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Taking care of a fern in the winter requires some adjustments to keep it thriving indoors.
If you’ve been asking how to take care of a fern in the winter, the answer involves light, humidity, and watering changes.
Ferns are tropical plants that go semi-dormant when cold weather hits, so your winter fern care routine needs to shift.
In this post, we’ll cover exactly how to take care of a fern in the winter so it stays lush and green.
Let’s get right into it.
How to Take Care of a Fern in the Winter
Understanding how to take care of a fern in the winter starts with mimicking its natural habitat indoors.
Adjust Light Exposure for Your Fern in Winter
During winter, daylight hours are shorter and the sun sits lower in the sky.
To take care of a fern in the winter, place it near a bright window but shield it from direct sun.
Ferns thrive in indirect light, so an east or north-facing window is perfect.
If your home feels dark, use a grow light for 12–14 hours a day.
This simple step is crucial when learning how to take care of a fern in the winter.
Maintain Humidity Around Your Fern
Indoor heating dries out the air, which ferns absolutely hate.
A key part of how to take care of a fern in the winter is boosting humidity to at least 50%.
Mist your fern daily with room-temperature water, or set a humidifier nearby.
Another trick is placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
Just keep the pot above the water line to avoid root rot.
This humidity boost is essential for proper fern winter care.
Water Your Fern Less Often in Winter
Ferns grow slower when it’s cold, so they need less water than in summer.
When you take care of a fern in the winter, let the top inch of soil dry before watering again.
Stick your finger in the soil—if it feels damp, wait a few days.
Overwatering is one of the biggest mistakes in winter fern care, leading to root rot.
Always err on the side of underwatering; your fern will forgive a bit of dryness.
Keep Your Fern Away from Drafts and Heat Vents
Ferns dislike sudden temperature changes.
To take care of a fern in the winter, place it away from radiators, fireplaces, and drafty windows.
A stable spot with temperatures between 60–70°F (15–21°C) is ideal.
Cold drafts can shock the leaves, while hot air dries them out.
Being mindful of location is a big part of winter fern care.
Common Mistakes When Caring for a Fern in Winter
Knowing what to avoid helps you take care of a fern in the winter more effectively.
Overwatering Your Fern in Dormancy
Many plant parents water their fern on a set schedule year-round.
But when you take care of a fern in the winter, you must reduce frequency.
Ferns absorb less water during the darker, colder months.
Soggy soil can quickly cause root rot and yellowing leaves.
Check the soil moisture before every watering.
Skipping Humidity During Heating Season
Turning up the heat makes indoor air dry, yet many forget to adjust humidity.
A mistake in winter fern care is assuming your fern is fine with room humidity.
Brown leaf tips are a clear sign your fern needs more moisture.
Grouping plants together or using a humidifier solves this easily.
Fertilizing Your Fern in Winter
Ferns don’t need extra food while they rest.
Part of how to take care of a fern in the winter is pausing fertilizer from November to February.
Feeding during dormancy can burn the roots and stress the plant.
Resume a light feeding in early spring when growth picks up.
Signs Your Fern Needs Better Winter Care
Your fern will tell you if your winter fern care routine needs tweaking.
Yellowing Leaves
If leaves turn yellow, you might be watering too much or too little.
Review how you take care of a fern in the winter and adjust moisture levels slowly.
Also check for drafts or sudden temperature drops.
Trim off yellow fronds to encourage fresh growth.
Brown, Crispy Leaf Tips
Brown tips usually mean humidity is too low.
To fix this, increase misting or move your fern to a more humid room like a bathroom.
This is an easy fix when you take care of a fern in the winter.
Wilting or Drooping Fronds
Wilting can indicate underwatering or cold stress.
Check the soil—if it’s bone dry, give your fern a thorough soak.
If the soil feels moist but the plant still droops, it might be too cold.
Move it to a warmer spot and see how it responds.
So, How to Take Care of a Fern in the Winter?
Taking care of a fern in the winter means adjusting light, humidity, watering, and location.
By giving your fern bright indirect light, consistent moisture in the air, and less water, you set it up for success.
Avoid overwatering, dry heat, and cold drafts to keep your fern happy.
With these winter fern care tips, your fern will stay lush until spring returns.
We hope this guide helps you confidently take care of a fern in the winter.