Tag Archive for: ferns

VIDEO: Prepare Your Plants for Winter Storage with Wyse Guide!

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Preparing outdoor container plants for winter is a seasonal challenge for gardeners in colder climates. Watch Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide as he shares a detailed, behind-the-scenes look at his winter plant storage techniques.

Preparing Plants for Winter Storage

Kaleb demonstrates the process of transitioning plants like figs, succulents, and cacti from outdoor containers to indoor pots. His method emphasizes:

  1.  Removing root-bound plants gently and trimming where necessary.
  2. Using the proper sized container and balancing root space and top-heaviness.
  3. : Using the right soil mix for specific plants.

One standout product Kaleb uses for his succulents is an organic potting soil mix like Espoma Organic Cactus Mix, which provides an ideal growing medium for succulents, cacti, and citrus plants.

The Plant Room

Kaleb’s storage room is a converted, insulated space tailored to meet the needs of plants during Iowa’s cold winters in Zone 5B. Equipped with radiant heaters, LED grow lights and fans, this room mimics outdoor conditions while protecting plants from frost.

Key features include:

  • Grow Lights: LED grow lights ensure proper light distribution for optimal growth.
  • Temperature Control: Maintains optimal ranges—70-75°F for warm-zone plants.
  • Air Circulation: Fans reduce pests such as scale and spider mites.

Additional Tips and Tricks

  • Pest Prevention: Organic sprays like neem oil and horticultural oil are applied to eliminate pests before bringing plants indoors.
  • Succulent Care: Kaleb repots succulent arrangements into individual containers and propagates new plants through cuttings.

Whether you’re overwintering succulents, ferns, or citrus plants, Kaleb’s method, enhanced by tools like Espoma Organic Potting soils, ensures a healthy and thriving indoor garden all winter long.

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Learn more about Wyse Guide here:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@WyseGuide 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WyseGuide/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WyseGuide/

Website: https://www.wyseguide.com/

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Potting Mix Bag Espoma Organic Indoor! liquid fertilizer Espoma Organic Cactus! liquid fertilizer Espoma Organic Cactus Mix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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VIDEO: Planting Succulents & Ferns with Wyse Guide!

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Join Kaleb Wyse from Wyse Guide as he tackles his gardening checklist! Watch as he plants multiple varieties of ferns and succulents in containers.

Kaleb uses Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix along with Bio-tone Starter Plus to provide the best possible growing conditions for his plants. When planting ferns, Kaleb mixes in Holly-tone to deliver additional beneficial nutrients specifically for acid-loving plants.

Learn more about Wyse Guide here:

? YouTube: www.youtube.com/@WyseGuide 

? Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WyseGuide/

? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WyseGuide/

? Website: https://www.wyseguide.com/

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VIDEO: Repotting Ferns with Wyse Guide!

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Join Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide as he expertly demonstrates how to care for ferns using Espoma Organic’s Potting Mix, Plant-tone, and Bio-tone Starter Plus!

Don’t miss these essential tips!

 

Learn more about Wyse Guide here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/WyseGuide

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WyseGuide/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WyseGuide/

Website: https://www.wyseguide.com/

Featured products:

VIDEO: Planting Hanging Pots with Mom?? || Wyse Guide

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Want a Mother’s Day gift that keeps on giving? Consider planting for Mom or anyone special in your life. Or maybe you just like to decorate with hanging plants? Watch Kaleb from @WyseGuide demonstrate how to properly plant your own hanging potted plants.

Kaleb uses Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix and adds some extra nutrients to the soil with Espoma Organic Plant-tone.

 

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Want some other ideas for Mom? Check out these other ideas:

Grow A Garden Spa for Mother’s Day

DIY Mother’s Day Planter with Garden Answer

Mother’s Day Container Garden

 

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Video: DIY Fern Terrarium with Bloom and Grow Radio

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Are you an epic fern killer like our friend Bloom and Grow​? No worries! Join her in this experiment for creating a high-moisture environment under glass where these humidity-loving plants can thrive.

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Fern Care Guide

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Ferns are classic yet fussy houseplants. Laura @GardenAnswer has all the tips and tricks you need to be successful in growing ferns indoors.

Here are 10 things to keep in mind as you tend to your fern:

Light Exposure

Contrary to popular belief, ferns need quite a bit of light. Though, they don’t like to be in direct sunlight as their foliage will change to a light yellow color or burn. Keep them near a place that receives plenty of sunshine throughout the day.

Only a few varieties can handle shade and moisture as most people think. Check your plant tag for the most accurate information about your fern.

