Foxtail Fern

Watering

Water your Foxtail Fern when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so avoid letting the plant sit in water.

Sunlight

Foxtail Ferns prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh, direct sunlight that can scorch the leaves. East-facing windows are ideal.

Soil Maintenance

Repot your Foxtail Fern every 1-2 years or when the roots outgrow the container. Use a well-draining potting mix.

Pruning

Regularly remove dead or brown fronds to maintain a neat appearance and encourage new growth. You can also pinch back leggy stems to promote bushier growth.

Fertilizing

During the spring and summer, fertilize your Foxtail Fern once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

Winter Care

Reduce watering during winter as the plant goes into a semi-dormant state. However, don’t let the soil dry out completely.

Pest and Disease Control

Foxtail Ferns are generally pest and disease resistant. However, keep an eye out for mealybugs and scale. You can treat these with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Spacing and Air Circulation

Provide adequate space for your Foxtail Fern to grow. Avoid overcrowding plants, which can restrict airflow and promote disease.

Upon Arrival

Your Foxtail Fern may arrive slightly dry from its journey. Give it a thorough watering until water runs out the drainage holes. Allow excess water to drain completely before placing it in its pot cover.

During the First Year

Newly planted Foxtail Ferns require more consistent moisture to establish their roots. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid letting the plant completely dry out or sit in waterlogged soil.

After the First Year

Established Foxtail Ferns are more tolerant of slight dryness. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. During hot weather, you may need to water more frequently to maintain consistent moisture.

Extra Tips

Always water directly at the base of the plant, avoiding the foliage. Opt for room temperature water as cold water can shock the roots. Observe your plant and adjust watering frequency based on light conditions, temperature, and pot size.

Upon Arrival

Newly purchased Foxtail Ferns don’t need immediate fertilization. They likely received fertilizer from the grower and are focusing on acclimating to their new environment.

During the First Year

During the active growing season (spring and summer), you can lightly fertilize your Foxtail Fern once a month with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer. Opt for half the recommended strength to avoid burning the delicate roots.

After the First Year

Established Foxtail Ferns can be fertilized monthly during spring and summer, or you can switch to a less frequent routine of fertilizing every other month.

Extra Tips

Always fertilize on moist soil to avoid root shock. Opt for organic fertilizers or water-soluble formulas for easy application. During winter, when growth slows, withhold fertilizer altogether and resume feeding in spring.

Timing

The best time to prune your Foxtail Fern is during the spring or summer growing season. Avoid pruning during winter when the plant is semi-dormant.

Tools Needed

Sharp shears or pruning scissors are all you need for basic pruning.

Initial Inspection

Begin by inspecting your Foxtail Fern for any dead, brown, or discolored fronds. These can be removed to improve the overall appearance of the plant.

Pruning Steps

Identify the dead or brown frond you want to remove. Trace the frond down to its base where it emerges from the main stem or soil. Using your sharp shears, make a clean cut at the base of the frond. Avoid cutting into healthy green growth.

Maintaining Air Circulation

For bushier growth and to prevent disease, consider pruning leggy stems or overcrowded areas to improve air circulation within the plant.

Post-Pruning Care

After pruning, water your Foxtail Fern well to encourage new growth. You can also apply a light misting to the foliage to help the plant recover from minor pruning cuts.

Is a Foxtail Fern a true fern?

No, despite its name, the Foxtail Fern is not a true fern. It’s actually a member of the asparagus family.

Is the Foxtail Fern easy to care for?

Absolutely! Foxtail Ferns are known for being low-maintenance plants. They thrive with bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. Just water them when the top inch of soil dries out.

Is the Foxtail Fern toxic?

Yes, the Foxtail Fern is mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Keep out of reach of children and curious animals.

How big do Foxtail Ferns get?

Foxtail Ferns can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide, making them ideal for medium-sized pots or container gardens.

My Foxtail Fern’s fronds are turning brown. What’s wrong?

There are a few possible reasons. The most common culprit is overwatering. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Brown fronds can also be a sign of underwatering, so check the moisture level of the soil.

Does the Foxtail Fern need fertilizer?

Foxtail Ferns are not heavy feeders, but they appreciate a monthly dose of balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the spring and summer growing season.

Can I grow a Foxtail Fern outdoors?

Yes, Foxtail Ferns can thrive outdoors in zones 9-11 where temperatures don’t dip below 20-25°F. They prefer dappled sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade.

How do I repot a Foxtail Fern?

Repot your Foxtail Fern every 1-2 years or when the roots outgrow the container. Choose a pot that’s slightly larger than the current one and use a well-draining potting mix.

My Foxtail Fern seems leggy. What can I do?

Leggy growth can be a sign of insufficient light. Try moving your Foxtail Fern to a brighter location. You can also prune leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. Pinch back the tips of healthy stems to promote branching.