A Fern That I Left Outside During The Winter Is…
Tim Asked
A fern that I left outside during the winter is starting to have new growth: how do I take out the old growth without harming the new growth?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, Tim in Alabama: Is it possible that this fern is actually hardy, or is it just that we have had such mild temperatures that the fern survived the winter months outdoors when under normal circumstances it would not have? Either way you might want to wait to see if the entire plant puts on new growth. It is still very early in the growing season and it may be that if left alone the fern will become as lush and beautiful as it was last year. If you really want to try to separate the new growth from the rest of the fern, it is a good idea to work from the root system upward. Take the fern out of the container and lay it on its side. This is going to get messy so keep this in mind before you start. As the fern is lying on its side, start separating the roots from the soil with your fingers. Gradually work your way up the root system to where you want to separate the new growth from the old. At this point you will really have to look closely to see where the viable roots are and separate them from the dead ones. It may be helpful to use a small hand saw to cut the fern into sections. After you have smaller ferns, make sure to plant them in smaller containers with drainage holes and a good quality potting mixture. Fertilize and water like you would any new tropical planting.
