Fluffy Ruffle Fern Plant, Grow & Care Guide 2022

The Fluffy Ruffle Fern is a type of Boston Fern. It grows in deep concentration and dense lumps. If taken proper care of, this plant can reach a maximum height of 1-2 feet. This fern plant requires additional attention when planted in a warm household.

When it comes to lighting, this plant must be placed in low-medium light. Place this plant near a North, or East-facing window. Overwatering is a big problem for this plant. However, letting the soil dry out is also a big problem. The natural habitat for the Fluffy Ruffle Fern is swamp forests with high humidity.

Origin and Classification

The Fluffy Ruffle Fern must be placed in a pot with fast drainage. Pour water on the soil evenly. Start pouring the water at the corner of the pot, and then slowly move towards the center. Every plant from this particular species can flourish in an indoor setting.

Fluffy Ruffle is the smallest variety from the Boston Fern species. Marisa is another plant from this species that has a small size, but it is not that popular. Along with pots, this indoor plant can be used inside larger terrariums.

The Fluffy Ruffle Fern can be placed inside both a hanging basket and a pot. Unlike other types of indoor ferns, the Fluffy Ruffle Fern does not tolerate direct or bright sunlight at all.

Features of Fluffy Ruffle Fern

The Fluffy Ruffle Fern comes with a word like leaves. It has been used as a houseplant since the Victorian era. In its natural habitat, this plant grows very large. However, it is also available in dwarf varieties.

Flowers and Leaves

The leaves of the Fluffy Ruffle Fern have a very similar appearance to the fronds. These leaves can reach a maximum length of three feet. There is another close cousin of the Fluffy Ruffle Fern plant, the Florida Ruffle Fern. Both the varieties have an upright pointing frond. The Fluffy Ruffle Fern is a green beautiful indoor plant.

Tolerance and Resistance

However, direct sunlight during the early morning hour is perfectly okay for this plant. During the early hours, the sun rays are very mild, which does not have that strong intensity to damage the leaves, and weak stems.

Height and Growth

The Ruffle Fern has zero-tolerance for cold water. Only pour water that is at room temperature. Proper airflow is very important for the normal growth of the Ruffle Fern plant. Do not make the mistake of placing this fern plant in a corner of your home or a room with no window.

Place the Ruffle Fern on a balcony if you have one. However, make sure that sunlight does not fall directly on the leaves.

Maintenance and Durability

The soil for the Fluffy Ruffle Fern must be neither too dry, nor too moist. As a rule of thumb, pour water in the pot only when the top surface of the soil is dry. Keep on pouring water until it comes to drain out from the bottom drainage holes.

Basic Care of Fluffy Ruffle Fern  

The Fluffy Ruffle Fern is a result of selective breeding between Boston ferns. This fern is part of the Nephrolepis Exaltata species.

If you place this fern inside a terrarium, make sure it gets enough direct sunlight. During winter, you can place the Fluffy Ruffle Fern in direct sunlight, but be careful as it can also damage the inner veins.

The Fluffy Ruffle Fern will grow best in a soil blend using peat moss, garden soil, sphagnum, and sand. There should be a reasonable proportion of plant length and pot size. If you place a large Ruffle Fern in a small pot, it will hinder the growth of the roots.

On the other hand, if you place a small Ruffle Fern in a large pot, the additional soil will hold excess water, which will damage the root.

Light and Watering

Both medium and high sunlight will work for this indoor plant. However, make sure you do not place it in direct sunlight. Overwatering is a big problem for this fern. If the water doesn’t drain out, it can cause the root of this fern to rot.

Soil and Repotting

The soil must have even, and constant moisture. The Fluffy Ruffle Fern does come with a high tolerance for drought, but it can leave the plant completely devoid of necessary nutrients. Place this plant in a soil mixture with rich organic nutrients.

Temperature and Humidity

The recommended humidity range for this indoor plant is 60%-90%. As it is originally a tropical plant, it must be placed in a humid area, somewhere around 60%-90%. Humidity is essential for healthy growth. Even though they have a tropical origin, they can effortlessly survive in a cold environment.

