Ashleigh Smith + photo

Ashleigh Smith

Apr 18
2 min read
bubble 0

Growing ferns inside can be tricky if you don’t understand what conditions they like. Ideally ferns like a humid, dappled light, constant environment. Changing temperatures and light conditions quickly will result in a less appealing appearance and weak growth. Naturally ferns are found in two types of climates, tropical and temperate.

In a tropical climate ferns enjoy medium light (east facing windows or a few feet away from west or south windows). When watering tropical ferns use lukewarm or room temperature water. They should also only be fertilized when active growth is happening. To prevent issues with bugs indoors make sure you keep the leaves clean by dusting and washing with a spray of water, or swish in a sink or tub of water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid.

Temperate ferns tend to like the cooler areas of the home. They will also struggle in areas that are kept too warm so be aware of your placement in relation to heaters and air vents. While temperate ferns can be placed in cooler areas of the home, they will need special accommodations to maintain higher humidity levels. Simply keep a humidifier near your fern.

Pests and Diseases Common to Ferns:
Mealybugs
Scale
Whiteflies
Thrips

For information on how to treat these pests check out our Pest Troubleshooting Guide.

Our Recommended Picks

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

0 Comments

No Comments yet! Be the first to start a conversation

  1. Soil Amendments for Increasing Water Retentionraindrops on leaves

    Soil Amendments for Increasing Water Retention

    Written By Lara Wadsworth You’re likely here because you suspect that your garden or potting soil is not holding onto water long enough for the plants to use it. Water retention is crucial for plant health and can be the difference between a thriving v...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-07-09
    6 min read
    bubble 0
  2. Grass to Garden: A Beginner’s Guide to Rototilling Your Lawngardener tilling grass into a garden bed

    Grass to Garden: A Beginner’s Guide to Rototilling Your Lawn

    Written By Lara Wadsworth Turn a patch of grass, weeds, or turf into a ready-to-plant garden bed with the rototilling method. While no-till gardens have been gaining popularity, completely transforming your growing area from thick turf to a thriving ve...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-07-09
    7 min read
    bubble 0
  3. What a No-Till Michigan Market Farm Can Teach You About Growing FoodSustainable Green Wagon Michigan Farm growing kale

    What a No-Till Michigan Market Farm Can Teach You About Growing Food

    Written By Lara Wadsworth I drove 20 minutes out of the city, past the Grand Rapids airport, with airplanes flying overhead. My GPS instructs me to turn down a dirt road, and I slowly drive to the end of the lane. Passing homes and countless trees, I f...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-07-02
    8 min read
    bubble 0
  4. July  Planting Guide By Zonehands holding garlic with summer squash and carrots on a table

    July Planting Guide By Zone

    Written By Lara Wadsworth Summer is in full swing. July is here, and most of us are celebrating holidays, going camping, and (of course), tending to our gardens! Even though a lot is done in the spring for gardens, July is also brimming with potential....


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-07-02
    11 min read
    bubble 0