How long can a fern grow in the same pot and be happy? Apparently quite a while.
This common Nephrolepsis species had been growing for at least 2 years in this medium size ceramic pot. It had been sitting near a south-facing window in a climate-controlled environment for most of that time and was looking pretty lush.
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| Channeling the hair-spirit of Sideshow Bob? |
The fern fronds seemed happy, but I wasn't sure how much longer I should wait before splitting the plant seeing as how the roots were growing abundantly outside the pot.
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| reaching for it |
As fate would have it I came across an extra planter just waiting for a new friend, time to split and repot the fern!
This is what it looked like when it came out of the pot. Hardly any soil fell away because it was so caught up in the roots. Very impressive.
Bonus close-up show of the root ball.
After quality time with a sharp knife and some new potting soil the fern was split and I had two containers of air cleaning plants instead of 1. The white ceramic pot went back to its old spot since I know the fern will continue to be happy there. The cutting was planted in a black plastic pot that had once held some mums (not very pretty). That black plastic pot now sits inside another plastic planter (light green, slightly prettier, and yes, it is a freestyle find).
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| getting used to the new digs |
The new plant needs a bit of time to grow new fronds before it is large enough to balance out the proportions of this planter. Given the growth history of this fern I've got no worries that it will settle in and get down to growing and air cleaning.
Curious about what plants you can easily grow in your home to improve air quality and reduce common household air pollutants? Check out How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 House Plants that Purify Your Home or Office by Dr. B.C. Wolverton, formerly of NASA. I found a copy online for a few dollars and have found it to be clear, informative, and a good resource for recommending which plants will do best in different parts of the home. It doesn't include every possible house plant on the market, but if you are new to growing houseplants it might be just the thing for you get started. Maybe fresher air in your home is a good goal for the new year?
Happy gardening!