Overwintering guide
How to overwinter hound's tongue fern
Winter watering
Water only occasionally — enough that the rootball never dries out completely, no more. No feeding until spring growth begins.
The mistake that kills hound's tongue fern in winter
Bringing hound's tongue fern into a warm living room. Too much winter warmth forces weak, pale growth that collapses when it goes back outside — cool and bright beats warm and dim.
More hound's tongue fern care
Overwintering hound's tongue fern — FAQ
Does hound's tongue fern need to come indoors for winter?
Hound's Tongue Fern is hardy to roughly USDA zone 9 — winter lows around -7°C. That means it takes cool conditions but not a real freeze. Hound's Tongue Fern will take cool conditions but not a hard freeze, so the aim is a frost-free winter rather than a warm one. An unheated greenhouse, porch, conservatory or bright garage all work well. Keep it cool, bright and on the dry side, and it will hold steady until growth restarts in spring.
When should I move hound's tongue fern for winter?
Move under cover before the first hard frost; back outside after the last spring frost.
How often should I water hound's tongue fern in winter?
Water only occasionally — enough that the rootball never dries out completely, no more. No feeding until spring growth begins.
What kills hound's tongue fern over winter?
Bringing hound's tongue fern into a warm living room. Too much winter warmth forces weak, pale growth that collapses when it goes back outside — cool and bright beats warm and dim.