Most fern species feel right at home in the tropics. Because of that, only a handful of the 17,000 known species can actually survive a chilly winter outdoors without some help. But here’s the good news: your tree fern *can* make it through the cold if you give it a little TLC.
Prepping in Late Fall
Since ferns don’t produce flowers or fruit, they won’t give you a flashy signal that they’re ready for winter. You’ll want to take action before the first frost hits your forecast. Here’s your game plan:
- Trim the fronds back by about half.
- Wrap the remaining fronds and the trunk securely with straw mats or garden fleece.
- Protect the root zone by covering the ground around the base with brushwood, dry leaves, or bark mulch.
Caring for Potted Tree Ferns
If you’re growing your fern in a container, the best move is to bring it indoors for the winter. However, don’t just stick it in your living room! Most indoor spaces are way too warm. Instead, look for a spot that stays between 40°F and 50°F (5-10°C) with no direct sunlight. These plants also love humidity, so a damp basement or a cool garage often works wonders. Just remember: don’t forget the water! Even in winter, your tree fern needs a regular drink.
What if the Fern Stays Outside?
If you don’t have a cool indoor spot to store your potted fern, you can keep it outside—you just have to be extra careful. Move the pots to a sheltered spot against a house wall to block the wind. To keep the roots from freezing, set the pots on wooden blocks or Styrofoam boards at least two inches thick. Finally, wrap both the pot and the plant itself in garden fleece or straw mats to keep things cozy until spring.
