Crispy Wave Winter Care

While the Crispy Wave is known for being sturdy, it is also known for being sensitive. The winter season brings environmental changes in temperature, light, and humidity that greatly affects how you should care for your Crispy Wave plant. October-March also marks the dormant months for your fern, which creates internal changes. How can you successfully navigate these winter months?

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What light does my Crispy Wave need in the winter?

Your Crispy Wave requires the same lighting conditions year-round: medium, indirect light. However, with shorter days, there is less available, usable natural light. How can you meet the challenge?

Move your Crispy Wave plant to the windowsill during the winter to care for its lighting needs. There are a few things to consider when weighing this option.

Insulation: Crispy Wave ferns are susceptible to shock and have specific temperature requirements, so you should never place them near uninsulated windows in the winter.
Drafts: Cold air drafts will negatively affect temperature and humidity.
Lighting: If your fern receives too much indirect light, the leaves will bleach out. Any direct sunlight will also cause issues, such as sunburn or brown tips.

If a windowsill is not a good option in your home, there are a few more possibilities: artificial light or mirrors!

1000 lumen LED or CFL lamps will work to give your Crispy Wave plant the nourishing care it needs in the winter months. It is best to keep your fern a few feet away from artificial light sources.

You can also use mirrors to bounce natural light into your Crispy Wave's area. Mirrors can prove a useful and appealing decor solution!

No matter what option you choose, make the best use of natural light by dusting the broad leaves of your Crispy Wave with a damp cloth. A layer of dust will inhibit photosynthesis to some degree, which will limit your fern from getting the nourishment it needs.

What should my watering habits be?

Unlike light, watering habits do change during the winter season. As noted above, your Crispy Wave plant is dormant during the winter and requires adjusted care. How does this translate into watering?

During October-March, the Crispy Wave naturally uses less water. If you fail to adjust your watering habits accordingly, you will overwater. Reduce the frequency of your watering. Constantly wet soil will cause root rot. This condition is a nearly impossible problem to reverse. How do you avoid it?

Never allow your soil to dry out completely, but don't overwater. Water your Crispy Wave when the soil is barely moist. Completely dry soil will feel crusty, separate from the pot’s edges, and be a neutral temperature. Barely moist soil will feel cold, the topsoil will crumble, and underneath, the soil will feel damp, but not soggy.

During winter months, it's better to err on the side of caution when your care for your Crispy Wave plant. If you feel uneasy about watering your fern, wait a day or two and reevaluate the soil.

How can I increase humidity?

Humidity is another key factor in the care of your Crispy Wave plant during the winter! Improving humidity in the home can be a special challenge during the October-March months. By taking advantage of the below suggestions, you’ll be able to boost the health of your Crispy Wave while it’s dormant.

Humidifier: Many units are inexpensive, and they will improve the health of your Crispy Wave!
Pebble tray: Fill a tray with pebbles, fill it half-way with water, and place your plant's pot on top of the rocks. The evaporating liquid will provide the humidity your fern is lacking.
Clustering: By placing your plants near each other, you will boost the surrounding humidity.
Humid location: If you have good lighting, consider putting your Crispy Wave in the bathroom or the kitchen!

In what temperature does a Crispy Wave need to be?

The ideal temperature for your fern is 70-90 degrees during the day, with a 10-degree lower difference at night. This is another important factor in deciding if you should place your Crispy Wave plant near a window to care for its lighting needs during the winter months or not.

Keep in mind, while Crispy Waves enjoy being warm, you should not place your fern in front of a heater or vent. Sources of heat kill humidity, which is a vital ingredient for your plant's wellbeing, especially in the winter. A lack of moisture can cause several issues, one of which is brown tips or spots on your Crispy Wave's prominent leaves.

Should I fertilize my Crispy Wave in the winter?

The short answer: no.

During the winter months, your Crispy Wave plant is recovering from its growing season. If you overstimulate your fern during this period, it will cause harm by burning the roots and causing brown spots on its leaves. Crispy Waves are known for being slow growers. This fact means it will be a long road to recovery if it recovers at all.

Is repotting a good option?

The only time it is recommended to repot your Crispy Wave plant during the winter months is if its care absolutely demands it. For instance, soil-borne pests are an excellent example of why it would be urgent to repot your fern.

Crispy Waves are always susceptible to shock, which is a trait that escalates during dormancy. While asleep, your fern will have less energy to expend to stay alive.

Can Crispy Wave get pests in the winter?

Absolutely, yes!

Many houseplant pests thrive during dormant months, so you must stay vigilant. Do not take your plant’s health at face-value; many insects live on the underside of leaves. Make a thorough investigation every time you water your Crispy Wave!

In many ways, Crispy Wave plants require less care during the winter months. These tips will help you take a few steps back, allowing your fern to flourish during the dormant season!