Cotton Candy Fern Care And Secret Tips You Need To Know – Ultimate Guide 2022
In terms of the Cotton Candy Fern’s Latin term is Nephrolepis exaltata. It’s sometimes referred to in the form of Suzi Wong fern or as Fluffy Ruffle fern. It is part of the evergreen family of Lomariopsidaceae (sometimes considered to be part of it as Nephrolepidaceae, Oleandraceae, or Davalliaceae) and comes from tropical regions around the globe.
Like cotton candy, this gorgeous, lush, and beautiful houseplant will reward gardeners who do not require a lot of maintenance or maintenance. If the conditions are right the plant will grow at up to 5 feet when it reaches its peak.
If you’re drawn to the stunning beauty and beauty of Cotton Candy fern continue reading for more information about the plant, as well as ways to care for your plant healthy and flourish. Don’t be a fool!
Cotton Candy Fern Care: An Overview
- Common name: Cotton Candy fern, Fluffy Ruffle fern, Suzi Wong fern
- The scientific name is Nephrolepis Smithii Exaltata
- Family: Lomariopsidaceae
- Genus Sword-fern
- Source: Swamps and tropical forest
- Zones: USDA Zones 9-11
- Growing habit upright could reach 3 feet tall.
- The habit of life Perennial
- Care level: Easy
- Characteristics:
- Frond A soft, vibrant and fluffy fronds that spread outwards as they expand.
- Form: Grow to the shape of a Rosette.
- Flowers: Ferns are plants that do not produce flowers or seeds.
- Adult specimens reproduce sexually using the spores that are found on the underside of leaves.
- Growing: Indoors, hanging baskets, outdoors in large containers
- Toxicity: Cotton Candy fern is pet-safe and non-toxic. So, you don’t have to be concerned if your children or pets have a chance to consume the fern.
8 Essential Factors To Consider When Caring Of Cotton Candy Fern
While it is true that a Cotton Candy plant is usually low-maintenance and simple to keep indoors, it does require lighting and humidity, as well as water and other essential elements to keep it healthy and lush green fronds throughout the year.
Then, dive deeper into the entire guide for some useful guidelines for taking care of the Cotton Candy fern.
Be aware that suggestions can be customized based on the location in which you reside and on the needs of the plant.
1. Soil
Cotton Candy fern requires retentive soil, but it should not be submerged in water. A poorly drained soil could result in root rot leading to the plant dying. This is why the plant has the right requirements for its soil.
- It is covered in a thick layer of humus
- Good drainage
- Level of pH: Slight acidic
- Sufficient nutrient content
- Water-permeable
Therefore, you can make use of traditional potting soil or mix it up by using 1 part peat moss as well as 1 part coarse builder sand, and one-piece garden topsoil.
2. Lighting
Although this type of fern is thriving in the natural environment with shade or semi-shade, or even under the shadow of the trees, this fern thrives in direct, bright sunlight, especially when it is grown inside. This is why it is perfect for putting the plant in a place with indirect morning sun specifically the windows to the West or East. Also, a little shade in the afternoon is recommended for the plant to prevent burning the leaves.
Additionally, you could make use of sheer curtains on the windows, or blinds, to control the amount of sunlight hitting the plant.
3. Temperature
Cotton Candy fern prefers mild temperatures between 60 and the temperature of 80°F. It is, therefore, unable to endure cold temperatures or extreme heat. Temperatures above 95 degrees can cause burning of the fronds and temperatures that are below 35 degrees could hinder the growth of the plant.
Beware of sudden temperature changes caused by drafts, air conditioning cold breezes, heaters.
4. Humidity
High humidity is an essential aspect of the growth of Cotton Candy fern. It thrives best in conditions of humidity above 80percent. Therefore, it thrives in bathrooms or kitchens.
If your plant is struggling with low humidity in your home the fronds could have brown edge and tip. But don’t fret. Use these easy tips to fight the negative consequences of drying air and boost the humidity levels for the house plant.
- Humidifier The reason is that it is vitally important to provide additional humidity around the plant.
- Mist Misting the plant, particularly in the first week of wintertime, helps to restore the moisture to the plant.
- Plants in groups: Arrange several plants to produce a microclimate effect by releasing humidity via transpiration.
- Pebble trayUse an unclean tray and then fill it up with pebbles and water. After that, put the pot inside the pebbles. Make sure never to allow the plant pot to get submerged in water, or else it could result in root mould.
5. Watering
If the soil is showing signs of drying the fern’s leaves can change colour and become droopy. It is therefore essential to ensure that the soil is damp by watering the plant often.
The plant typically requires lots of water to remain wet in the summertime. Be sure to eliminate the excess water, as constant waterlogging could lead to root decay. However, you can cut down on watering during the winter and autumn seasons since the fern isn’t actively expanding and may require to be given a break.
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6. Fertilizer
It is not necessary to add fertilizer for a potted fern at the beginning of its year since fresh substrates can be nutrient-rich enough that allow the plant to flourish.
The best time to feed your fern is during the spring through early autumn as it is the hottest growing season. Apply fertilizer to the fern by using 15-5-15 (nitrogen and phosphates, as well as potassium) every four weeks. There is no need for fertilization in the winter and late fall months.
7. Propagation
Similar to other ferns, Cotton Candy fern can be successfully propagated by a variety of methods, but it is best to do so in the early spring when the plant is showing new growth.
1. Rhizomes
- Begin by watering the plant thoroughly for a few days before the start of the procedure.
