Boston fern- dormant?

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sallyg Anne Arundel,, MD(Zone 7b) Apr 15, 2011

My Boston fern started dropping leaves so I put a loose bag under it and moved it to a cool bright room. Over the months I added a bit of water but it got pretty dry. I got it out and have cut all the dry fronds off (they were all dried and dead) . Will it put out new growth now that I watered it?

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Gitagal Baltimore, MD(Zone 7a) Apr 15, 2011

Sally----

Ferns of any kind LOVE humidity! This does nor mean in the soil--they hate wet feet!
In the right weather temps--just hang them outside in part shade and let them be.

They love the natural watering rains provide----but not the regular watering one would give them
in the house....

Generally--Ferns of any kind like to be on the dry side--(but misted or provided humidity
as needed) but watered only when they get totally dry....
Any fronds that dry up can be removed with no ill effects...

I know this is a hard recipe to follow.....Just that one needs to understand the difference
between being "wet"in the soil--- and having air moisture--Humidity.
Wet in the soil is NOT SO DESIRABLE!
Wet in the air water content--humidity--is VERY desirable....

Ferns also like a cool environment....SO---Cool and Moist......

Best anyone can do it just hang it outside in part shade and leave it be.

Gita

Post #8498612
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sallyg Anne Arundel,, MD(Zone 7b) Apr 16, 2011

Thanks for all that info but my question remains

Once a Boston Fern has completely dried out in soil and all fronds are dead and brown, is there a chance it is dormant and will resprout?

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bsimpson1972 Chicago, IL(Zone 6a) Apr 16, 2011

I wouldn't count on it. I would be surprised if it was that drought resistant. The only chance I see for it to revive is from the rhizome if that's still good and well enough developed.

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DaleTheGardener Tampa, FL(Zone 10a) Apr 16, 2011

Sally,

If it does come back it will be sickly. Best to start over.

Thumbnail by DaleTheGardener
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sallyg Anne Arundel,, MD(Zone 7b) Apr 16, 2011

OK, thanks, I won't expect much then. She can sit on the deck and do what she will.

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