How to Care for Foxtail Fern in Winter

The foxtail fern offers a unique texture to gardens and homes. Despite its name, it is not a true fern but a member of the asparagus family, a distinction that is important for its care. Preparing this plant for winter is a straightforward process guided by its temperature tolerance and your regional climate.

Determining Your Fern’s Winter Location

The most significant factor in your foxtail fern’s winter survival is your geographic location, understood through the USDA Hardiness Zone map. These ferns are hardy and can remain outdoors year-round in zones 9 through 11. In these warmer regions, the plant’s root system can withstand temperatures down to about 20-25°F.

For gardeners in Zone 8 or colder, it is a requirement to bring foxtail ferns indoors for the winter. Temperatures that dip below 20°F for any extended period are likely to be fatal to the plant, even if the foliage is protected. This decision determines whether you follow an indoor or outdoor care routine.

Making this location determination before the first frost is expected allows for a smooth transition for the plant. A sudden move from outdoor conditions to a heated indoor environment can stress the plant. This preparation is needed to ensure your foxtail fern remains healthy through the winter and returns with vigorous growth in the spring.

Indoor Winter Care for Foxtail Ferns

When a foxtail fern is brought inside for the winter, its primary need is for adequate light. Position the plant where it can receive the brightest possible indirect sunlight. A spot near a south-facing window is often ideal, as direct sun can scorch its delicate, needle-like leaves. Insufficient light will cause the foliage to turn a pale green or yellow.

Watering frequency must be reduced significantly during the winter months. The plant enters a state of dormancy and its growth slows, meaning it uses less water. Allow the top few inches of the soil to dry out completely before watering again. This practice is important for preventing root rot, which is an issue for plants with water-storing tuberous roots.

Indoor heating systems create a dry environment contrary to the humid conditions these plants prefer. To increase humidity around the plant, you can:

• Group it with other houseplants.
• Place its pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
• Use a room humidifier.
• Mist the foliage regularly.

During this winter dormancy period, cease all fertilizing. The plant is not actively growing and does not require the extra nutrients. Feeding should only resume in the spring when you notice new growth emerging.

Outdoor Winter Care for Foxtail Ferns

For foxtail ferns remaining outdoors in USDA zones 9-11, the main goal is to protect the root system from occasional cold snaps. Applying a thick layer of mulch, about 2 to 3 inches deep, around the base of the plant provides insulation. Materials like pine straw or shredded bark help shield the tuberous roots from freezing.

Even in these warmer climates, unexpected frosts can occur. When a frost is in the forecast, it is wise to cover the plant’s foliage. Use a frost cloth, blanket, or cardboard box to shield the fronds overnight, removing the covering in the morning so the plant can receive sunlight.

Winter rainfall may provide sufficient moisture, but it is important to monitor the soil during dry spells. While the plant’s tuberous roots make it drought-tolerant, it looks best with consistent moisture. Check the soil and provide a deep watering if the top few inches feel dry, but avoid keeping the soil saturated.

Resist the urge to prune your foxtail fern in the fall or winter. If a light frost does damage some of the foliage, leave the affected fronds on the plant until spring. This damaged growth can offer a small degree of protection to the healthier foliage underneath. Pruning for shape or to remove dead stems should wait until new growth starts in the spring.