Ferns - these decorative leaf perennials can amaze you with their lush green fronds. But only as long as the fronds are not brown and the plant looks miserable. Then there could be a nutrient deficiency…

Fern can be fertilized with compost, for example

Outdoor ferns do not need fertilizer

Anyone who has ferns in the garden does not necessarily have to fertilize them. Of course, this is recommended by fertilizer manufacturers… But save yourself the money: outdoor ferns fertilize themselves with their fronds. These turn brown in autumn, fall off and lie over the root area. It is best not to remove this natural fertilizer!

On the other hand, indoor ferns need fertilizer. For one thing, most house ferns are evergreen and rarely shed their fronds. On the other hand, the bit of soil in the pot is usually not enough for them to be able to survive for many years.

Which fertilizers are suitable?

Above all, you should make sure that your choice does not fall on a mineral fertilizer. Ferns don't like salt because they are humus roots. Your roots are sensitive to it. Therefore, you should choose an organic fertilizer.

There are special fern fertilizers on the market. But home-made and other conventional fertilizers are also suitable for ferns, especially if they mainly contain nitrogen. A few examples of fertilizers for ferns in the field and pot:

  • horn shavings
  • bone meal
  • homemade liquid manure (e.g. from nettles)
  • brewed and cooled black tea or herbal tea
  • compost
  • liquid fertilizer
  • Long-term fertilizer in the form of sticks

fertilizer dosage

If you want to use a ready-to-use liquid fertilizer, do not overdose! Half the concentration is enough for ferns. You should also add this fertilizer directly to the irrigation water.

The period and frequency of fertilizing

Last but not least, timing matters:

  • do not fertilize deciduous ferns in winter
  • do not fertilize evergreen ferns in winter or only sparingly
  • The growing season from April to September is fertilizer time
  • Fertilize potted ferns in peat soil every 2 weeks
  • Fertilize potted ferns in compost soil every 4 weeks
  • Enrich the soil with compost before planting

tips and tricks

After fertilizing, ferns should be watered well several days later. The soil must not dry out, otherwise the roots will be damaged by the fertilizer.

Category:

Vegetable garden