Fertilizing, Pruning, and Propagation

The Fluffy Ruffle Fern can be placed inside a big terrarium with a tropical feel. But make sure water retention and drainage have a balance.

Unlike other indoor plants, the Fluffy Ruffle Fern grows very fast. This is why you have to prune the plant frequently.

Common Problems Caring for Fluffy Ruffle Fern 

When you do this, the underground rhizomes will start to sprout out. If you cut down the fronds to the soil level, know that it will require 2-3 months for the plant to regrow to its normal state.

Excess fertilizer can severely damage the Fluffy Ruffle Fern. During winter, applying fertilizer only once is enough. And during Summer (April to September), use fertilizer once every month. Any regular indoor plant fertilizer can be applied to this plant. However, before using the fertilizer make sure you dilute its concentration.

You can also use a combination of regular houseplant fertilizer, water, and organic fish emulsion fertilizer (2:3:1).

Humidity

As it is a fern, humidity is very important for this plant. Dry air will slowly kill your fern. If you ask an expert, they will tell you that dry air is the biggest hindrance to the smooth growth of this plant.

If you place this fern in dry air, the tips of the fern, which are also referred to as the fronds, can dry out and lose their vitality. You can maintain an optimal temperature for this fern using an artificial humidifier.

Death

The foliage and the leaves of the fern can lose their moisture for two reasons – direct sunlight & under-watering. If you notice the tops of the fronds drying out, try cutting off the dead leaves. If necessary, do not hesitate to cut the fronds down to the soil level.

Yellowing of Leaves

If excess moisture settles on the foliage, the central leaves of the fronds will start to turn yellow. To avoid this situation, hold the fronds and lift them before pouring water. Pour the water on the side of the pot so that the water doesn’t wet the leaves.

Root Rot

If your Fluffy Ruffle Fern is suffering from root rot, its growth will be stunted. The root rot loss can reach the base as well. When the roots are damaged, it fails to absorb all the nutrients from the soil.

You will see the leaves on this fern turn yellow, and even untimely leaf deaths. The best way to counter this issue is to take out the plant, cut off all the dead roots, and repot it with new soil.   

Read a similar post: Rhaphidophora Decursiva

Final Thoughts on Fluffy Ruffle Fern

The Fluffy Ruffle Fern is a fairly new cultivar from the family of Boston Fern. When it reaches maturity, this plant can reach a maximum height of three feet. Always wipe the stem and the leaves of the plant with a wet cloth as it will help eliminate dust buildup. When cared for correctly, you’ll have a beautiful plant to enjoy for many years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you take care of a Fluffy Ruffle Fern?

The Fluffy Ruffle Fern does not need extensive care. It can reach a maximum height of 12 inches. It will grow best in slightly acidic soil with a pH reading of 5-6.5. Add peat moss to the soil mixture and it will naturally increase the pH count.

Place the Fluffy Fern near east, or north-facing window for indirect light. It can withstand a low temperature of 4 degrees Celsius.

How often should I water my Fluffy Ruffle Fern?

You should only water the Fluffy Ruffle Fern when the top of the soil is dry. After watering the plant, let the water sip through the soil and exit from the drainage holes on the bottom. You should water this plant once every week.

You should always place this plant in indirect light. If you don’t get indirect light in your home, you can place a soft white curtain over it. The curtain will filter the direct sunlight, and dim down its intensity.

Why is my Fluffy Ruffle Fern dying?

If your Fluffy Ruffle Fern is dying, it can only be due to two reasons – overwatering or low humidity. Always make sure you have a reasonable watering schedule. As it is a tropical plant, humidity is also very important.

How Big Does a Fluffy Ruffle Fern Get?

Fluffy ruffle fern is a fast-growing plant that can reach incredible heights of 1-2 feet tall and white. Replicating this plant’s natural habitat and fertilization allows your plant to grow tall and wide.