With the caveat that I'm no expert on ferns...to a certain extent, the frequency you have to water depends on how much root there is in the pot, and how much soil.

If the roots are coming out the drainage holes, that pretty much means there's no soil in there, so you water and it dries out almost immediately.

So I'd say absolutely, repot immediately. When you do, choose a pot that allows 1-2" of fresh soil around the root ball. Any more than that, and you'll have the opposite problem--too much moisture, and the roots will rot.

By the way, I did a brief search on this fern (beautiful!) and it truly is xeric, meaning you might want to nix the humidifiers. Most ferns love humidity, but this thing grows next to agaves and yuccas in the desert...it should be happy with ordinary indoor dryness.

Since the plant must drain, the closure of the drainage
hole(s) by its roots must be seen as trouble.
It does appear the plant is crying out for a re-potting and since it is causing problems, the need to wait until spring sunshine is not what it should be waiting for; re-pot now.

Make sure the soil drains well...but does retain some moisture. For that, possible use of a heavier than usual percentage of peat moss might be considered. It holds on to moisture longer and mixed with any of the good mediums....vermiculite, coarse sand, perlite and potting soil/mix the plant might do better.

Repotting of course is going to show what extent the roots are in. If you are considering a total re-soiling, then I suggest you remove all the old soil, wash the roots clean and inspect for any sign of damage there.
A barrier between the drainage holes and the soil will prevent somewhat the reoccurrence of the roots making it to the drainage holes. Stones of size, or shards of clay might be used. I like the broken clay shards because they leave important spaces so that water can drain well, yet block the path of soil that can plug up the hole.

Go up one size only...repotting to a pot too large for the roots---even tho they have expanded--can cause future problems. Its alright to remove what roots are superfluous.

Ferns, generally all, like their water and they can sometimes drop a measure of debris that makes the plant or the floor its sitting on, unsightly.
But, in winter, even ferns don't grow all that much and need less water. A constant vigil by testing the soil dampness is one way to avoid underwatering/overwatering.

Ferns too appreciate light....just not direct light. Give your plant more than usual at this time but give it a filter when the time comes the light intensity resumes.
Mid February is the time we usually allow that plants begin to start growing. Its the time that geraniums and their ilk, come out of their cool storage to resume their voyage to summr sun.
Until April tho, the sun takes its time to come up to light that influences greatly plants in windows and on window sills.
Common sense should prevail.

When it does begin to put on new growth in earnest, the time to begin feeding can resume. Fertilize every 3rd or 4th watering.

DO NOT PLANT IN PEAT! The plant is a xeric fern, which means it like very dry rocky soil, Peat would surely make it rot. Give it lots of rock like granite or limestone (natural habitat) and very little organic stuff. It will need a lot of light, a southern window might be enough light, you may need to suppliment the light. It is said to be in full sun in native areas. It would be best treated like a cactus, water only a few times a season. Brown leaves could mean you're fertilizing it too much. SInce it was found with the houseplants, that could be the problem. Ferns shoud not be fed full strength.

What an interesting plant! It sounds like a perfect candidate for a potting medium composed of Turface, granite grit, and bark fines. I'd surely avoid peat moss!

I wonder if perlite (with its fluoride content) might be a problem for this plant? Vermiculite loses its structure in a very short time, contributing to the congestion of the soil system....a big no-no.

Be sure to avoid misting the foliage of your fern, too. Odd, isn't it....to need to treat a fern like a succulent or cactus?

I can't believe you found one of these!

I had actually been looking for one in the past...but gave up, as I was unable to find one.

This fern is a perfect example of a Xerophyte.

I'd like to suggest that you 'read up' on Xerophytic ferns before repotting, as it may help you choose what you use as a medium.

Thank you all for the advice! I can't wait to do some research and find an appropriate mix for my "xerophyte." I will avoid peat, perlite, and vermiculite, and take it out of my plant room (or as DH calls it, "the steam room," because of all of the humidifiers). No fertilizer.

Rhizo, what exactly is Turface?

Turface is a clay which is high fired to be used on baseball fields to keep puddles at bay. It is simmilar to Dry Stall you buy for horse stalls. It is usually red and the size of cat litter, which is also clay, but not fired as high. Hydroton would also work, it is used for hydroponics and probably easier to find. LECA would be another choice.

I 'discovered' Turface well over 20 years ago (yikes) when I was consulting for some golf courses. It was (and still is) used to construct greens. I was so intrigued with it that I started using it in my potting medium 'recipes'. Anyone who is even a little bit serious about bonsai culture is well acquainted with Turface, as well.

I purchase mine from one of the local John Deere suppliers, who cater to several of the local sports facilities (baseball, softball, soccer, golf). If you have a Bonsai club in your area, contact a member for a source.

Attached is a picture so that you can see what it looks like.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:3464}}

Thanks, Dorie. That nice close up shot cleared up something for me. Turface looks a lot like Schultz Aquatic plant soil, which is not a soil at all, but also a fired clay product. I've been using it in my soil mix lately, on the presumption that it was a reasonable Turface substitute. I'm sure it is more expensive than Turface, but it does have the advantage of being readily available at my local Home Depot.

Karen,
It is the same stuff, If I remember right from my research Shultz is made by Turface. Either that or it's one of the competator companies which make it.

Hi Karen,

I think Mentha is correct...Schultz Aquatic Soil is the same as Turface or made by the same company? Unfortunately for me my local Home Depot discontinued(clearanced) them out, I bought the last two they had...also I read an excellent thread that someone posted a while back that there is another great substitute for Turface. It is sold at Napa Auto Parts Stores part #8822...its used as an oil absorber, its 100% pure calcined diatomaceous earth.

This for me is so much easier to find than Turface, I have a NAPA store near me...whereas the turface is over two hours away! So for me this works out great, and works just as well for me.
Here's a link that might be helpful! Check out what Al says about DE...

Here is a link that might be useful: Check out Diatomaceous Earth