Question
i did not get my fern indoors soon enough before a frost and now it has some brown fonds and smells like fish is there any hope of saving it?

Answer
Hi Ionna,

You will lose most or all of the fronds due to cold damage. However, if the roots were not too seriously damaged, then healthy new growth will emerge slowly. If the frost was mild and brief, then the roots are probably okay because they are insulated somewhat by the pot and surrounding soil.

I am concerned about the "fishy" smell as that may mean the roots have rotted. Can't say for sure so...

I suggest you give your Boston Fern a crew-cut, trimming off all the fronds to about a half inch above the soil. Then, keep it in a warm place near a sunny window and water only when the top half inch of soil is dry. Do NOT fertilize it. Look for signs of new fronds emerging withing the next month. If nothing happens within a month, then the roots are also dead and it cannot be saved.

I have written an article on cold damage 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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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com