How Often To Water Ferns Outside [+Growing Tips!]

Are you wondering, How Often To Water Ferns Outside? Here is a quick and easy guide to keeping your fern plant happy and hydrated!

Ferns are shrubby plants that thrive in warm, moist environments either inside or outside of your home.

However, if you’re new to owning ferns, you might be curious to know how often to water ferns outside.

In this article, I will cover some key information about ferns and how to look after them, including how often to water ferns outside.

Keep reading to find out more.

DISCLOSURE

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Placing a humidifier in your home ensures your plant gets to thrive in a moist environment!

Do Ferns Do Well Outside?

Yes, ferns have the capability to do very well outside, especially if you live in a tropical climate that is very humid.

Ferns tend to thrive the most in moist, shady outdoor areas. That being said, you will want to try to keep a fern in a location that falls between 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 70 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that it can thrive.

How Often To Water Ferns Outside 

You should water your ferns a maximum of once or twice a week if it hasn’t been raining outside. Outdoor ferns tend to thrive in a shaded area where the soil can remain moist for longer periods of time.

As a rule, they prefer 1 to 2 inches of water a week, but this will vary depending on the soil and the growth rate.

Ferns like humidity and require moisture on a regular basis, and you won’t need to worry about them as much if you live in a wetter climate.

That being said, if it rarely rains where you live, you will need to water them this much to ensure that they are thriving and remain as healthy as possible.

Ease the need of watering your plant by getting an automatic indoor self-watering kit for your plant watering needs!

You will need to make sure that you check the soil often and create a schedule that keeps the soil moist without it becoming soggy. If you fail to do this, waterlogged soil can lead to a variety of problems for your fern and could even result in it dying if you’re not careful.

Note– If you want to make your green fingers happier and your life easier, you can use this affordable 83 pieces ultimate gardening set to help you garden like a pro!

Signs Of Improper Watering

Getting the right balance of water can be a challenge when you first become a plant parent and navigating your watering routine might take a little while to figure out.

However, there are a variety of different signs that indicate you are improperly watering your ferns and should be on the lookout for.

The signs that you’re underwatering your ferns include:

Leaves turning brown – If the leaves of your ferns are turning brown, then this is a good indication that you’re underwatering your plant and it is thirsty.

Crispy leaf edges – A clear sign of dehydration in your ferns is when the leaf edges feel dry and are crispy to the touch.

Leaves dropping – If the leaves on your fern begin falling off, it is highly likely that you’re underwatering it.

Dry soil – You can usually tell if your plant needs a good drink by simply touching the soil. If it is bone dry to the touch, then it is likely dehydrated and needs more water.

Consider using a moisture meter to make sure your plant’s soil isn’t too dry or too moist

Wilting – Wilting is another big indicator that you’re not watering your fern properly. If your plant is drooping and looking sorry for itself, it likely needs more water.

The signs that you’re overwatering your ferns include:

Yellow leaves – Leaves turning from green to yellow and falling are a big sign that you are overwatering your plant.

Wilting leaves – The ironic thing about over-watering is that it can also cause wilting the same as underwatering does. This comes down to the fact that the soil is waterlogged and the roots are starved for oxygen.

Waterlogged and wet soil – Another clear indication that your fern has been overwatered is when the soil is oversaturated and becomes waterlogged. Always make sure that you check the moisture of the soil with your fingers before you water your ferns.

Disease – If you overwater your soil, fungi may form on the surface of the soil.

Squishy texture – When you feel the leaves, your plant will have a distinct squishy feel to it when you feel it with your fingers.

Tips on how to take care of outside ferns

Water Ferns Correctly

When it comes to watering your outside ferns, always make sure that you check the soil before you do so. Simply place your fingers in the soil and check the moisture level, as this can prevent you from under watering or over watering your plant. 

You will also want to make sure that you direct the water stream at the roots over the fronds. If you fail to do this, you can end up damaging the plant.

Keeping ferns outside means that they are exposed to the elements all of the time. You will also need to make sure that you adapt the amount of water that you give your ferns in accordance with the weather conditions.

If it’s been a particularly rainy week, then you might need to water it less. On the other hand, if you live in a particularly hot country and it’s been very dry and hot, you might need to water it more than you normally would.

Trim Damaged Fronds

If your fern has become damaged over time due to improper watering or the natural predators that it may encounter outdoors such as slugs or diseases, you will have to cut back any damaged fronds.

While these diseases are rare, you will want to make sure that you cut back any damaged or diseased fronds with a pair of garden shears. Not only will this prevent the disease from spreading to other plants, but it will also help to keep the integrity of the plant.

Place your indoor ferns in a porous terracotta pot to ensure proper healthy root development

In Summary

So, there you have it! Make sure that you stick to a proper watering schedule when taking care of your ferns outside and be sure to adapt it in conjunction with the weather.

You will also want to make sure that you check the soil before each watering, to prevent underwatering or overwatering your ferns. You will need to create a watering routine that keeps the soil moist whilst avoiding making it soggy.

Good luck!

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