During the winter months , foxtail fern require special care to ensure their survival . If you rest in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11 , where the temperature stay relatively modest throughout the year , your foxtail fern can be leave behind outdoors . However , if you live in cold climates , it is best to grow them in containers that can be moved indoors during wintertime .
When the temperatures drop , foxtail ferns in geographical zone 9 to 11 will die back , intend their leafage will wither and turn brown . This is a natural response to the colder conditions . However , despite the above - ground fate of the plant come along stagnant , the rootballs persist alive and continue to grow beneath the soil surface .
If you opt to grow foxtail grass ferns in container , you have the vantage of being able-bodied to make for them indoors for the wintertime . Before the first Robert Lee Frost arrives , carefully hollow up the plants and mildly remove any excess soil from the rootballs . Trim back any idle or yellowing frond , leaving only the healthy immature foliation .
Next , find a suitable location indoors where your foxtail fern can receive adequate sunlight . Ideally , they should be placed near a cheery windowpane or under grow lights . guarantee the temperature remains between 60 - 70 ° F ( 15 - 21 ° 100 ) to mime their favorite acquire condition .
While indoors , it ’s significant to adjust your watering routine . Foxtail ferns have reduced water pauperization during winter due to dense growth . Allow the soil to dry out slightly between lachrymation , but forfend allow it become bone dry . Be thrifty not to overwater , as this can lead to root rot .
In terms of fertilisation , you may reduce or completely suspend feast your foxtail fern during the winter month . They enroll a period of quiescence and do not ask as many nutrients to stand growth . Once leap arrives and newfangled growth commence , you could resume regular fecundation .
Monitoring for pests is also of the essence during the winter . Indoor environments can sometimes attract pests such as wanderer mite or mealy bug . on a regular basis inspect your foxtail grass ferns for signaling of plague , such as webbing , tiny insects , or yellowing leaves . If pests are observe , treat them promptly with appropriate organic or chemical substance controller .
As winter follow to an destruction and temperature pop out to go up , you may gradually reintroduce your foxtail ferns to outdoor conditions . set out by range them in a shaded or sheltered field for a few hours each daytime , gradually increasing their exposure to sunlight over a week or two . This acclimation summons helps prevent shock to the flora .
It is possible to successfully overwinter foxtail grass fern , whether you live in milder or colder mood . By understand their specific needs and offer appropriate maintenance , you could enjoy the beauty of these unique fern class after year .
Caroline Bates
