Not only are Tracheophytas beautiful when hung in baskets, but they also make a great addition to any home’s decor when placed in a vase or terrarium. If you know How to Grow Ferns in Water, you can also use these plants as decorative accents without having to confine them to containers.
If you keep a few things in mind, growing Ferns in water is simple:
- Without their roots, fern fronds can’t survive in the water. They will, however, last for a few days.
- When growing ferns in water, it’s important to place the entire plant, roots and all, in a glass bowl or vase with water.
- If you want your fern plant in water to thrive, make sure it gets at least two hours of soft morning sun and eight hours of brilliant indirect light per day.
- Change the water frequently.
How to Grow Ferns in Water?
- Pick a part of the plant to divide. It must have roots and fronds.
- Wash the potting media and roots off gently under running water. It’s also important to remove any decaying or diseased roots.
- Use a glass bowl or vase to contain the plant. Add stones or gravel to hold the roots in place. This will also aid in securing the plant in place. To avoid chlorine taste, fill with filtered water.
- Do not let the gravel cover the fern’s upper fronds and leaves.
Requirements: Growing Ferns in Water
Light
Plant in a spot that will get lots of bright indirect light. Avoid direct sun exposure at all times, especially in the afternoon.
Water
Change the water once a week to keep the plant free of algae. When the water becomes cloudy, it must be changed. When you need a boost in micronutrients, a little aquarium water goes a long way.
Container
Once every three to four weeks, clean the vase or bowl. Remove the fern carefully, scrape the inside of the container, and thoroughly rinse it with water.
Fertilizer
Growing ferns in water requires very little fertilizer. In the summer, give the plant a weak balanced liquid fertilizer dose once a month. A little bit of powder added to the water every few weeks should do the trick.
How Long Do Ferns Last in Water?
With the right maintenance, you can keep a plant alive in water indefinitely. As long as the water is changed every four to seven days and it receives enough of bright, indirect light, you should be fine.
However, if you only put the fronds in water without the roots, it may not survive for more than a few weeks.
Advantages of Growing Ferns in Water
- It will be quite simple to care for ferns grown in water. You can use it as a centerpiece this way. Another alternative is to trim the fronds and place them in vases as decoration.
- Without soil, the roots can thrive in fresh water that is changed frequently.
- Since new water (the growing medium) is supplied to the plant’s container every few days, it will be healthier and more resistant to fungal and bacterial infections.
- If you’re worried about overwatering or underwatering, none of those things will be an issue while growing ferns in water.
- These plants require humid conditions and frequent misting. This is not necessary while growing in water.
The Best Ferns to Grow in Water
Some of the best ferns for growing in water include the Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus), Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), Japanese Lace Fern (Polystichum polyblepharum), Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus), Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum), Asian Water Fern (Bolbitis heteroclita), & Java Fern (Leptochilus pteropus).