Care basics

Humidity

Ferns come from forest floors, so they expect damp air. A tray of pebbles with water under the pot, or grouping plants together, raises local humidity without a gadget.

Water

Most ferns want the soil to stay lightly moist, never soggy and never bone dry. I check with a finger rather than a schedule.

Light

Bright but indirect. Direct midday sun scorches the fronds; a north or east window is ideal.

Feeding

Half-strength liquid feed once a month in spring and summer, nothing in winter.