Okay, so I’ve been getting into houseplants lately, and I wanted to share my experience with my new kangaroo fern. I’m no expert, but I’ve learned a few things along the way that I thought might be helpful for other beginners like me.
Getting Started
First off, I picked up this little guy at a local nursery. I’d read online that they’re pretty easy to care for, which is perfect for someone like me who doesn’t exactly have a green thumb. I made sure to choose one that looked healthy – you know, nice green fronds, no brown spots or anything like that.
Potting and Soil
Next up, I needed to get it into a pot. I chose a terracotta pot that was just a bit bigger than the nursery pot it came in. I’ve heard terracotta is good because it lets the soil breathe a bit. As for the soil, I just grabbed a bag of regular potting mix. I didn’t get anything fancy, just your standard stuff.
Repotting was pretty straightforward. I gently loosened the fern from its original pot, placed it in the new one, and filled it in with the potting mix. I made sure not to pack the soil too tightly, just enough to keep it secure.
Light and Water
This is where I think I’ve had the most “learning experiences.” From what I’ve gathered, kangaroo ferns like bright, indirect light. So, I put mine near a window, but not right in the direct sunbeams. I think I might have given it a little too much sun at first because some of the fronds started to look a bit pale. So, I moved it back a bit, and it seems happier now.
Watering has also been a bit of a trial-and-error process. I try to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. I usually stick my finger in the soil, and if it feels dry about an inch down, I give it a good watering. I also learned that these ferns like humidity, so I’ve been misting it with a spray bottle every few days. I even put a little tray of water with some pebbles near it to try and create a more humid environment.
Keeping it Happy
- Check the soil regularly.
- Water when the top inch feels dry.
- Provide bright, indirect light.
- Mist for added humidity.
It is still alive!
So far, so good! My kangaroo fern seems to be doing alright. It’s even put out a few new fronds, which I’m taking as a sign that I’m doing something right. It’s definitely been a learning process, but it’s rewarding to see it thriving. If you’re thinking about getting a kangaroo fern, I’d say go for it! They’re pretty forgiving, even for beginners.
