Kangaroo Paw Ferns

Water kangaroo paw fern deeply once every week throughout the year. try to provide enough water to soak the roots. Between deep waterings, water lightly every day if needed to keep the soil evenly moist if the air in your home drys out in the winter.

Fertilize kangaroo fern annually in spring, using a general-purpose or slow-release houseplant fertilizer with a ratio such as 10-20-10 or 14-14-14. Never feed late in the season as even in the house it will tend to use less nutrients in the winter and salts can tend to build up in the pot. Never over-fertilize, use recommended rates depending on the label for insight. Ferns are light feeders and tend to be damaged by too much fertilizer.

Apply a product containing chelated iron if you start to notice the fronds taking on a yellow or bleached appearance, which more often than not indicates an iron deficiency. Iron chelate is available in both dry form, which is applied to the soil and watered in, and spray form, which is applied directly to the leaves when mixed with water and applied with a spray bottle. Iron-deficient foliage usually turns green within a month after application, and doesn't require re-application for several months if at all. Cut off brown and dry fronds as they appear, as the fronds won't rebound. Dry fronds are usually the result of long exposure to hot, dry wind or hot air blowing from heat registers in the winter.

Most growers tend to move the plant outdoors in the summer after all danger of frost. if you choose to do this protect the fern from slugs, which often prey on the foliage of moisture-loving plants such as ferns, especially during rainy or humid weather. Regular application of commercial slug bait is usually the most effective treatment.