What to Know When Buying Ferns at Lowe’s
Get practical insights for buying a fern at Lowe's. This guide helps you select a vibrant plant and ensure it transitions well from the store to your home.
Lowe’s offers a reliable selection of ferns for homes and gardens. For shoppers, navigating the plant section can be overwhelming. This guide provides focused information to help you identify common ferns, select a healthy specimen, and understand its basic needs.
Common Fern Varieties at Lowe’s
Walking through the garden center, you will find several popular fern varieties. The Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a classic choice, recognized by its long, arching fronds covered in small leaves, creating a feathery appearance. These are often sold in hanging baskets and are well-suited for covered porches or bright, indoor spaces.
Another common sight is the Kimberly Queen Fern (Nephrolepis obliterata). Unlike the Boston Fern’s weeping fronds, the Kimberly Queen has a more upright, rigid growth habit with darker green, sword-like fronds. This structure makes it an excellent choice for large pots flanking an entryway. It is more tolerant of sun and drier conditions than many other ferns, making it a versatile option.
You may also find the Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris), which has a delicate appearance. It is characterized by its fan-shaped leaflets that cluster on thin, black stems, giving it a light and airy texture. Due to its preference for high humidity and intolerance for direct sun, the Maidenhair Fern is grown as an indoor plant, often thriving in a bathroom or kitchen.
The Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus) does not have typical feathery fronds. Instead, it forms a rosette of broad, glossy, light green fronds with a dark central midrib. The new leaves unfurl from a central “nest,” giving the plant its name. This variety is grown indoors and can tolerate lower light conditions better than many other ferns.
Choosing a Healthy Fern at Lowe’s
When selecting your fern, a close visual inspection is important. Begin by examining the overall color and fullness of the plant. A healthy fern should have vibrant, uniform green fronds; widespread yellowing or brown, crispy edges can be a sign of stress from improper watering or too much light.
Pay close attention to the undersides of the fronds and the surface of the soil for any signs of pests, such as small white spots, webbing, or sticky residue. The soil should be free of any visible mold or insects. A full, dense plant that is not sparse or leggy indicates robust growth.
Ferns at Lowe’s are available in various pot sizes and hanging baskets. When considering a purchase, feel the weight and check the drainage holes. If the basket feels unusually light or you see a dense mat of roots at the bottom, the plant may be root-bound and will require immediate repotting.
Basic Care for Your New Fern
Once you bring your fern home, providing the right environment is important. Most common ferns, including the Boston and Maidenhair varieties, thrive in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window that receives gentle morning sun or a spot in a well-lit room away from direct sun is ideal. Direct sunlight can scorch their delicate fronds.
Consistent moisture is fundamental to fern care. These plants prefer their soil to be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, allowing any excess to drain away. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the pot has adequate drainage.
Ferns are native to humid environments and appreciate higher humidity levels. You can increase the humidity around your plant by misting the leaves a few times a week. Another method is to place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Placing the plant in a naturally humid room, like a bathroom, is also an excellent strategy.