| Hanging Fern Baskets |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-203 |
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Q: How can I take care of my ferns inside my home?
A: (Jessie Mack Burns, Ask DIY Gardening Expert) There are varieties of ferns that are easier to grow inside than others. A Boston fern, for example, is one of the most common and is easy to take care of, as are mahogany and Dallas ferns. A bird's nest fern is great, too (and yes, even with those broad leaves, that's really a fern!) (figure A). I like ferns to have a natural look, so I use natural materials to create my own basket instead of using one that's hard-coated or plastic. Line a wire basket with sheet moss or a coconut liner. Make sure that you cover the whole bottom with moss so the soil won't fall out when you water your fern. And when you plant the basket, this is the one time you don't have to put a drainage material at the bottom -- the moss is enough. Instead, fill the basket with a few inches of good draining potting soil (figure B), place the plant and fill in around the edges with more soil. You can combine more than one type of fern in the hanging basket, with taller ferns such as the bird's nest fern in the center and shorter ferns such as the mahogany towards the front. Make sure to keep the fern moist -- and water the basket over the sink or tub so you don't make a mess. More Questions for Jessie:
Q: What does it mean when the fronds on a fern turn yellow?
A: It could just mean that portion of your fern is starting to die out. And you can just pull those little fronds out, it's not a problem. Or, it could be that your fern needs a little bit of light. So move it over to a bright window for a day or so, and then move it back. You should start to see some change.
Q: I know ferns are delicate. Mine seem to be wilting. Can I revive them?
A: Yes! Fill a tub with water and submerge your basket inside. If it's completely dry, you'll see the water start to bubble as the dry soil in the basket soaks up all the water the fern needs.
Q: I know ferns like moisture but my home is dry. How can I add a little humidity to keep the fern alive?
A: A spray bottle is a simple solution. Just mist your plant with water every few days. Or create a humidity bath. Put some stones in a saucer and fill it with water. Then set your potted fern on top. As the stones dry, they'll create humidity in the air that surrounds the fern. Re-fill the water in the saucer as needed. Web site resources for Hanging Fern Baskets: Healthy Houseplants from DIYNET.Com All About Ferns from HGTV.Com Hanging Baskets from HGTV.Com Books: Ferns For American Gardens: The Definite Guide to Selecting and Growing More Than 500 Kinds of Ferns
by John Mickel
ISBN: 0028616189
Macmillan USA
201 West 103rd St.
Indianapolis, IN 46270-1097
Phone: 317-581-3500
Customer Service Phone: 800-262-4729 Hanging Baskets, Window Boxes, and Other Containers: A Guide to Creative Small-Scale Gardening
by David Joyce
ISBN: 0671744402
The Summit Publishing Group (1992)
2000 E. Lamar Blvd.
Suite 600
Arlington, TX 76006
Phone: 817-588-3013
Fax: 817-462-4014
Web site: www.summitpeaks.com
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