If you are the owner of an eyelash fern, congratulations! These beautiful plants are not only easy to care for, but they also purify the air and help improve your indoor humidity. Here are a few tips on how to keep your eyelash fern healthy and looking its best.
- Water your eyelash fern regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy
- Ferns prefer high humidity, so misting the leaves with water can also be beneficial
- Place your fern in a location with bright, indirect light
- Too much direct sunlight can scorch the delicate leaves
- fertilize your fern monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength
- Prune back any brown or yellow leaves as needed to keep your plant looking its best
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How Often Do You Water an Eyelash Fern?
How often do you water an eyelash fern?
If you want to keep your eyelash fern healthy and looking its best, you should water it on a regular basis. However, how often you need to water will depend on a few factors, such as the type of potting mix you’re using and the temperature and humidity of your home.
As a general rule of thumb, most ferns need to be watered about once a week.
To help ensure that your fern gets the right amount of moisture, it’s a good idea to check the potting mix before watering. If the mix is dry several inches below the surface, it’s time to give your plant a drink.
When watering, use lukewarm water and slowly soak the potting mix until it is evenly moistened. Allow any excess water to drain away before putting the fern back in its spot.
In addition to regular watering, misting your eyelash fern with room-temperature water can help increase humidity around the plant and promote healthy growth.
Aim to mist at least once or twice a week, or whenever the leaves start to look dry.
How Big Do Eyelash Ferns Get?
Eyelash ferns, also known as Woodwardia areola, are a species of fern that is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. They get their name from the long, thin leaves that resemble eyelashes. These ferns can grow to be quite large, with some specimens reaching up to 6 feet in height and 4 feet in width!
The largest recorded eyelash fern was found in Oregon and measured an impressive 8 feet tall and 5 feet wide. If you’re looking for a statement plant for your home or garden, then an eyelash fern would be a great choice!
How Do You Revive an Eyelash Fern?
If you have an eyelash fern (Polypodium leucotomos) that is looking a little bit dry and sad, never fear! With a little bit of TLC, you can bring your fern back to life. Here are the steps you need to take:
1. Start by giving your fern a good soak in lukewarm water. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes so that the roots can really take in the moisture.
2. While your fern is soaking, mist the leaves lightly with water.
This will help to rehydrate them as well.
3. After the soak, carefully remove your fern from the water and place it on a towel to drain off any excess moisture. Be sure not to wring out or squeeze the plant too much, as this can damage it.
4. Once your fern is no longer dripping wet, put it back into its pot and fill in any empty space around the roots with fresh potting mix. Water lightly again at this point.
5. Place your potted fern in an area that receives indirect light and keep an eye on it over the next few days.
If the leaves start to droop or turn brown, move it to a brighter spot; if they stay limp and lifeless, give it more water (but don’t let the potting mix get soggy). Within a week or two, you should see new growth appearing on your eyelash fern – proof that it is successfully revived!
Is Eyelash Fern a True Fern?
No, eyelash fern (Trichomanes javanicum) is not a true fern. It is a member of the genus Trichomanes, which contains about 150 species of tropical epiphytic plants in the family Pteridaceae (ferns). Most members of this genus are commonly known as “filmy ferns” because of their delicate, translucent leaves.
Eyelash fern is native to Southeast Asia and can be found growing on trees in rainforests. It has long, slender leaves that are covered in tiny black spore-bearing structures called “sori”. These sori give the plant its common name, as they resemble eyelashes.
This plant can be grown as a houseplant in moist, humid conditions. It does not tolerate dry air or direct sunlight well. If you want to try growing eyelash fern yourself, it is best to start with a young plant from a nursery or garden center.
Eyelash Fern Care Tips
Eyelash Fern Dying
If your eyelash fern is dying, don’t despair! There are a few things you can do to save it.
First, check the watering.
Ferns like moist but not soggy soil, so make sure you’re not overwatering. If the potting mix is too dry, give the plant a good soaking and then let it drain thoroughly before putting it back in its pot.
Next, check for pests.
Mealybugs and spider mites love ferns, so look for telltale signs of infestation such as webbing or white cottony growths on the leaves. If you see any pests, treat them immediately with an appropriate insecticide or miticide.
Finally, check the light levels.
Ferns need bright indirect light to thrive, so if yours is in a dark corner it could be struggling. Move it to a brighter spot and see if that doesn’t help revive your plant!
Why is My Eyelash Fern Turning White
If you’ve noticed that your eyelash fern has started to turn white, don’t worry – this is perfectly normal! There are a few reasons why this may happen, and it’s nothing to be concerned about.
One reason why your fern may turn white is because of the humidity in your home.
Ferns love humid environments, so if the air in your home is too dry, the leaves can start to turn white. To increase the humidity around your fern, you can mist it with water a few times a week or put it on a pebble tray filled with water.
Another reason for white leaves is direct sunlight.
While ferns do need some light to grow, too much sun can cause the leaves to bleach out and turn white. If you notice this happening, try moving your fern to a shadier spot.
Finally, sometimes white leaves are simply due to age.
As ferns get older, their leaves can start to fade in color. If you’re not seeing any other changes in your plant (like new growth), then this is likely the cause of the whiteness. There’s no need to worry – just enjoy your beautiful plant!
Eyelash Fern Toxic to Cats
If you’re a cat owner, you may want to avoid keeping an eyelash fern (Ptychomitrium hookerianum) in your home. Although this plant is non-toxic to humans, it can be deadly for cats. The fern contains saponins, which are toxic to felines and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death.
If your cat ingests any part of the plant, call your veterinarian immediately.
Eyelash Fern Plant
If you’re looking for a plant that will add some serious style to your home, look no further than the eyelash fern. This unique plant gets its name from its long, cascading fronds that resemble lashes. The eyelash fern is native to tropical regions, so it’s perfect for adding a touch of the exotic to your indoor space.
This lush plant is relatively easy to care for, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners. Here are a few tips on how to keep your eyelash fern looking its best:
• Place the plant in bright, indirect sunlight.
Too much direct sun will scorch the leaves.
• Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out before watering again.
• Feed monthly with a general-purpose fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Cut back on fertilizing during fall and winter when growth slows down.
With proper care, your eyelash fern can grow up to three feet long!
If you start seeing brown tips on the leaves, that’s an indication that the air is too dry. Try misting the leaves regularly or placing the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water to help increase humidity around the plant.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant to add some greenery to your home, the eyelash fern is a great option! These delicate plants are easy to care for, and only need to be watered once a week. They prefer indirect sunlight, so they can be placed near windows or in shady areas of your home.
Be sure not to overwater them, as this can cause the leaves to turn brown and drop off. With just a little bit of TLC, your eyelash fern will thrive and bring some life into your space!