If you want to know how to grow Kimberly Queen Ferns, then you are at the right place. In this post, you learn about how to grow and some caring tips on Kimberly Queen Ferns. The Kimberly queen fern (Nephrolepis obliterata) is a lush evergreen plant with sword-shaped fronds arch gracefully. The plant grows upright and bushy in general. These ferns can be grown successfully outside in warm climates, as container plants that are overwintered indoors, or as indoor houseplants. They grow fairly quickly and are best planted in the spring.
The Kimberly queen fern is an Australian native. Its common name is derived from Australia’s Kimberly region and the Earl of Kimberly, who served as Secretary of State for the British colonies in the 1800s. Sword fern is the preferred common name.
Table of Contents
Takeaways Kimberly Queen Ferns Care
| Scientific Name | Nephrolepis obliterata |
| Common Name | Kimberly Queen Fern |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Water it whenever the top 2 inches of soil are dry. |
| Soil | Rich, moist, well-draining soil |
| Temperature | 65-75F° (18-24°C) |
| Humidity | 70% |
| Propagation | Plant division |
| Pot | Pot with drainage holes. Likes to be rootbound |
| Growth | Height: up to 2-3 ft., Width: up to 2-4 ft. |
| Fertilizer | Fertilise monthly using a fertilizer at ½ or ¼ strength |
Quick Care Instructions of Kimberly Queen Ferns
- Bright indirect light from a window facing north or east
- Brown dots on the backs of fronds are not pests or disease indicators. They are spores that can be propagated.
- When the roots have filled the existing pot, repot in the spring.
- High humidity is advantageous.
- Maintain barely moist soil and never allow it to dry out completely.
- The ideal temperature range is 60°F-70°F (15.5°C-21.1°C).
Kimberly Queen Ferns Grown From Spores
Kimberly queen ferns can be grown from spores, a fascinating and simple process. Spores naturally grow on the fronds of established ferns as a means of reproduction for the plant (like seeds for other plants). Fern spores are so small that they can only be seen with the naked eye when several spores are crowded together, resulting in small brown dots on the undersides of the fronds.
Place a paper bag around a frond and gently secure it to the base of an existing fern plant to collect and germinate spores. Using a small stake to support the front and the bag will prevent the delicate frond from breaking under the additional weight. Remove the paper bag after 10 to 12 days. The inside of the bag will be covered in brown dust, which is the fern’s spores.
Shake out the spores and place them in a shallow germination tray with moistened sphagnum moss and propagating medium, then cover with the tray lid. As the spores germinate, keep the sphagnum moss and potting medium consistently moist.
The first signs of spore germination will be a thin layer of moss on top of the potting medium, followed by the appearance of small fronds. Once the fronds are visible, allow the ferns to breathe by leaving the germination tray lid slightly open. Continue to keep the fronds and the potting medium moist. Remove the lid completely about a week after the fronds appear.
Begin transplanting the ferns in groups of four to five into small plastic pots with a well-draining potting medium once they are large enough to handle. Make sure they stay moist as they mature. You can gradually transition to a typical Kimberly queen fern watering and feeding schedule as the ferns mature.
Kimberly Queen Fern Potting and Repotting
When potting, ensure the container has drainage holes to avoid waterlogging the soil. Also, don’t fertilize your fern for at least a month to avoid burning the delicate roots.
Because the Kimberly queen fern thrives when root-bound, it does not require frequent repotting. However, once the pot is overflowing with roots poking through the drainage holes, it’s time to repot. Choose a container that is 2 to 3 inches larger than the original.
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Kimberly Queen Fern Caring: Complete Guide
The Kimberly queen fern, like most ferns, requires consistent humidity and moisture to thrive. If you’re growing your plant indoors, this can be difficult to come by in the average household. The ferns, on the other hand, do well in containers. Just make sure to water regularly and add humidity as needed.
Furthermore, these plants do not require pruning on a regular basis. However, removing any dead, damaged, or diseased fronds as they appear will aid in the growth of new and healthy fronds.
1. Light
Kimberly queen ferns thrive in conditions ranging from partial sun to low light. They thrive in indirect light next to a bright window when grown indoors. Avoid direct sunlight as it can burn delicate fronds. When grown outdoors, a shady spot with dappled sunlight is ideal.
2. Soil
Kimberly queen ferns prefer a rich, moist, well-draining soil mixture. A standard potting mix with added peat for drainage is adequate.
3. Water
This plant, like most ferns, requires adequate moisture to thrive. The soil should never dry out completely. However, it should have good drainage, so the plant does not become waterlogged. When the top 1 to 2 inches of soil dry out, water deeply. Depending on how much heat and light your fern receives, you may need to water it several times per week. It should be noted that these ferns can be sensitive to hard water. If tap water contains a lot of salt, fluorine, or chlorine, you should consider switching to filtered water.
4. Humidity and temperature
Kimberly queen ferns thrive in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and cannot withstand frost. This means you should keep your fern away from draughty or cold windows when growing it indoors. If grown outside, bring the fern inside if frost is expected in your area.
This species requires a lot of humidity, and dry environments cause the fronds to turn crispy. You can keep your Kimberly queen fern happy indoors by placing it on a pebble tray filled with water, or you can place it on a pebble tray filled with water in order to increase the humidity around the plant.
5. Fertilizer
Although excessive feeding is not required, this fern can benefit from regular fertilization. To encourage healthy growth, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the active growing season (spring and summer).
Common Pests and Diseases
Ferns, in general, are not particularly susceptible to pests and diseases, and the Kimberly queen fern is no exception. When grown as a houseplant, however, it is vulnerable to the usual range of common houseplant pests, such as aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and fungus gnats. To treat infestations, use an insecticidal soap.
Conclusion
The leaves of a Kimberly Queen Fern prefer medium to bright indirect light, but too much bright light fades them. A Kimberly Queen fern almost takes care of itself if you don’t overwater or fertilize it. This hardy plant grows well and looks lovely in a basket in front of a north-facing window. A Kimberly Queen fern also serves as an excellent “clean air plant,” removing harmful chemicals from the air. It is not a poisonous plant and can be kept near children, dogs, cats, and other pets.
FAQs
Q1. Can a Kimberly Queen Fern Handle Cold Temperatures?
No. A Kimberly Queen fern will not survive in temperatures below 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit for long periods of time. You don’t want to leave this plant in the snow or cold because it thrives in moderate, warm climates.
Furthermore, many experts recommend bringing Kimberly Queen ferns inside during the colder months. This will keep your plant from freezing and eventually dying outside.
Furthermore, Kimberly Queen ferns can usually be kept outside in zones 9-11, though too many cold spells can cause problems.
Q2. What Happens If My Kimberly Queen Fern Gets Snowed On?
If your fern is left outside during a snowstorm, a few things may occur. Kimberly Queen ferns, as previously stated, dislike the cold, particularly frost.
If your fern is left in the snow for an extended period of time, its roots will most likely freeze. This can not only paralyze your fern for weeks, but it can also kill it.
In this case, bring your Kimberly Queen fern indoors, place it near a warm window, and allow it to reacclimate to the indoor temperatures.
Of course, there’s always a chance your fern won’t survive, so bring it inside during the winter if there’s a chance of snow.
However, your fern may recover and be fine within a few weeks, so this can go either way.