When To Bring A Fern Indoors

You should bring a fern indoors when nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 50°F.
 
Knowing when to bring a fern indoors is key to keeping your plant healthy through the colder months.
 
Most ferns are tropical or subtropical plants that simply can’t handle frost or prolonged cold.
 
If you’ve been wondering when exactly to bring a fern indoors, the short answer is before the first frost hits your area.
 
But the exact timing to bring a fern indoors depends on your local climate and the specific fern variety you own.
 
In this post, we’ll cover the best time to bring a fern indoors, the signs your fern needs to come inside, and how to transition it smoothly.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

When to Bring a Fern Indoors for the Season

The ideal window to bring a fern indoors is when nighttime temperatures start dipping below 55°F.
 
Here are the key factors that determine when to bring a fern indoors:

1. Watch the Nighttime Temperature Forecast

Ferns start to suffer when temps fall below 50°F.
 
Once you see nighttime lows consistently in the 50–55°F range, it’s time to bring a fern indoors.
 
Even one night of frost can damage or kill a fern left outside.
 
So checking your local forecast daily in early autumn helps you know when to bring a fern indoors without rushing.

2. Your Hardiness Zone Matters for Timing

Gardeners in USDA zones 9–11 can often leave ferns outside longer.
 
But for zones 7 and below, you’ll need to bring a fern indoors much earlier in the season.
 
If you’re in zone 6 or colder, the best time to bring a fern indoors is usually late September or early October.
 
Knowing your zone takes the guesswork out of when to bring a fern indoors each year.

3. The Type of Fern Affects the Timing

Boston ferns need to come inside earlier than hardy outdoor ferns like the autumn fern.
 
Tropical varieties will show stress faster, so you’ll need to bring a fern indoors as soon as lows hit 55°F.
 
Hardier ferns can tolerate a bit more cool weather before you absolutely have to bring a fern indoors.
 
Check your specific fern’s cold tolerance to refine exactly when to bring a fern indoors.

Signs That It’s Time to Bring a Fern Indoors

Even without a thermometer, your fern will tell you when it’s time.
 
Watch for these signs that indicate you should bring a fern indoors soon:

1. Leaf Tips Turning Brown or Black

Cold damage often shows up as browning or blackening on the frond tips.
 
If you see this starting, don’t wait another day.
 
This is a clear signal you need to bring a fern indoors immediately to prevent more damage.

2. Slow or Stopped Growth

Ferns slow their growth when temperatures drop.
 
If your fern hasn’t put out new fronds in a week or two, it’s likely too cold for it.
 
That’s your cue to bring a fern indoors where it can stay warm and keep growing.

3. Wilting Even With Enough Water

Cold soil can make ferns wilt just like underwatering does.
 
If the soil is moist but the fronds look droopy, the roots are too cold.
 
This is a critical point when you must bring a fern indoors to save the plant.

How to Bring a Fern Indoors Without Shock

Once you know when to bring a fern indoors, the next step is doing it correctly.
 
A sudden move from outdoors to a dry, dim home can shock your fern.
 
Here’s how to transition smoothly:

1. Inspect for Pests First

Before you bring a fern indoors, check every leaf and the soil surface for bugs.
 
Spray with a gentle insecticidal soap if you spot any aphids, spider mites, or scale.
 
This prevents infestations when you bring a fern indoors and introduce it to your other houseplants.

2. Gradually Reduce Light Exposure

Move the fern to a shadier outdoor spot for a few days before you bring it inside.
 
This helps it adjust to lower indoor light levels.
 
Skipping this step can cause leaf drop after you bring a fern indoors.

3. Increase Humidity Indoors

Indoor air is much drier than outdoor air, especially in heated homes.
 
Place a humidifier near your fern or set the pot on a pebble tray with water.
 
Misting daily also helps when you bring a fern indoors and want to keep it happy.

So, When Should You Bring a Fern Indoors?

You should bring a fern indoors when nighttime temperatures drop into the 50–55°F range.
 
Knowing when to bring a fern indoors depends on your local forecast, your hardiness zone, and your specific fern type.
 
Watch for signs like browning leaf tips and wilting to know it’s time.
 
Once you bring a fern indoors, transition it slowly and give it extra humidity to prevent shock.
 
Hopefully this guide has helped you understand exactly when to bring a fern indoors so your plant thrives all winter long.