Is it time to water your ferns? Ferns are often grown in pots and can be tricky to keep alive. It is important that they stay moist, but there is a fine line between giving them too much or not enough water.

In this article, I will discuss how often the different types of ferns need to be watered, what the best type of water is, and what to do if things go wrong. Let’s get started…

How Often To Water Ferns? 

Generally, it’s best to water a fern every week to keep the soil moist. These plants enjoy being watered slightly more often when compared to other plants. This is because they are native to tropical and subtropical regions.

They also need to be watered very well so that the water reaches the entire root system of the plant.  

You should only water when the soil is dry. If you are not sure, stick your finger into the potting mix to test it out. There should be some moisture, but never leave them sitting in water for too long or they may end up rotting from the roots up!

What Type of Water Should I Give My Fern?

Filtered water is generally the best type of water for ferns. This type of water doesn’t contain chlorine or fluoride, which can be harmful to your plants. It also contains minerals that may help nourish them as well as make sure they stay hydrated.

Can I Give Tap Water to My Fern?

No, you should never use tap water for ferns. It contains chlorine and fluoride, which are harmful to them. In addition, it may come from a municipal source that added chemicals, such as arsenic or copper, which both can be bad for your plant too!

Can I Use Cold Water on My Fern?

No, you should never use cold water on your ferns. A lot of people believe that it is okay to give them a quick rinse in the sink, but this can end up harming your plant! The shock of cold water can damage the roots of your fern, which may cause it to die.

Can I Use Warm Water on My Fern?

Yes, you can use warm water on your ferns. However, you need to be careful because water that is too hot will cause shock and damage to your plant. This is why room temperature water is best.

Can I Use Distilled Water on My Fern?

Yes, you can use distilled water on ferns. This is because it doesn’t contain chemicals that may be bad for your plant. However, it does lack some minerals that can be useful for your fern.

Personally, I prefer to use filtered water instead of distilled water when it comes to ferns. It has the right amount of minerals that may be useful for them, but it doesn’t contain chemicals or other substances that can harm them.

What Happens if I Overwater My Fern?

Overwatering a fern is a bad idea as it can cause root rot or other diseases to develop. If your ferns are in a pot, the soil may become soggy and it will be very hard for air to reach their roots.

This is why you should only water when the soil becomes dry! Otherwise, they may end up rotting from the top down if too much time passes. Plants like the bird’s nest fern can turn brown if given too much water.

If your fern does develop root rot, then you should take action by removing it from the pot. You can carefully remove as much of the rotted roots as possible before placing them in a new pot with fresh soil that drains well.

Signs That Your Fern Is Overwatered

• Droopy leaves
• Mold on top of your soil
• Rotten roots that are black and smell
• Water standing in the bottom of the saucer
• Brown or yellow leaves

What Happens if I Underwater My Fern?

Ferns enjoy soil that is moist. If you don’t give them enough water, they can suffer from dehydration. This may cause their roots to die, which will eventually lead them to brown and wither.

Leaves are usually the first sign that you are underwatering your fern because it is difficult for plants to photosynthesize if there isn’t enough water in the soil. If you see leaves wilting or drooping, then it is time to give them more water!

An underwatered fern should be soaked with water until the soil is completely saturated. You should then allow any excess water to drain before returning your fern back to its home.

Signs That Your Fern Is Underwatered

• Dry leaves
• Leaf drop
• Leaf color change at the edges
• Wilting

Should I Water My Fern Less in the Winter?

Yes, you should water ferns less in the winter. However, you still need to be careful because they can get too much or too little water during any season.

When it comes to watering your plants in general, a good rule is “less but more often.” This means that you never want to overwater your plant and give them lots of water all at once. If their soil is saturated, then you should allow it to dry out before watering again! This is a good way to avoid yellow fern leaves.

How Long Can A Fern Go Without Water?

There is no exact time frame when it comes to how long a fern can go without water. It all depends on the type of plant, its location in your home, and whether or not you overwater them!

If you have an underwatered fern that hasn’t been given enough water for at least two weeks, then they will be in trouble. The best solution is to monitor the soil as often as possible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ferns are pretty easy to care for. However, you need to be careful when it comes to watering them because they can get too much or too little water!

Generally, you should water when the top inch of soil is dry, which usually ends up being once per week. Remember, it is better to give them less water but more often!