Do you want to make your outdoor space look natural and beautiful? Learning to hang ferns from your porch does just that. Ferns are great because they can grow well in moist places and look great in hanging baskets. Whether you like Boston Ferns that love shade or Kimberly Queen Ferns that love sun, this guide will show you how to make your porch look fancy with different fern hanging methods.
Key Takeaways
- Boston Ferns are ideal for humid climates and humid environments.
- Kimberly Queen Ferns can withstand more sunlight.
- Ferns prefer bright, indirect light, with some morning or filtered sun.
- Consistent moisture is crucial for healthy fern growth.
- Regular monthly fertilization with a nitrogen-rich formula is recommended.
Choosing the Right Ferns for Your Porch
When picking selecting porch ferns, the light and moisture on your porch matter a lot. For spots with little sun, go for Boston Ferns. They don’t need much light and like their soil damp. These ferns add a beautiful, old-school vibe to any porch.
If your porch gets a lot of sun, Kimberly Queen Ferns are a great pick. They stand tall with sword-shaped leaves and can handle bright light and less water. For hanging ferns, both Boston and Kimberly Queen Ferns are top choices.
Adding other plants can make your porch look even nicer. Spider Plants are good for areas with semi-shade and have green and white leaves. In shady spots, try English Ivy. It’s tough, loves the shade, and looks great.
| Fern Type | Ideal Light Conditions | Water Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Ferns | Partial Sun | Moist Soil |
| Kimberly Queen Ferns | Full Sun to Partial Shade | Moderate |
Looking for the perfect types of ferns for hanging? Think about your porch’s light, water, and style. Choosing the right ferns means considering these elements. This way, you’ll pick ferns that not only grow well but also make your porch welcoming.
Ideal Locations for Hanging Ferns
Ferns need the right light and humidity to grow well. They do best in light shade, with morning sun being perfect. Kansas State University Research and Extension says early morning sun is gentler than afternoon sun. So, a North or East-facing porch is great for ferns.
Keep ferns out of strong sunlight since they like shade. Morning light gives them just enough sun without harm. Amanda from Planterina points out that ferns are okay with low light if they’re close to a light source.
Bathrooms are also good for ferns because they are humid. Showers raise the humidity, which ferns love. Just make sure there’s a window for some light, or use a grow light. Costa Farms says moving ferns around helps, even if they’re in the dark for a bit.
If fern leaves turn yellow, they might need more light. Keep the soil moist for healthy ferns. The Boston fern loves humidity but might need extra care indoors in winter.
Finding the right spot means looking for partial shade, decent light, and lots of humidity. With these conditions, your ferns will grow beautifully at home.
Supplies You’ll Need to Hang Ferns
To start creating a stunning display with hanging ferns, you need the right supplies. You’ll need strong plant baskets, sturdy mounting hooks, and handy watering jugs. These items help keep your ferns secure and healthy.
Choosing the right plant baskets is key. Many people like wire baskets lined with coconut coir or moss. These materials allow air and water to flow, stopping issues caused by overwatering. Since too much water is harmful, these baskets help the soil stay just moist enough.
For strong fern support, you need the right mounting hooks. You might use screw-in hooks, S-hooks, or rail hangers, depending on where you’re hanging them. In cities, steel rail plant hangers are a favorite. They help make the most of limited space.
Don’t forget a good watering jug. It helps you water the ferns right, only when the soil feels dry. Watering properly stops the leaves from turning yellow and prevents root rot. The right jug ensures your ferns get the exact amount of water they need.
- Plant Baskets: They should be breathable and drain well.
- Mounting Hooks: They must be solid and dependable.
- Watering Jugs: They help keep the water level right.
Let’s now look at different fern types, their sizes, and what soil pH they need:
| Fern Type | Potential Height | Soil pH |
|---|---|---|
| Macho Fern | Up to 4 feet | 6.0 to 6.5 |
| Kimberley Queen Fern | 3 feet | 5.0 to 5.5 |
| Foxtail Fern | Up to 3 feet | 6.0 to 6.5 |
| Boston Fern | Varies | 6.0 to 6.5 |
| Japanese Painted Fern | 1 foot/year | 4.0 to 6.0 |
In conclusion, getting the needed hanging fern supplies like plant baskets, hooks, and jugs is crucial. This prep work and the right tools make sure your ferns not only beautify your space but also thrive.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hanging Ferns
Finding joy in DIY hanging fern projects can make your porch a green sanctuary. Learning how to do it requires simple steps and the right stuff. Here is everything you need to get going.
- Select Your Ferns: Boston ferns are great for their full looks and ease in growing. Usually, they’re about $12-13, but you might find them for $5.99 at early sales.
- Gather Your Supplies: Start by collecting a strong hook or rod, a pot (bigger by 2 inches than the current one), quality potting soil like Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control® Potting Mix, and watering tools.
- Choose the Location: Ferns do best in places with indirect light and a bit of morning sunshine. Make sure to avoid the intense afternoon sun to protect the leaves.
- Transplant the Fern: Move your ferns to bigger pots gently. First, fill the pot one-third with soil, add the fern, and then cover it with more soil for support.
- Install the Hook: Put up a reliable hook or rod on your porch’s ceiling. It must hold the plant’s weight. Place it where the fern has space to grow.
- Hang and Water: Once hanged, water your fern well. Boston ferns need water every three days, sometimes more when it’s hot. Check if the top inch of soil is dry before watering.
- Maintain Humidity: Keeping your ferns moist is key. In dry areas, spray the leaves daily. For indoor ferns, use water-filled pebble trays under the pots.
- Fertilize Regularly: Use Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food once monthly. This is good for outdoor and indoor ferns. It helps keep the leaves green and healthy.
- Prune When Necessary: Cutting off dry leaves encourages new growth. If the plant looks bad, trim it down to 2 inches above the soil. It will soon grow fresh, green leaves.
This guide should assist you in creating a lush porch with hanging ferns. Whether you’re experienced or new to gardening, with some care, your ferns will flourish and beautify your outdoor area.
Caring for Your Hanging Ferns
After you hang your ferns, keeping them healthy needs regular and smart care. You must tend to them often to keep them green and full of life. Here, we share key tips on watering, trimming, and the right environment.
Watering your ferns right is key, more so when it’s hot. They should be watered every day until water runs out, to keep the soil wet enough. In cooler weather or in the shade, every three days is fine. Too little water, and your ferns might turn brown. To help even more, soaking your ferns for 30 minutes weekly is a smart move. It keeps the roots healthy and not too tight.
Ferns do best in shaded places. They like partial or full shade, which is great for spots under roofs that let light through. Make sure it’s warmer than 45 degrees Fahrenheit at night before putting them outside. Spraying them with water on hot days helps keep them moist, like they prefer. Turning your ferns every week helps them grow evenly.
Look after your ferns by cutting off dead or brown parts. It helps air move around better and keeps them looking fresh. Pinching off old leaves every month as new ones come keeps them looking full. Feeding them with a liquid fertilizer every two weeks gives them the nutrients for strong growth. Following these steps will help your ferns not just live, but flourish.
