Do not fertilize ferns during the winter. Do not feed new or repotted plants for six months. The best method of propagating most ferns is by division. Repot overcrowded plants in early spring, using a mixture of equal parts of a packaged houseplant potting mix and peat moss or leaf mold. Fern fronds are sensitive to rough handling.
Place ferns out of high-traffic areas to avoid damage.
In the home, plant diseases are very rarely a problem. Too much or too little water plus insects and mites are the main problems. Root rot usually results from a soil mix that does not drain quickly or overly frequent watering. The most common insect problems are scale insects and mites. Pesticide sprays injure many ferns.