Question
I inherited a vibrant and healthy potted fern. I live in NH. and the fern was on my covered screen porch for the summer. The plant was extremely root bound so I took it out of the pot,cut off all of the encircled roots and repotted in a bigger pot with fresh soil. The leaves started to brown up hard so I cut them off . Right now, I only have one green Shoot that is about 2 ft. high. It seems that the plant is not diminishing nor is it growing. My questions, How much water? I have a home depot water meter, and it says that at the roots, the soil is moist, (not wet). I also must mention, this plant is now indoors, ( of course) and I heat with wood and the area where this plant is, is warm, 70 to 80 degrees. Should I move it to a cooler place? how much light does it need? Diffused or direct light? I have read that it takes two years for a fern to "reboot" itself?
Lot's of questions I know. This plant is important to me,Please Help.
Thank you for your time,
Gary

Answer
Hi Gary, It seems you may have excised more roots then proper for the size of the crown, and this may be why it is in a stressed condition; that said, I would just be patient with it, and mist it frequently to assure it gets proper hydration. Don't water it as much as you have been, the roots need to be irrigated, but in their compromised condition, too much water will hamper their recovery. Keep it in indirect light and in a cooler area. Nick