Frosty Ferns have been popping up at retailers and at local garden shops this holiday season. Many that I found this season did not have care instructions whatsoever, creating a questionable way to take care of this unique plant. These are exceptional plants that will look great in your home or garden year-round. Here are a few gardening tips you should know about this luscious new holiday houseplant.
Did you know that these plants are not related to ferns, at least, Frosty ferns are spike mosses. Frosty ferns and other spike mosses are the exceptions to the rule and you’ll probably need to water thoroughly every 2-3 days. If the soil is starting to feel a little dry, it’s time to water. If the whole plant feels lighter than usual, it’s also probably time to water. If your plant starts to wilt, water immediately.
Frosty Ferns need drainage in other words, get it out of that god-awful red cellophane wrapper so that water won’t sit and rot the roots of the plant. Instead, place the pot on a saucer or use a decorative pot instead, dumping any excess water that puddles up. This doesn’t mean you should let the soil dry out, though, because they like it nice and moist. It can tolerate soggy soil outdoors, but not indoors – especially since hard minerals can accumulate in the soil.
Lighting is a must they like it bright but shaded from the sun. Bright Indirect Light is the kind of light that most houseplants crave; bright enough to comfortably read a book, but not so bright that it hurts your eyes. This plant also needs humidity.
Are these plants poisonous to your feline friends? they are not considered toxic and are unlikely to cause permanent or serious damage if your feline friend nibbles them. The popular true ferns include Boston, maidenhair, button, rabbit’s foot, bird’s nest and stag horn can be toxic to your little feline friends!
Houses are dry places, especially during winter. These humidity-loving plants can quickly turn crispy and brown in a heated home, but you can combat dry air in several ways. Spray the plant a few times a day with water, using a mister from the cosmetics aisle. This is great boredom buster if the plant is on your office desk. Growing it on a water-filled tray of pebbles is another option, but it works better in the company of other plants. If you decide to add this fern into your flower garden instead of inside the home it will happily occupy a moist and shady spot in your garden.
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