- Cut off gently the rhizome portion in your Fern that has at minimum one frond. It is ideal if the rhizome components have already created roots.
- Make sure to fill the sections with water and nutrients for the most effective outcomes.
2. Division
A mature and healthy Cotton Candy fern can be easily propagated via division.
- Dig carefully or take your mature plants from the container.
- Make use of a sharp knife to cut through the rhizomes to break the plant up into two or three clusters.
- Get rid of dead roots and leaves.
- Repot parts that are planted in pots that are separate using the finest pots and potting mixes.
- Make sure to thoroughly water the new division as the plant is established.
3. Spores
If you spot the colour of black, yellow and brown particles of dust that are on the underside of the fronds these are spore cases. Spores contain genetic material that is capable of generating an entirely new fern.
If these capsules get mature, the capsules split and the spores come out.
- To gather the spores remove the front of the bottle and wrap it on white paper.
- After a few days after that, the spores will likely be absorbed into the paper.
- When you’ve collected the spores prepare a peat-based mixture and vermiculite using an unglazed pot.
- Incorporate the spores into the mixture, and cover it with a lid made of plastic or wrap of plastic to avoid contamination.
- The pot should be placed in a warm, sunny spot with indirect, bright sunlight. Make sure the spores are moist but not too wet.
Within 4 to 6 weeks, small, green fronds can appear from their substrate and the fern’s life cycle continues. Once the new ferns are mature, you can transplant them into containers that are individual and give them enough attention.
8. Transplantation
The ideal way to do this is Cotton Candy fern can be transplanted in the fall or spring before the growth that is to come up. It is recommended to repot the plant in cases where it has grown out of its container or its roots are protruding from the soil. In general, plants need to be repotted once every couple of years.
- It is recommended to water the fern for at least a couple of days before repotting to ensure that the soil is wet soil on the roots, thereby facilitating the transplant process.
- Choose a container that is one size bigger than the one you have and that has drainage holes of excellent quality.
- Make a hole in the fern and then raise the entire clump of fern into one piece.
- Make sure to fill the pot with 1 up to 2 inches of fresh plant soil with a high organic content near the base.
- Put the fern into your new pot. The base of the fern must be at the same level that the container previously. The plant’s root system can be damaged if it is planted too deep. the growth of the plant and may result in root decay.
- Find the fern in a spot that has an indirect light source to provide ideal circumstances for it to flourish following the transplant.
- Make sure to water the fern properly and maintain regular maintenance.
How much light does a Cotton Candy fern need?
The Cotton Candy Fern has soft, fluffy, light-green leaves. As they grow, these leaves flare outwards and upwards. This fern can reach 5 feet in height at full maturity. It thrives in partial sun and indirect sunlight. It also likes moist, well-drained soil.
Why is my Cotton Candy fern turning brown?
If the soil is too dry, you may notice brown spots on your garden ferns. If the soil feels dry, water it slowly and deeply. If the water is evaporating, instead of sinking into soil, stop watering. It’s better to get another plant for your fern if it has brown tips due to low humidity.
How often do you water a Cotton Candy fern?
When the soil is dry, water the plants. Between waterings, the plant should be watered well and allowed to dry completely. Plant the plant in a container that has good drainage to allow excess water to drain out of the bottom. The Latin name for the cotton candy fern plant is Nephrolepis Exaltata.
How often should I mist my fern?
A mist spray should be used three to four times per day to encourage luxuriant growth. Misting is beneficial for both broad-leaf and simple-leaf ferns. Spray less on crinkled varieties as they tend to retain moisture and cause fungus.
Why is my indoor fern turning brown?
Your fern might not be getting enough water if you see brown leaves everywhere. Their soil should be slightly moist but not soggy. If they feel dry, check and water them. Try misting your fern more often if it is brown.
Should I cut off brown fern leaves?
You can improve the appearance of your indoor ferns by pruning any yellow or brown fronds. This will improve airflow and reduce mould or fungal problems. Check the soil if your indoor fern’s leaves are often dying back.
What is cotton candy fern?
Nephrolepis Exaltata is the Latin name for the cotton candy fern plant. This fern can grow up to 5 feet high. The soft, fluffy, chartreuse-coloured cotton candy fern fronds are soft and fluffy. You can plant the fern indoors or outside in large containers or hanging baskets.
Why is my fern turning yellow and brown?
According to plant manuals, if leaves turn yellow or brown, it is likely that the fern has been over-or underwatered. These problems can be avoided by filling your plant saucer with water. Then let your fern drink it for a week. Most ferns love to be wet because they come from moist environments.
How do you grow cotton candy?
Growing Techniques: To help this plant reach its cotton candy state, you can grow indoors hydroponically Proper feeding will cause the buds to swell and then become covered with trichomes when properly lit. To promote a bushy canopy, remove lower leaves and top it off early. As the buds get heavier, provide support.
Conclusion On Cotton Candy Fern Care
Cotton Candy fern is an adaptable plant and its gorgeous fronds provide a unique look to your living space. Although it can be able to withstand minimal care and occasionally neglect, it’s recommended to give it proper lighting and humidity, as well as water temperatures, as well as other requirements to ensure its health and beautiful development.
This is why it’s important to follow a proper routine for taking care of your plant to ensure the freshness and beauty of plants in your home. We’re hoping that even those who are new to gardening and home plants will be able to master the evolving and care techniques easily.
The last thing to mention is that If you have any other questions regarding the subject Feel free to send us an email. If you like this article, please make sure to share it with your loved ones or friends.
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