure either!
Caring For Ferns During The Winter
You can take steps to ensure that your ferns survive the winter.
Keep Ferns Warm
Ferns need to be kept warm, so you will want to move them into an area with a temperature of at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If possible, place them near a heat source such as a radiator or furnace vent.
Provide Plenty Of Water For Fern
You must also make sure that your ferns are getting enough water during the colder months. If they aren’t getting enough water, they may begin to shrivel up and die. Watering once or twice per week should be sufficient for most people’s needs during this period of time; however, if you live in an area where temperatures are extremely cold (below 30 degrees Fahrenheit), it is not recommended that you overwater your plants because this can cause root rot which will lead directly back into death!
Instead, try keeping some pebbles or rocks inside each pot – these act like little reservoirs so when you do water again later on (maybe once every 2 weeks instead), there’ll still be plenty stored up inside.
Provide Mulch For Ferns
Mulch around the base with at least 3 inches of wood chips or other organic material such as grass clippings or leaves to insulate the roots from temperature changes during winter months when temperatures drop below freezing point during daylight hours (between 6 am-7 pm).
What Temperatures Will Kill Ferns?
Ferns are some of the hardiest plants around, and they can survive a wide range of temperatures. However, there are certain temperatures that will kill ferns if they’re left for too long.
Fern can survive temperatures as low as 55°F. If they are exposed to this temperature for longer than a week, they will go dormant and evenly will die.
Can I Overwinter Ferns?
You may be able to overwinter your ferns so they will survive until spring. However, it’s important that they won’t be exposed to frost and cold temperatures for a prolonged time.
If you want to overwinter your ferns, follow the simple steps below:
Step 1: Start by choosing a container that is about 6 inches deep and about 5 inches wide. Basically, it should be large enough for the roots to grow. Then add loose soil to the container about halfway.
Step 2: Gently loosen the soil around your fern’s roots with a trowel or spade, being careful not to uproot them. Remove as much of the old soil as possible.
Step 3: Place root balls into new potting soil, positioning them in approximately the same place as they were growing in their previous pots. Do not cover any part of the root ball with dirt or mulch; this will encourage rot during winter months.
Step 4: Water your newly potted ferns thoroughly until water runs out of drainage holes at bottom of the pots or until excess water begins to pool on top of the soil surface (about 1/4 inch deep). Leave drainage holes open until the water drains out completely.
Conclusion
Ferns are great plants to have in your garden, but it’s important to know how they can handle cold weather. If you live in an area that gets frosty winters, it’s important to make sure your ferns are protected from the cold. Luckily with proper care, most ferns will be able to survive even a harsh winter without any problems!
