low humidity indoor and Boston Fern
Quick answer
If low humidity indoor is what's going on with your Boston Fern, the most likely cause is: Fern spores (dust-like reproductive units) require precise moisture and sterile conditions to germinate — the gametophyte (heart-shaped prothallus) must remain moist for sperm to swim to egg for fertilization
Start here:
- 1. 1. Collect spores when indusium lifts and exposes shiny spores — test under microscope: heat from lamp causes ripe spores to jettison
- 2. 2. Prepare growing medium: sow spores on moist clay pot or expanded peat pellets pretreated with boiling water; allow to cool and surface to dry slightly
Why low humidity indoor happens to Boston Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata
Fern spores (dust-like reproductive units) require precise moisture and sterile conditions to germinate — the gametophyte (heart-shaped prothallus) must remain moist for sperm to swim to egg for fertilization
How to correct low humidity indoor on Boston Fern
- 1
1. Collect spores when indusium lifts and exposes shiny spores — test under microscope: heat from lamp causes ripe spores to jettison
- 2
2. Prepare growing medium: sow spores on moist clay pot or expanded peat pellets pretreated with boiling water; allow to cool and surface to dry slightly
- 3
3. Cover with clear plastic bag or mini greenhouse; place under indirect fluorescent light at 60-70°F
- 4
4. Maintain moist surface for 8-12 months until sporophytes (true ferns) emerge with fronds 4-6 inches tall
- 5
5. Gradually harden off by lifting lid incrementally over 4-6 weeks before transplanting to 4-inch pots
Keep low humidity indoor from repeating on this Boston Fern
Use only fresh spores collected when indusium lifts and exposes shiny spores; immature indusium means spores not ready, shaggy indusium means already dispersed