How to Bring Your Ferns Indoors for Winter: Tips for Keeping Them Healthy*

As the temperatures drop, it’s time to think about bringing your outdoor plants inside for the winter, and ferns are no exception. These lush, beautiful plants can thrive indoors, but they need a little extra care to transition from the outdoors. Here are my top tips for bringing your ferns in for winter and keeping them healthy all season long! We are on our third year brining them in and it works great for us!!

1. Inspect for Pests

Before bringing your ferns inside, it’s crucial to check for any pests. Look closely at the leaves, stems, and soil for any signs of insects like aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs. If you spot any, use an insecticidal soap or a natural remedy like neem oil to treat the plant. This ensures you don’t bring any unwelcome guests into your home.

2. Clean the Leaves

Outdoor ferns can accumulate dust and dirt on their leaves. Gently rinse the leaves with water to remove any debris and keep the plant looking fresh. You can also wipe down larger leaves with a damp cloth to make sure they’re clean. This simple step helps the fern absorb more light and thrive indoors. We also just rinse it really well with a hose and let it dry in the sun before brining it in!

3. Repot and trim if needed

If your fern has outgrown its current pot or the soil looks depleted, consider repotting it before bringing it inside. Choose a pot that’s slightly larger than the current one, and use a well-draining potting mix suitable for ferns. Repotting gives your fern fresh soil and space to grow during the winter months. You can also trim off any dead spots or trim it down if it’s very large! We don’t have a ton of extra space, so this helps us to bring inside too!

4. Find the Right Spot Indoors

Ferns need plenty of light, but direct sunlight can be too harsh for them. Choose a location near a north or east-facing window where the fern can receive indirect, bright light. If your space lacks natural light, a grow light can be a great alternative to keep your fern thriving indoors.

5. Maintain Humidity Levels

Ferns love humidity, and the dry indoor air during winter can be challenging for them. To keep the humidity levels up, mist your fern regularly or place a small humidifier nearby. You can also set your fern’s pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water, which will create a humid micro-environment around the plant as the water evaporates.

6. Water Wisely

When it comes to watering ferns indoors, it’s essential to strike a balance. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to dry out. Check the soil moisture regularly, and water your fern when the top inch feels dry. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom. You can also soak them once a month to keep them looking their best!

7. Gradual Acclimation

If possible, acclimate your fern to indoor conditions gradually. Bring it inside for a few hours each day over the course of a week or two, increasing the time indoors each day. This will help minimize shock and make the transition easier for your plant.

8. Monitor for Stress Signs

Once your fern is indoors, keep an eye out for signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves, wilting, or leaf drop. If you notice any of these, adjust your care routine. It could be that the fern needs more humidity, less water, or a different spot with more or less light. Being attentive to your fern’s needs will help it stay healthy through the winter.

9. Prune and Tidy Up

Before and after bringing your fern inside, take some time to prune any dead or damaged fronds. Removing these helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth. It also keeps your fern looking tidy and fresh as it adapts to its new environment.

10. Fertilize Lightly (Optional)

Ferns don’t need a lot of fertilizer, especially during the winter months when their growth slows down. However, if your fern looks like it needs a boost, you can apply a diluted, balanced houseplant fertilizer once a month. Be sure not to over-fertilize, as this can harm the plant.

By following these tips, you can help your ferns transition indoors and keep them thriving all winter long. With a little extra care, you’ll have beautiful, lush greenery to brighten up your indoor space until it’s time to move them back outside in the spring!

I’d love to know if you try it! Or do you have tips for your climate that work well for you? Let us know!

XO

Sarah