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Humidity help for ferns

last year

I’ve had to temporarily move my ferns out of the bathroom due to renovating and they are really struggling with the humidity.

Is it possible to create a humidity box using a storage box upside down like the one pictured, or will this prevent too much light from reaching the ferns? I don’t think they will survive until they can be moved back, and I have no money to buy a humidifier and must use existing household items.

Featured Answer

popmama (Colorado, USDA z5)

last year

I have some other pics. Maidenhair in wick-watering:

I also grow some of my velvety leaved friends this way too (syngonium rayii) and an alocasia black velvet on the right.

Comments (10)

floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
last year
It should work. Most ferns don’t need high light conditions. Can you place them outside temporarily in your climate? Either in the boxes or not depending on your weather conditions.
Punk Sunflower
Original Author
last year
Unfortunately not, it’s more a space issue rather than climate, (North UK), but I’ll try the box with a bowl of water and let you know if I manage to kill them or not.
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floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
last year
Ok. Now I know where you are I can say that most fern species we grow indoors here would not be happy outside in May. I imagine you've turned off the CH by, either because it’s warm enough or because of the ludicrous cost. Ferns will be happier without it. Good luck.
Punk Sunflower thanked floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
popmama (Colorado, USDA z5)
last year
I turn those bins on their side when trying to create high humidity environment. In other words, put the lid on the side.

I use them only for plants recovering from transit.

For ferns, I have found that giving them consistent soil moisture is a good trade-off for lower humidity. I live in a very low humid state (Colorado) where my ambient home humidity is usually around 20%. My ferns are in wick-watering containers and they do fine.

If you want more info, I can attach some pics. Hope this helps!
Punk Sunflower
Original Author
last year
It really does help, although my boxes are tapered so standing it on its side isn’t possible. I’ve managed to keep the box at around 20c, ~80% humidity so far.

I’m not sure what “wick-watering” containers are, (they sound expensive), although I’m not averse to trying to fashion my own, Blue Peter style.
popmama (Colorado, USDA z5)
last year
I totally make my own wick-watering. I just add a string to the pot and then suspend the pot over a glass container where I can see the water level. Some pictures of my homemade ones here:

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/6202890/anyone-expert-on-growing-maidenhair-fern-indoors
hc mcdole
last year
I use the big aluminum trays to hold a few ferns and bottom water - seems to work pretty good for the pots that have no saucer. Pots with saucers have to be top watered and is a bit of hit and miss.
Punk Sunflower thanked hc mcdole
Punk Sunflower
Original Author
last year
Your ferns are beautiful popmama. I have some macrame cord and am now rummaging for receptacles. The box is working but I’d rather enjoy my plants as you said in your post, thanks.
popmama (Colorado, USDA z5)
last year
Let us know if it works for you too!

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