Question
I have recently dug my ferns up from being outside due to cold weather. When I got my plants inside I noticed alot of white bulbs that look kind of like spider egg sacs. I squashed one open and it was apparently frozen but had a liquid looking substance in it. What are these? A few people thought they were new bulbs the plant was producing. Also, if these are frozen will my ferns make it till warmer weather, is there anything I should do to revive them? Thanks.

Answer
Hi Heather,

My expertise is limited to indoor potted houseplants where the environment is more consistent. I am not familiar with conditions in your area so I cannot tell you what the "white bulbs" are, except that they are not bulbs because Ferns are not bulb plants. If the white bulbs are small and pellet-sized, they may be timed released fertilizer pellets.

Although it is a common practice to move non-hardy plant species outdoors in warm weather, I don't recommend it as a general rule and I never recommend potting them directly into the ground when summering them outdoors.

Kimberley Ferns may withstand a mild frost, I don't think they are likely to survive outdoors in an Illinois winter. I suggest you move your Ferns into the smallest pots that the roots will fit into. Keep them near a sunny window and water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Although they may look bedraggled for a while after the potting, they should start to send up healthy new fronds within about a month.

Good luck and let me know how it works out for you.

I have written an article on indoor Fern care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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