Receiving Helpdesk

how cold is too cold for boston ferns

by Sterling Runolfsson Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Boston ferns prefer daytime temperatures that range from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, while evening temperatures should be a little cooler. Cooler temperatures reduce the chance of fungus developing, temperatures ranging between 55 and 65 being ideal.

Boston ferns thrive in temperatures in the 60s and 70s but can tolerate an occasional blast of cold air of 40 to 50 degrees for a few hours.

Full Answer

When is it too cold for Boston ferns outside?

How cold is too cold for Boston ferns? If their leaves turn yellow, the plants are not getting enough humidity. Boston ferns thrive in temperatures in the 60s and 70s but can tolerate an occasional blast of cold air of 40 to 50 degrees for a few hours.

How cold is too cold for Boston ferns?

Boston ferns thrive in temperatures in the 60s and 70s but can tolerate an occasional blast of cold air of 40 to 50 degrees for a few hours. What temperature is too low for ferns? Most ferns like an average room temperature of 65 to 75 degrees F during the day, up to 10 degrees cooler at night.

When is it too cold for ferns outside?

They don’t tolerate the cold all too well. Some ferns can handle temperature dips to the extremes (-45F), but Boston ferns are the opposite. If temperatures drop down to 40F or so, that’s the limit. It needs to be winterized by bringing it indoors, protected with a greenhouse, or possibly mulched. The absolute lowest temperature is 40F.

What temperature should you bring ferns inside?

You should bring ferns inside when the temperatures drop below 25° to 30° Fahrenheit (-3° to -1° Celsius). The USA hardiness rating for ferns specifies this. However, experienced gardeners recommend transferring your fern indoors at slightly warmer temperatures.

What is the lowest temperature a Boston fern can tolerate?

One of the oldest plants in the world, Boston Ferns like bright but indirect sunlight and optimum temperatures of 60°F – 75°F /15°C – 24°C but will tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F /10°C.

Is 45 degrees too cold for Boston ferns?

Boston ferns can survive outside temperatures of 46 degrees F, but a sudden drop in temperatures may damage the foliage by causing misshapen fronds and crinkled leaflets.

When should I bring my Boston fern inside?

Before the first frost of the fall is the perfect time to bring potted ferns indoors for the winter. Here are a few tips to keep them healthy and happy. Hose down each plant to clean the foliage and then inspect closely for insects that might be hiding in the foliage.

Can a Boston fern survive a frost?

Common ferns like this Boston Fern will not survive a hard frost or freeze. What is this? Unfortunately, once a fern has been hit by a hard frost or freeze, it's too late to save it. With that in mind, it is a good idea to prepare your fern for overwintering before too many cold nights settle in.Aug 30, 2020

When can I put my ferns outside?

Typically, the best time to plant ferns is in early spring after the last frost, but you can also plant during the summer without much trouble. In temperate climates, you can even plant ferns all year round. Choose a shady location. The majority of ferns thrive in partial to full shade conditions.Nov 8, 2020

How cold can hanging ferns tolerate?

Considered perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 to 11, they may stay out all year where temperatures seldom drop below 45 degrees F, but must be brought indoors if threatened by frost.

Where do you put Boston ferns indoors?

Situate Boston ferns indoors in bright, indirect sunlight away from drafty doors and heating vents. Provide as much humidity as possible and carefully monitor the soil to ensure plants stay consistently moist. You can set the plants on pebble trays filled with water, so long as the pot does not sit in standing water.

How do you take care of a Boston fern outside?

Boston fern outdoors requires plenty of water and isn't drought tolerant. Provide enough water to keep the soil consistently moist, but never allow the soil to remain soggy or waterlogged. If you live in a dry climate, mist the plant lightly on hot days.Jan 4, 2022

Can Boston ferns survive outside?

Today, Boston fern is still a top pick for indoor and outdoor settings. But, because Boston fern can grow 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide, it are often a better choice for outdoor situations. In zones 9-11, Boston fern can be planted directly in the ground. Here's a plant that lives up to its name.

Can Boston ferns be outside in 40 degree weather?

Boston ferns thrive in temperatures in the 60s and 70s but can tolerate an occasional blast of cold air of 40 to 50 degrees for a few hours.

How cold can a Boston fern survive?

Boston ferns planted in the ground can survive temperatures as low as 30 degrees.

What temperature do Boston ferns need?

If their leaves turn yellow, the plants are not getting enough humidity. Boston ferns thrive in temperatures in the 60s and 70s but can tolerate an occasional blast of cold air of 40 to 50 degrees for a few hours. Click to see full answer.

Can ferns survive a frost?

Like these tender garden plants, ferns cannot handle a hard frost or freeze.

How cold is too cold for ferns?

The gorgeous feathery fronds of ferns bring to mind the peaceful atmosphere of humid forests in tropical regions.

What temperature should you bring ferns inside?

You should bring ferns inside when the temperatures drop below 25° to 30° Fahrenheit (-3° to -1° Celsius). The USA hardiness rating for ferns specifies this. However, experienced gardeners recommend transferring your fern indoors at slightly warmer temperatures.

Can a fern survive frost?

A fern can survive frost if it’s native to the cold region and it’s a light frost that goes away. Ferns categorized as cold-resistant Zone 3 to 8 are better at surviving occasional frost. Ferns classified as Zone 9 to 12 plants are rarely frost-resistant and develop severe frost damage if left unprotected.

Where should ferns be placed indoors?

Ferns should be placed indoors in shaded rooms away from direct sunlight. These ferns prefer shaded or semi-shaded areas and can be damaged by direct sun exposure.

