Pruning your Boston Fern is an essential part of its care routine, helping to promote healthy growth and keep it looking tidy. But, knowing how and when to prune can be a bit daunting for new plant parents. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of pruning a Boston Fern, including when to prune, the tools you’ll need, and the proper technique. With our tips, you’ll be able to confidently prune your Boston Fern and enjoy a lush and vibrant plant in your home.
Why Prune a Boston Fern
Pruning a Boston fern is essential for several reasons. Primarily, it helps to remove any dead, diseased, or wilting foliage, which allows the plant to focus its energy on healthy growth. In addition, careful pruning can help shape the plant and control its size, ensuring the fern maintains an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Proper pruning techniques can also encourage a more prolific, bushy growth while correcting dull or leggy growth, leading to a healthier and more appealing fern. Furthermore, consistent pruning every few weeks aids in better growth and size control by allowing the plant to use its resources more efficiently and effectively for new growth as dead leaves and branches are removed (Petal Republic).
When to Prune
Boston ferns benefit from pruning during the late spring and early summer, when the plants can recover quickly without the risk of disease(Petal Republic).
Another ideal time for pruning is during repotting, as the plants can be dramatically cut back, encouraging more prolific and bushy growth while correcting dull, leggy growth(Gardening Know How).
It is also acceptable to do some trimming in the fall to give the plant a neater appearance after a summer of growth, or to help it fit indoors in a smaller space(Petal Republic).
Tools Needed
When it comes to pruning a Boston fern, having the appropriate tools is essential for a successful process. The primary tool you will need is a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears or scissors, as mentioned by The Practical Planter and Gardening Know How.
Ensure that your shears or scissors are sterilized before proceeding, as this will help protect the plant from potential infections. If the Boston fern has soft foliage and somewhat thin spines, sharp scissors with pointed, longer tips would be suitable for making precise cuts at the base of each frond, as suggested by Petal Republic.
Additionally, it might be a good idea to have a sheet or tarp handy to catch the cuttings and make cleanup easier since pruning can be a messy process. Also, consider finding a suitable location to move the plant, such as outdoors or near an open window, which will create a more convenient space for the pruning session.
Step-by-Step Pruning Process
Remove Dead or Damaged Fronds
Begin by taking a sharp pair of sterilized pruning shears and carefully cut off any dead or damaged fronds at the base. Make sure to check the entire plant, removing any fronds that appear brown, dried out, or otherwise unhealthy. This will encourage new growth and lead to a healthier overall fern.
Moving the fern to an outdoor location or placing an old sheet underneath the plant will make the clean-up process much easier, as pruning can be a messy activity (The Practical Planter).
Trim Yellowing Leaves
Next, focus on trimming any yellowing leaves from the Boston fern. Using the same sterilized pruning shears, carefully snip off yellowing leaves along the entire length of the fronds. Removing these leaves will give the plant a cleaner appearance, while also allowing more light through to nourish healthy leaves.
Shape the Fern
When shaping the Boston fern, prune during late spring and early summer, allowing the plant to recover quickly and reducing the risk of disease (Petal Republic). To shape the fern, examine the overall plant structure and carefully trim the side fronds at the base to maintain a balanced, pleasing appearance. Avoid cropping the top of the plant, as this can negatively impact its growth (Gardening Know How).
After pruning, add a bit of compost to the base of the fern and water it to encourage new growth and the development of healthy leaves and branches (Farmer Grows).
Post-Pruning Care
After pruning a Boston fern, it’s important to adjust the care routine to accommodate the changes made to the plant. One crucial aspect is to avoid overwatering, as the fern doesn’t require much water during the first few days to a week post-pruning. It is okay to provide misting and humidity supplements, but be cautious with excessive water.
If pruning involved only removing dried out or dead foliage, no special care is needed. However, it is advised to wait at least three to four weeks after pruning before applying fertilizer to the Boston fern. During the growing season, provide the fern with balanced houseplant fertilizer, following the directions provided on the product.
In order to overwinter the fern, move it to a cool, dark location where temperatures don’t drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, such as a basement. Reduce watering frequency to once a month during this period.
Common Pruning Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake to avoid when pruning Boston ferns is cropping the top of the plant. Instead, focus on trimming the side fronds by cutting them off at the base of the plant [source]. Removing any old fronds near the soil will allow new growth to break through more easily [source].
Another mistake is not using clean, sharp pruning tools, which can lead to damage or infection in the fern. Always ensure your tools are properly sanitized and sharp before cutting the fronds [source]. Additionally, be cautious with watering the fern after pruning. Overwatering can harm the plant, so it’s best to avoid excessive watering and stick to misting and humidity supplements for the first few days to a week after pruning [source].
Lastly, avoid pruning in low light conditions, since Boston ferns prefer a couple of hours of bright, filtered, or indirect light each day [source]. Providing the right amount of light during the pruning process can help promote healthier growth and prevent potential harm to the fern.
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My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
