What Do You Spray on Ferns?

Ferns, members of the Polypodiopsida class, are non-flowering plants that reproduce with spores. Do ferns attract bugs? They can, and this is just one reason to spray ferns to keep them in good health. Indoor plants may also need to be sprayed with water to maintain humidity. There are thousands of fern species, so check on specific care requirements for your fern to ensure you are spraying and caring for it properly.

Spraying to Maintain Humidity

In general, ferns need a high level of humidity and moisture to thrive. Most ferns grow best in well-draining soil with water added when the soil's surface is dry. Dry air can be a problem for many ferns, especially those grown as houseplants, as air conditioning and heating sucks moisture from the air. Ideally, the humidity level should be between 40 and 50 percent for most ferns, although they will generally survive if the humidity is at least 30 percent, advises the University of Georgia Extension.

Misting your fern with room-temperature water each morning is an excellent way to provide moisture to your plant. You can use a plant mister or even a spray bottle with a gentle spray. If you don't want to take on this daily task, there are other methods to consider.

Keeping plants in the bathroom where the humidity is normally higher from the shower is effective. You can also place the container on a tray filled with stones and water. The evaporating water provides the humidity, while the stones keep the pot from sitting in water which can keep the soil too wet. Placing a humidifier in the room near your plant is another option, notes the UConn Home & Garden Education Center.

Spraying for Fern Mites and Pests

Do ferns attract spiders and other pests? Spiders are not common pests for many fern species, but it is not unusual to find mealybugs, scale and spider mites attacking your plant. You can hand pick many pests from the plant or wipe them off of the foliage with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol.

Spraying the plant is another effective option. Use a fairly strong stream of water to wash the pests from the ferns. Ideally, use room-temperature or warm water rather than cold. For indoor ferns, you can do this in the bathtub or take the plant outside to spray it. Make sure to bring it back indoors when you are finished so that it doesn't attract new pests that you will then bring into your home.

Insecticide sprays are not recommended as they can damage sensitive ferns. However, if necessary, opt for less toxic insecticides to treat your plants, recommends the UConn Home & Garden Education Center's page on low-toxicity treatments. Options such as horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps and neem oil can be effective against a variety of pests including mealybugs and scale

Other Spraying Recommendations

Ferns may also develop a variety of diseases, often as a result of under or overwatering or overfertilization. For example, too much fertilizer can cause leaf tip burn and frond lobing. These can usually be corrected by leaching the soil of excess fertilizer and using less fertilizer moving forward. Some diseases, such as bacterial blight, aren't treatable and you will need to discard the fern and plant a new one.

Some fungal diseases, such as Pythium root rot and Rhizoctonia blight, can be prevented with the use of a fungicide, notes PennState Extension. Spraying the fungicide is typically only necessary when you have infected plants nearby. If you have a single, healthy fern in your home, there is no reason to apply the spray. Instead, prevent the disease with proper watering and fertilization.

Another reason you may want to spray ferns is to get rid of them. If you decide you no longer want a fern in your yard, digging it up is often the best option. However, if you have a lot of ferns or a fern species that tends to be invasive, such as the Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum, USDA zones 7-13) you can remove it with a non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate, advises the University of Florida IFAS Extension. Follow all package instructions for applications and make sure the herbicide doesn't contact any desired plants in your landscape.

References

• University of Georgia Extension: Growing Ferns
• UConn Home & Garden Education Center: Growing Indoor Ferns
• PennState Extension: Fern Diseases
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Invasive Plant Management in the Home Garden: Japanese Climbing Fern
• UConn Home & Garden Education Center: Insecticides: Low Toxicity Options