Temperature

Ferns like their surroundings to be similar to what we like between 65 and 75°F, matching the temperatures in our home. They don’t like it too drafty so keep them away from doors that lead outside and away from air vents.

Humidity

This is the most important thing to be aware of for keeping your fern healthy, especially if you live in a dry climate. Placing your fern in a bathroom or kitchen near the water source can help, since they typically get more moisture in there naturally.

For a more decorative option, place pebbles in a tray with some water and place your fern on top. The moisture will carry up to the foliage as it evaporates. Add water to the tray as needed.

Soil Type

Use Espoma’s Organic Potting Mix for your ferns. Organic potting mixes have the right kind of drainage and will hold just enough water that is needed without drowning your fern.

Repotting

Typically, ferns need to be repotted every two years. Check its roots once a year. If the roots are starting to circle around the container, it is time to repot. If there is still soil around the edge of it, it should be fine for another year.

When it is time to repot your fern, only go up one size for your container. Be sure there is a drainage hole at the bottom of your container. Place a small layer of Espoma’s Organic Potting Mix in the bottom and fill around the sides as needed.

Watering

Ferns like to be consistently damp, but not wet and soggy like many people think. Each fern and home is a bit different, especially this time of year. Water your fern and keep an eye on it. If the soil at the top feels dry, water it again.

Fertilizing

Ferns like to be fed about once a month during their growing season. Each zone and climate will have a different growing season, which you can ask your local garden center about. Feed your fern with Espoma’s Organic Indoor! liquid plant food. Check the label for instructions on how to use.

Grooming

All houseplants should be groomed about once a month. Remove any foliage that looks damaged, unhealthy, or is turning brown or yellow. Discard any leaves or debris that is on top of the soil to keep insects and diseases at bay.

Insects

The most common insects to watch out for are mealybugs, aphids, fungus mites, white flies, and spider mites for just about any houseplant. If you are unsure of the insect you are dealing with, take a picture and take it to your local garden center. They will be able to offer suggestions on how to get rid of it.

Toxicity

Ferns are non-toxic, but it is still a smart idea to keep your pets and kids away from eating or playing with a fern. That might just cause a tummy ache or a mess in your home!

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How to Care for Your Monstera

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Monstera is commonly called Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron referring to the beautifully cut leaves. It’s a must have for its Caribbean feel. The foliage is deep green, lush and tropical. With time the foliage can become quite large and exotic looking. There is also a rare white variegated form that is slower growing. They generally don’t bloom indoors but in its natural environment they will produce edible fruit that is said to taste like fruit salad.

Light and Placement

As a tropical plant it’s no surprise that your Monstera likes warm indoor temperatures between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. A little humidity makes them feel right at home, too. Bathrooms and kitchens can often supply a touch of humidity or you can simply mist your plant now and then. These plants grow naturally in the dappled light of the forest floor. To mimic that, place your Monstera in bright or filtered, indirect light. They can actually grow in deep shade, but may not exhibit as much of the cut leaf foliage. If you live in zones 10 or 11, you can grow it outdoors in a shady spot.

Photo courtesy of Costa Farms

Food and Water

Monstera likes moist soil, but not one that stays soggy or overly wet. Make sure the pot has good drainage. Water weekly, when the top inch of the soil is dry. Make sure any excess water drains away. In spring and summer, when the plants are actively growing, it’s a good idea to feed them once a month with a liquid fertilizer like Espoma’s Organic Indoor!  plant food.

Repotting

Repot young plants every year to encourage growth and add soil nutrients. Gradually go up in pot size by 2 inches per year.  Once your plant has reached its optimal height for your space, you can give it a top dressing of new soil once a year and only repot it about every 3 years. Always use a quality potting soil to help keep the soil moist but free-draining. These are natural climbers that use their aerial roots to hold on to trees. When you do repot your plant, be sure to add a trellis or moss covered plant stake for support.

Photo courtesy of Costa Farms

Pruning

Young plants often have compact, bushy habits. As they grow, they will begin to show their vining nature. You can either give them support to climb and become a tall and dramatic or if you prefer, you can pinch them to rein in the lankiness. Pinch off the new growth tip with your finger at the height you’d like it to stay at. Feel free to prune out stems that are producing few or no leaves. If you can’t tuck the aerial roots back into the pot, you may remove them as well.

Pest and Disease

Monstera is rarely bothered by pest or disease. Wipe off the leaves with a damp cloth from time to time or give it a shower to remove dust. Check for spider mites when you do. This is a long-lived house plant that will give you years of pleasure with little care.

Ready for more houseplants? Check out “How to Fertilize Houseplants” with Homestead Brooklyn!

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