I bought two lovely large Boston Ferns for pots this year. They've been =
outside for quite some time, limited sun. They have been acquiring a =
light brownish cast to them but not readily dying. Are they =
overwatered? Too cool at night? I put drainage holes in the urns but =
they could be plugged. Thanks.
Sue -- zone 6a
Lily M=FFrr Enchanted Rain Garden
Well, Boston Ferns don't like direct sun; bright light but not direct
sun. They could be getting too many rays. They grow best between
60F and 85F and tolerate temps into the 40s with no real problem.
Their tolerance of cool temps. was one reason they were so popular in
Victorian times when house temperatures were much cooler than we keep
them today. They need high ambient humidity to thrive.
Like all ferns, they want to be moist but have good drainage, so you
do need to have drain holes in your container and the potting medium
should be highly organic to hold moisture but drain quickly - don't
let them dry out, but you don't want them soggy. They also prefer
soil on the acid side.
For best growth, you need to feed this fern during the growing season
- Miracle Grow or Peter's will do per label instructions.
Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@hort.net
Editor: Gardening in Shade
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From: swemett
I bought two lovely large Boston Ferns for pots this year. They've
been outside for quite some time, limited sun. They have been
acquiring a light brownish cast to them but not readily dying. Are
they overwatered? Too cool at night? I put drainage holes in the
urns but they could be plugged. Thanks.
Sue -- zone 6a
Lily M??rr Enchanted Rain Garden
----------
Appreciate the info Marge. I doubt too much sun or dryness is a concern
here... they are outdoors. High moisture they have.
Sue -- zone 6a
Lily M??rr Enchanted SUN Garden :>
