- Silver lace fern is a small potted plant that needs indirect light from a north-, west- or east-facing window. Extra humidity needs to be provided for the fern. Misting it daily is adequate. You can also place a saucer with small rocks under the pot and fill it with water. The evaporation will moisten the ambient air. Silver lace fern should be grown in a room with a minimum temperature of at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Fertilize the plant weekly with a diluted water-soluble fertilizer. Silver lace fern needs to be watered frequently and cannot be allowed to dry out.
- It is often hard to decide when to water a potted plant. A quick check is to insert a finger up to the second knuckle to test for dryness. You can also tip the pot and check the roots by putting your little finger in the drainage hole. Coolness indicates there is plenty of moisture. Silver lace fern is finicky enough that a moisture meter might be a good idea. You can leave it in the plant for 30 seconds and read the gauge. It will tell you the moisture level in plain language so you know when to water.
- Container plants dry out much more quickly than those planted in the ground. Some types of pot dry out more quickly too. An unglazed clay pot is not a good choice for a plant that needs to be constantly moist, and the unprotected exterior allows evaporation on all levels of the soil. Ceramic and glazed pots offer the most moisture conservation. Mulches on top of the soil help keep water in the soil. Small rocks, bark chips or other organic coverings are appropriate.
- With the moisture testing and conserving methods discussed, the water needs of the silver lace fern should be evident. The temperature of the room is also a factor as is the type of soil. A soil with plenty of organic matter and peat moss will retain moisture. A very sandy soil will tend to drain out water. Temperatures in the 60s will conserve moisture while summer heat in the 80 or 90 degree range will mean more frequent watering. On average it is safe to say the fern will need to be watered every two weeks, but you should check it every week.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -