Expert: Mike Mascio - 9/12/2007

Question
I have kept these ferns in a partially heated garage for several years.  Seems they go yellow and almost dead, so I end up cutting them down to nearly nothing, putting them outside in the spring and they return to full glory by mid summer. Can I just "dormant" them in my basement and have the same results?? I plan on doing this with my geraniums and was wondering what results others may have had doing this??


Answer
Jean, yes you can overwinter the ferns in your basement as long as your basement stays cool. Warm temperatures will stimulate the plants to grow, even in the absence of light. The result will be spindly discolored plants, which will not bode well for them next spring.

I always recommend temperatures in the 40s or low 50s when simulating dormant conditions. If you have a fruit cellar or if your basement is unheated, this would be ideal.

Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike