Question
Hi Will
A year ago I got this Fern. I wanted it to put in a Victorian Living Room. it was a large one,about 2 ft. wide,but fit nice in the front window, I put it in a new pot when I got it home for more room, fed, sprayed,etc. Well this fern grew! So this spring as I do my other house plants, put it on back porch, for fresh air and warmth. Well, this fern grew! Out of the pot, I got a larger one and replanted, Now here in Penna. getting cool, so moved it into my Living room. Well this fern doubled it size in one year, about 5 ft.wide,it is very very big! It takes up all of my picture window now and the long leaves stretch into the room. My sister never looks at it as she got one, lasted 3 weeks, yellow died, mine is doing well, my question is can I cut the long leaves of this fern? can it be trimed, or will this harm the fern? Most of the fern leaves are so long, they are in the way, I propped the front upward with metal trellis so not in the way, what can I do?
Yours, Harry with a Very healthy growwwing fern!  

Answer
Hi Harry,

Congratulations with your extraordinary success! I assume that the fern in question is a Boston fern or a similar variety.

If it is only some of the fronds that are so long that they need trimming, then I recommend cutting off these long fronds completely. This will stimulate the growth of additional fronds from the base of the plant.

If all of the fronds are too long, then the ends can be trimmed off without damaging the plant. The ends of the fronds may have a somewhat "blunt" look, but they should be OK otherwise.

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

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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