Ferns: stove house vs greenhouse cultivation
Quick answer
On Ferns, stove house vs greenhouse cultivation usually comes down to this: Victorian horticulturists classified ferns into three temperature zones based on native habitats: Stove House (tropical, 65-85°F), Intermediate House (subtropical, 55-70°F), and Cool Greenhouse (temperate, 45-60°F). This system recognized that ferns from different climates required distinct growing conditions for optimal health.
Start here:
- 1. Stove House ferns (tropical): Maintain 65-85°F, 70%+ humidity; suitable for Nephrolepis, Davallia, tropical Cyathea
- 2. Intermediate House ferns: Maintain 55-70°F, 60% humidity; suitable for Platycerium, Asplenium, many Polypodium
How to tell these apart on Ferns
Victorian horticulturists classified ferns into three temperature zones based on native habitats: Stove House (tropical, 65-85°F), Intermediate House (subtropical, 55-70°F), and Cool Greenhouse (temperate, 45-60°F). This system recognized that ferns from different climates required distinct growing conditions for optimal health.
What to do for Ferns
- 1
Stove House ferns (tropical): Maintain 65-85°F, 70%+ humidity; suitable for Nephrolepis, Davallia, tropical Cyathea
- 2
Intermediate House ferns: Maintain 55-70°F, 60% humidity; suitable for Platycerium, Asplenium, many Polypodium
- 3
Cool Greenhouse ferns: Maintain 45-60°F, 50% humidity; suitable for Dryopteris, Polystichum, Athyrium
- 4
Provide gentle air circulation in all houses using ventilators—never stagnant air
- 5
Use thermometers at plant level; temperature varies significantly from ceiling to floor
- 6
Shade glass with whitewash or blinds during summer to prevent overheating
Avoid mixing these up on Ferns
Research each fern's native habitat before placement. Never mix tropical and temperate ferns in same environment—temperature preferences conflict. Monitor thermometers twice daily.