Question
I have several Boston ferns that I hung on my porch last summer.  I live in WV so took them to the basement (no more room in house) for the winter on the advice of a friend.  Dark, cool, etc - did not water.  Should I bring them up now and hang them as they are?  Should I cut them back all the way?  Should I apologize to them for putting them in the basement?  Would love to put them in the ground, but no room for that.  Please help.  I would hate to think I killed my beautiful plants!
Thanks so much,
Deborah

Answer
Deborah,

You should have hung a 4 foot flourescent light fixture above them on a timer keeping the lights on for 12 hours a day and watered them  a little once every 2 weeks. I do this with a lot of plants and it does not raise my electric bill more than $2.00 a month for 12 light fixtures so you shouldn't notice an increase. As long as it is above 50 degrees at night bring them up and put them out. Cut the dead away and water them well and say a prayer. Give them at least a month to send out new growth. If they aren't doing well by then they may be too damaged. Good luck.

Darlene