Temperature: happiest between 55º to 85º F but safe between 40º and 100º.

Feed: Quarter to half strength of any soluble fertilizer (the dissolving powder kind) from the local nursery is fine during the time you see new growth. Miracle Gro® or equivalent works well.

Water: more ferns are harmed by overwatering than holding back on the water. Wants to be watered well and then allowed to begin to get slightly dry before the next watering.

Potting Mix: must drain well and be low in salts. Look on the bag if you buy a mix. It should have little to no plant food added.

Pest Control: Quite pest-free. Most pests can be brushed off with a Q-tip and alcohol or just plain water if found early enough.

Pot size: 6" pots or 6" to 10" baskets. Plastic pots dry out more evenly but clay looks great.

Repotting: Nephrolepis 'Compacta' can almost live forever. As it grows you can gradually move it up into larger pots, up to a limit of course. (Ferns do not like their roots disturbed. Just pot the root ball into the next size pot). You can, however, divide it at one point instead of moving it up. This way you will have some to give to friends. (See our 'Fern Tips' page for simple tricks to help when repotting your ferns).