How to Care for Ferns in Summer
With the rise in temperature, the summer care of ferns becomes a focus for plant growers. These shade-loving and moisture-loving ornamental leaf plants are prone to growth crises during the hot season. Mastering scientific management techniques can not only maintain their lush green appearance but also effectively prevent pest and disease infestations. This article systematically sorts out five core maintenance points to help your ferns safely survive the summer.
One, Key Points for Fern Management in Summer
1. Scientific Watering Techniques
The best time for watering is between 5-7 a.m. and after 6 p.m., when the difference between soil temperature and water temperature is minimal. Using the immersion pot method can avoid waterlogging on the leaves. Each watering needs to ensure that the substrate is completely penetrated, maintaining soil moisture content between 60%-70%. Special note: Increase watering by 20% in air-conditioned rooms.
2. Light Control Strategies
It is recommended to set up double-layer shade nets (70% shading rate) or place them 1.5 meters away from north-facing windows. Receiving 2 hours of morning diffused light can promote chlorophyll synthesis, while complete shading is required at noon. If the leaves show burned edges, they should be immediately moved to a fully shaded environment.
3. Humidity Management System
Use a misting humidifier to maintain air humidity between 65%-75%, with the combination of pebble water tray evaporation method for better results. Spray the leaves 2-3 times a day (avoiding noon), focusing on the areas with dense stomata on the leaf back. Note: Reduce spray frequency in poor ventilation.
Two, Comprehensive Pest and Disease Control Solutions
1. Pest Identification and Treatment
Aphids tend to gather on the back of leaves and can be sprayed with a 3% matrine solution once every 5 days. Thrips damage is characterized by silver streaks, and it is recommended to use yellow sticky traps for physical control. Spray neem oil as a preventive measure during the peak pest season (temperatures between 28-32°C).
2. Disease Control Measures
At the beginning of pythium blight, leaves show water-stained spots. Diseased leaves should be promptly removed and the roots treated with a 800x solution of mancozeb. Use a bicontrol smoke fumigant every week and maintain good ventilation to reduce the incidence of disease by 50%.
Three, Advanced Maintenance Techniques
In the summer, apply a liquid fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio of 3:1:2, diluted 3000 times every 15 days. Rotate the pot regularly to ensure even light exposure, and wipe the leaves with diluted beer solution once a month to increase luster. During high-temperature periods (11-3 p.m.), use a circulating fan to promote air circulation.
Through systematic temperature and humidity control, light management, and pest and disease prevention, ferns can not only safely survive the summer but also maintain vigorous growth during the hot season. It is recommended to establish a maintenance log to record environmental parameters and adjust management plans in time based on the plant's condition, making these green sprites a cool decoration for summer living spaces.