Every plant has its pros and cons. A Boston fern is a fantastic addition to any home. So, if you are curious about putting them into your garden or indoor decor projects, the question may pop up: Can Boston fern grow in water?
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Table of Contents
Can Boston Fern Grow In Water?
Ferns are among the oldest plants on the planet. Are you curious about whether or not ferns can grow in water? despite the fact that they are considered difficult to cultivate for most beginners. We shall provide an answer to this question later on in this article. And will outline the steps necessary to successfully grow ferns in water. As well as the advantages of planting them in water.
But before we get too further into the specifics, let’s tackle the issue at the heart of this discussion: can ferns grow in water? Ferns may thrive in water indefinitely if they have adequate light, temperature, and nourishment. Continue reading to find out how.
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How to grow ferns in water?
Ferns are a type of plant that is capable of growing underwater, meaning that the entire plant, including its leaves, may be submerged.
Other plants, on the other hand, can only thrive in water if their roots are submerged. Plants such as a jade plant, a string of pearls, and many species of bromeliads are examples of such plants.
There are also plants that are capable of floating on water. Having stated that, let’s investigate how it is possible to grow ferns in water.
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Step 1:
Gently remove the fern from its potting container. Alternately, cut the container with scissors without removing the foliage or roots of your plant.
Step 2:
Placing the fern roots under the water tap will allow you to remove any potting material particles that may be stuck to the roots. And then carefully brush away any remnants of the potting medium.
Step 3:
Bring a transparent water jug with you. It does not matter what kind of container you use as long as it is transparent, capable of holding water, and lets light into it.
Make sure the fern length and the container size are appropriate. since the fern has to be completely immersed.
Step 4:
Insert your fern into the water container. Then, add gravel to the water container until it is full enough for the fern’s roots to be covered by the gravel.
The gravel serves the purpose of holding the fern in place underwater in an orderly fashion. Take care not to bury the fern’s stem, and only leave it exposed above the gravel. The growth of the fern will be stunted only by the roots themselves.
Step 5:
Gently pour the water into the container. And then fill the container to the point when the entire fern will be submerged.
Taking care of the fern when it is underwater
Your fern is now successfully submerged in the water. In order for your plant to be successful in the water, there are a few factors that you need to keep in mind:
Read more: How Often To Water Ferns
Changing the water
Every week, the water should be changed. In order to maintain the health of your plant and prevent algae from growing in the water container.
Keeping the container clean
Every three months, pull your fern out of the water and clean the water container of any mold or algae.
Fertilization
Ferns do not require a lot of food to survive. However, they just need a tiny bit of food in order to grow under the water. During the summer (growth season), feed your fern once a month with a mild, balanced liquid fertilizer.
Only one-fourth of the recommended dosage given by the manufacturer should be used. Combine the water from the fern’s container with the liquid fertilizer.
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Temperature
The majority of ferns are only found in their natural habitat in rainforests, which have hot weather year-round. Ferns flourish best at water temperatures ranging from 60 to 7o F.
Although temperate climates are home to a small number of native fern species. These ferns can withstand temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit. But not any lower.
Light
Give your underwater ferns bright yet indirect light. You are imitating its native environment by doing so.
How long can ferns live and grow in the water?
Ferns are able to continue their growth and existence in water indefinitely without any temporal constraints. They will mature to the same age as if they had been planted in the soil.
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Can ferns grow in water only?
In theory, ferns are capable of growing in water alone without the need for any additional nutrients. However, fixing them underwater with gravel is the typical method for growing them in the water.
Instead of contributing to the plant’s nutritional needs, the gravel’s primary purpose is to stabilize the fern’s root system. You are free to experiment with the method if you discover a means to fix the fern under the water without the use of gravel or any other substance.
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The advantages of growing ferns in water
Ferns are often regarded as one of the most difficult plants to maintain. Because the soil must maintain a constant moisture level. Certainly not waterlogged soil. It is difficult to time your watering in order to do this.
Also, it needs a humid climate. Therefore, you should spray the ferns that you have planted in the soil every day. Due to these factors, ferns that are planted in soil are not suitable for everyone.
However, once they are grown in water, those influences are eliminated. Misting and watering are no longer a concern for you.
Additionally, compared to plants grown on soil, aquatic plants are less likely to be infected by several kinds of pests and diseases. And, yes, it is more amusing.
Conclusion
Can Boston Fern Grow In Water?
I hope this article answers the question, “Can ferns grow in water?” Ferns are capable of growing underwater provided the water is changed on a regular basis, and if they are given the appropriate circumstances, which include fertilization, temperature, and indirect but bright sunlight.
Additionally, there are advantages to growing your ferns underwater, such as a reduction in insect diseases. Also, the maintenance requirements are quite minimal.
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