Ferns, are generally notorious humidty lovers and if you cant provide such humidity, then the usual advice is to pick another plant. Ferns are also dirty plants, they drop debris whenever it suits and you don't want to bump into them. Kicking them, otherwise running into them due to placement near a doorway or banging your head into one so hanging up, can cause increased amount of falling debris. Many people put up with newspaper laid out under the plant to catch the debris. But ferns are wonderful decorative plants for a room, their out-reaching fronds are often the core sight of a room and the constant greening is what people want to see. Most plants in winter do not require water like they once did when the sun was high and can go at least two weeks, three weeks, between waterings. Given the plant does require some humidity, such can be provided in most cases, without changing the room around. Humidty trays, bowls of water, got a fish-tank?, saucers, watering systems if they prove out, and friendly neighbors can keep a plant in good health if they also receive adequate sunlight. Where a plant is usually put on the floor, bring it up, put it on a table or pedestal or hang it up. Where windows do not provide sufficient light, then move the plant to one that does. Souther, or western exposures are what is needed by most plants in winter. A northern exposure is one with very poor light intensity--one not suited for houseplants wanted to be kept in their best health. At this time of season, put the plant very close to--but not ever touching, window glass. Where possible, turn the plant 1/4 turn every day to ensure all parts of the plant receives adequate sunpower. Water only when needed, when the plant is allowed to dry down somewhat and when watered, water to drainage. Never feed a plant that is not growing.

Yes, greenman28 is right, I was meaning in the ground, not in a container. If a plant is left in a pot in the freezing winter, the roots can freeze easy and die, compared to in the ground were the roots are insulated much more from the cold.

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Excellent question. I was wondering the same thing myself. I've got two ferns left over from last year that are in miserable shape, but still alive. So I want to see if I can bring them back to life. But my theory on the store bought new ones is that their root systems quickly outgrow the available space in the pot and the roots become too crowed. Once the hot weather comes, since it's all roots in the pot and no soil, it has little ability to stow moisture. Just a theory... WHen I buy more this year I'm going to split the plant in half, and repot them with more soil. But in the end, those ferns all have what I call "the Home Depot" syndrom. Those are plants that are grown under ideal conditions, highly fertalized, that are raised to "peak" when the plant is delivered to the store. Once you buy one of those and get it home, expect some decline.