Boston Fern Pests

The Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata "Bostoniensis") is a variety of sword fern desirable for its ease of care and long, gracefully arching fronds. Because they are so hardy, Boston ferns are often grown indoors as houseplants. For that reason, they can sometimes suffer from common indoor insect infestations. Outdoor ferns can also be plagued by insects

How to Trim Outdoor Ferns

Ferns are a common outdoor landscaping plant, especially in shaded areas where they can thrive. Ferns are hardy and low maintenance plants that can be grown indoors or outdoors. One of the facets of caring for outdoor ferns is trimming or pruning them to keep the tidy. Ferns also need trimming when they become infested with disease or insects. The plants are easy to trim because separate fronds are easy to grasp.

Care of Autumn Ferns

Autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) earns its common name from the color -- not the timing -- of its emerging fronds. As new fiddleheads unfurl in spring, the leaves display shades of copper and bronze with hints of salmon, rose and purple before maturing to glossy green in summer. Sporadic flushes of new growth through the growing season keep autumnal colors going. In cool climates, the leaves take on a slight russet-brown, but nothing that compares to spring. Low-maintenance and easy-care, autumn fern is a shade gardener's friend.

Should I Cut Back My Fern?

Ferns were ancient long before dinosaurs roamed the earth. They were the key feature of the Paleozoic era's Carboniferous Period some 300 million years ago, their lives and deaths creating the vast carbon deposits -- now oil, natural gas and coal -- that fuel modern societies. About half the prehistoric ferns eventually developed seeds, and gave rise to today's flowering plants. True ferns reproduce via spores instead of seeds, dust-sized particles collected in small, circular sacs on the underside of fronds. Cut back fronds when needed to keep your fern foliage fresh and vigorous.

My Fern Fronds Are Turning Brown

Ferns are among the most popular houseplants, but not every house is suited for them. You may find your fern fronds turning brown within weeks of bringing the plant home from the nursery. Prevent browning leaves with a knowledge of your fern's basic needs.

How Often Do You Water Ferns?

Ferns are often planted in shady areas to provide bright, refreshing greenery, but some ferns need sunny gardens. Certain fern species need a lot of water, thriving in damp locations, and others do best with a little less moisture. Selecting the right ferns for your garden is important. If you have time to water plants several times each week, then moisture-loving ferns are fine choices. If you just do not have time to water or simply forget to check on your plants, then go for ferns that can handle a little neglect.

How to Care for an Indoor Fern

Ferns are ancient and versatile plants. Fossils reveal that ferns have been around for millions of years. They can still be found throughout the world in a variety of environments, including jungles and deserts. However, the preferred environment for a fern is a somewhat humid one. They don't require a lot of light, hot temperatures or extremely attentive care, which makes them ideal for home growing.