Being from the south, I can’t NOT have front porch ferns. They add a luscious green pop of warm color when you hang them or add them to a container. Either way is lovely, but I prefer mine in a decorative container. And seriously, they are not hard to care for; given proper care, they will last all season long. For me here in the South, that’s can easily be 8 months out of the year.
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Selecting The Right Fern
Here are the two that I love to use on my front porch and are the most popular and easy to find. And affordable! I purchased mine from Walmart for $10. At that price, I replace them every year because, more times than none, I usually forget to bring them into the garage before the first freeze. 😏 Plant killer!
The Boston Fern is a great specimen for hanging. You can also add them to decorative containers or place them in a plant stand. Its weeping green fronds cascade down around the container for a soft summery vibe that is a show stopper for those of us who admire beautiful front porches. I don’t know about you, but I turn my head while driving down the road for curb appeal.
The Kimberly Queen is another great option. The fronds are a little more rigid and grow more upright. These are the ferns I chose because my front porch has a steady breeze, and this fern holds up well in areas that are a bit windier. Our Southern winds can be brutal at times, but these do very well.
Indirect Lighting
Ferns prefer bright indirect light but will tolerate a dapple early morning sun. A few hours in the morning is fine, but if your front porch faces the west or gets full sun, you will need to relocate them to your side or back porch.
Tips For Easy Watering
Water your ferns regularly. Ferns love moisture but keep in mind that their natural habitat is a shady rain forest. Now, I know that you can’t make your front porch into a rain forest, but you can provide evenly moist soil to maintain that bright green, healthy glow. Here’s how I do it!
Use a flat bottom waterproof container and place it inside your decorative container. This will catch any overflow when watering. This container should never be full of water. Its purpose is to keep the porch and walkway clean and dry from watering your ferns
This bowl happens to be a dog’s water bowl, and it worked perfectly in my large container—no need to re-pot ferns into the new soil. I have found that leaving them in the original container works best with this method.
Depending on the temperature and humidity in your area, you’ll need to water every 1-2 days. Here in Texas, I water daily due to the extreme heat in the Summer months.
Fertilize Your Front Porch Ferns Monthly
Your ferns will need a monthly dose of liquid fertilizer, especially in the warmer months, to keep them happy and healthy.
Spring has sprung, and I hope this inspires you to explore your front porch and try adding these affordable front porch ferns to warm up your Summer space.
Until the next project… xo, Do
I love to pick up the $10 ferns from Walmart as well and usually kill mine with the first frost too!! But at such an affordable price I don’t shudder too much when they wither! Love your front porch planters! They are so cute with your ferns! And a dog water bowl to catch the drips, what a great idea! Thanks Do!! Have a blessed day!
Thanks, Candace! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. I’m so ready for Spring. Blessings 🙂 xo
When I lived in SLC, Ut, I wanted a fern that couldlive throughneg degree weather. I found several. Lady Finger, Cinnamon (somethig) fern. The lovely Cinnamon fern grew to 4 feet tall. Lady Finger grew about 3 feet. I had 2 other kind, which I can not remember the name. I had these planted o my north side of my home. I had a bench for relaxing and reading near by. I had Shasta Daisies, Baby’s Breath and a few Daffodils, Susan O’ Day lilies and a purple flowers. It was gorgeous. Now, I live in a dry desert where it is difficult to keep any furn. (With exception Asparagus furns) Happy Planting, and many Blessings.
Hi Bonnie,
It can be a challenge to find the right plans for your area. I love the idea of the bench. I know you must miss it terribly, but even in warmer climates, there are options. Keep searching. The asparagus ferns do well in my area too. Thanks for sharing. xo 🙂
I love your ferns. I have been trying to convince my husband to get our brick painted white or whitewashed. Did you do the painting yourself or did you hire a contractor? I think our brick has too much pink in it and would look way better painted. Thanks so much Donna.
Thank you, Lori! I hired a contractor. 20 years ago, I would have painted it myself. 🙂
Yes, girl! Ferns are a must-have for us in the south, I love the dog bowl watering trick. Thank you for sharing.
Hee hee, gotta use whatcha got. 🙂 xo
I haven’t bought ferns for years for some weird reason. You’ve inspired me to head over to Walmart and pick up some for our back patio! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks, Cindy! Now that I think about it, my back porch could use some work. Guess I better get a few more. 🙂 xo
I’m a huge fan of ferns! I think they make for gorgeous plants in the home and outside in pots or gardens. I’ve probably gone through a dozen or more because I can’t seem to keep them alive… so thanks for the tips! XOXO
They are beautiful and showy. I’ve killed my fair share. 🙂
Another thing in addition to fertilizer is once a month Epsom salt mixed in water. I can’t remember the exact measurement of Epsom salt to one gallon of water but I’m sure you can find it online or, like I did, get the info from a nursery. It does WONDERS for them and it deepens and brightens the color.
You are so right, Kim! I forgot that tip. I haven’t used Epsom salt in years, and now I’m going to pick some up. I sprinkle it around the base of the plant, but I like adding it to the water idea. Thanks for the great tip! 🙂