How do you take care of indoor ferns in the winter?

Before moving your fern indoors, make sure it is clear of pests, is not root bound, and is small enough to be easily managed indoors.

Do ferns come back every year?

Ferns will come back every year as most are perennial. They will die back every winter and regrow next summer as long as the winter temperatures don’t drop below the fern’s temperature tolerance levels.

What is the best temperature for Boston ferns?

The lowest minimum temperatures for USDA zone 10 are 30 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Boston ferns die if exposed to lower temperatures. The best indoor temperature range for these voluptuous plants is between 68 and 78 F, notes Colorado State University Extension. Outdoors, the plants can take considerably higher temperatures as long as you grow them in shade and give them enough water.

How to keep Boston Ferns moist?

To increase humidity levels for Boston ferns, place them on a small tray filled with pebbles and water. You might also try placing them in a kitchen or near a bathroom because these rooms tend to be more humid than the rest of the house.

How to keep Boston Ferns from turning yellow?

If you don't have enough humidity, Boston ferns will turn yellow, so if that's the case, make sure you increase the humidity level around the plant. Fertilize with a weak solution of liquid houseplant fertilizer a few times a year. For example, add 4 drops of a 10-15-10 solution to 1 quart of water.

Where are Boston Ferns native to?

Temperature Range for Boston Ferns. Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata) aren't from Boston, but are native to Florida, Central America and other tropical areas.

Do Boston Ferns need sunlight?

When grown indoors, Boston ferns need bright, indirect light and high humidity. They also like to be cool, with temps in the 60s or 70s, so place them in a sunny room away from windows, according to Gardening Know How.

Can you grow Boston Ferns outside?

Growing Boston Ferns. As tropical plants, Boston ferns thrive in warm, humid conditions. You can grow them outdoors during the summer almost anywhere, but once fall arrives, they survive only in the balmiest climates. The Boston fern weather tolerance is for temperatures to be just right — not too hot and not too cold.

What is the lowest temperature for Boston ferns?

In respect to this, what is the lowest temperature for ferns? The lowest minimum temperatures for USDA zone 10 are 30 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Boston ferns die if exposed to lower temperatures.

Do deciduous ferns stay green in the winter?

Deciduous ferns do not stay green in the winter. However, if you have chosen ferns suited to your zone, they will still survive the winter just fine. When fronds start dying back in the fall, cut them back. Ferns can be kept warm with a mulch covering for the winter months. Similar Asks.

Can ferns survive the cold?

On the coldest end of the scale, hardy ferns can survive temperatures down to minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit. However, hardy ferns in USDA zones 2 through 6, tend to be semi-evergreen. In most cases, it is safe to leave many hardy ferns outdoors all winter long. A few, however, are only cold-hardy to USDA zones 6 or 7. Click to see full answer.

What temperature does a Boston fern grow?

They grow best when temperatures reach no higher than 75 degrees during the day and 65 degrees at night. A temperature of 95 degrees or higher may kill a Boston fern.

How to add humidity to a Boston fern?

To add humidity only around the fern or for outdoor ferns, place the pot on a tray or saucer filled with pebbles. Adding water to this tray and keeping at least 1/4 inch of water in it at all times adds humidity to the air directly around the Boston fern.

Can you put a humidifier in a Boston fern?

Misting the fern daily can temporarily add moisture, but it does not last long. Placing a humidifier in the room with the Boston fern is a good solution. To add humidity only around the fern or for outdoor ferns, place the pot on a tray or saucer filled with pebbles.

Can Boston Ferns tolerate frost?

Boston Ferns are Tropical Plants. Because Boston ferns are tropical plants, they cannot tolerate frosty temperatures. The best frond growth occurs when daytime temperatures are around 65 degrees Fahrenheit and nightly temperatures do not drop below 55 F. Because the roots of potted Boston ferns have less protection from the cold than plants in ...

Can Boston ferns grow outside?

Although Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis'), also called sword fern, is commonly known as a houseplant, it can grow outdoors year-round in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12. Boston ferns are sensitive to both certain amounts of cold and heat, which affect their growth.

Can a Boston fern survive a freeze?

Even if the temperature is above freezing, which may not normally damage a Boston fer n, the University of Georgia notes that a rapid drop in nighttime temperatures may damage the foliage. Twisted fronds and misshapen leaflets are results of extreme fluctuations in temperature. Boston fern's chill sensitivity hinders its healthy growth and proper leaf formation because this plant is simply not adapted to sudden drops in temperature.

Do Boston ferns like heat?

Boston ferns are sensitive to both certain amounts of cold and heat, which affect their growth. The fern grows best outdoors when placed in a partially sunny to shady location and indoors in a location out of direct sunlight.

Can Boston fern survive winter indoors?

Taking your fern inside your house is one of the most popular ways to overwinter your Boston.

Can Boston ferns survive a freeze?

No, they can’t. You should never leave your Boston out in the cold. Ever.

When to bring your Boston ferns back out

The plant will be resting during the winter and will be ready to grow when the spring comes.

How to make a Boston fern go dormant

Your Boston fern will go dormant on its own when you winterize it. When the temperatures dip to the 50s ambiently, the fern will stop growing and enter winter dormancy.

Will my Boston fern come back?

Boston ferns are perennial, so it should come back next year if it was overwintered correctly.

When to put ferns back outside

When you put your ferns back outside when the frost is gone, be sure to slowly acclimate them.

Can hanging ferns survive winter?

Similar to Boston ferns that are in the soil or in containers, hanging ferns need to be taken down and brought inside.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9