- How often should a moss fern be watered?
- What should be considered when repotting a moss fern?
- When and how can the moss fern be cut?
- Which pests can attack a moss fern?
- Is the moss fern susceptible to diseases?
- Should a moss fern be fertilized regularly?
- How should a moss fern be overwintered?
Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!
The plant species of the moss fern family (Selaginellaceae) known as moss herb or moss fern look like a mixture between fern and moss, but they are not really related to them. When it comes to care, however, the decorative moss ferns have similar needs to many indoor ferns.
Moss fern is neither moss nor fern
How often should a moss fern be watered?
The right moisture balance is a central criterion when cultivating moss ferns: on the one hand, they like it constantly slightly damp, but waterlogging causes the roots to rot easily. Waterlogging should therefore be avoided at all costs, but watered very often and very little at a time. Locations by the window (and above radiators) are generally not very suitable for moss ferns. On the other hand, they thrive better if they are cultivated in a discarded aquarium, terrarium or as a plant in the so-called bottle garden. Pour moss ferns preferably with water at room temperature and ensure that the humidity is as high as possible by placing water bowls nearby or by spraying the plant.
What should be considered when repotting a moss fern?
The moss fern does not necessarily grow rapidly, but it should be repotted as soon as its previous plant pot is completely rooted. A nutrient-rich substrate with a good ability to store water should be tolerated. Peat in the substrate is usually well tolerated by the moss fern. But first fill the lower part of the new plant pot with a drainage layer made of gravel or similar materials so that dangerous waterlogging of the roots can be avoided.
When and how can the moss fern be cut?
Due to the squat growth habit, pruning is not really necessary. Dried plant parts can be easily cut out at any time. In addition, aerial roots often form on the plant, so that parts of them can be separated particularly easily as offshoots.
Which pests can attack a moss fern?
If moss ferns are cultivated in the greenhouse, it is not uncommon for snails to be eaten more often. This problem can be prevented by a correspondingly elevated location or one that is otherwise difficult for snails to reach.
Is the moss fern susceptible to diseases?
The moss fern is not particularly susceptible to disease, but it is quite sensitive to care errors. The chosen location should therefore be neither too sunny nor too dark. Due to the high moisture requirement, mold can occasionally form on the surface of the potting soil in the pot.
Should a moss fern be fertilized regularly?
A weakly dosed fertilization can be done with the moss ferns with liquid fertilizer in the irrigation water. But don't overdo it with the fertilizer, otherwise moss ferns can easily die.
How should a moss fern be overwintered?
Moss ferns are not hardy, so they can only be used outdoors as a decorative plant in summer. The bright winter quarters should not be permanently colder than about 16 degrees Celsius.
tips
The moss fern is often sold as a so-called "lucky moss" and given away as a lucky charm on New Year's Eve. If it is not protected from the cold outdoors, any attempt to grow it indoors can be doomed to failure from the start.