Breathe New Life Into Your Ferns Using An Unexpected Household Staple

Ferns are well-loved by gardeners and make the perfect houseplants. They are one of the oldest plants and are well-known for their lush green foliage which adds a tropical feel to any room. Growing ferns isn't difficult, you just need to know how to care for them. Indoors, ferns are susceptible to the leaves turning yellow or brown. If your fern's leaves are looking a little dull and crispy, you might be tempted to use a commercial leaf shine product on them. However, these products should not be used on houseplants. They can clog the stroma of plants, which is critical for the process of photosynthesis. 

The good news is that you don't need to use leaf shine on your fern to make it look healthy. There is a common ingredient that can make your fern shiny and green again. You can transform your fern's leaves into lush foliage using castor oil. Castor oil is a colorless, thick oil that comes from the seeds of the castor plant. It has many uses around the house. Ferns respond especially well to castor oil. When sprayed with this oil, ferns turn a richer green color and the lacy fronds perk up. Here's how to use castor oil on your fern plants. 

To perk up your fern, start by removing any dead fronds or leaves at the base of the plant with a pair of pruning shears.  Then, mix a teaspoon of natural dish soap or baby shampoo with 1 teaspoon of castor oil. Add 1 ½ cups of water. You can also add 1 teaspoon of baby oil to the mix. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and shake it well. Spray the mixture over the fern's foliage before you water the plant. Then, once it is applied, generously water the plant. Don't use castor oil daily or even weekly. It should be used no more than once every six to eight weeks.

After you have sprayed your fern with castor oil, move it into a room that has higher humidity (40% to 50%). The bathroom is the perfect place for your fern, but the kitchen works too. This will keep it looking lush and green. If you don't want to relocate your fern to the bathroom or kitchen, place a humidifier nearby. Also, make sure you avoid placing the fern near a drafty window. If the temperature fluctuates or is too cold (below 55 degrees Fahrenheit), it can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown.