The Effects Of Slow-Release Fertilizers On The Growth And Postproduction Performance Of Boston Fern

Abstract Boston fern [Nephrolepsis exaltata (L.) Schott ‘Compacta’] was grown with 3 rates of 2 slow-release fertilizers and with one rate of liquid fertilization. Greatest fern dry weight occurred with ferns grown with liquid fertilization (20N–0.8P–16.6K) or Osmocote (19N–2.5P–8.3K) at the 1.8 kg N/m3 rate. After 16 weeks of simulated commercial production, one-third of the ferns were moved to a low-light interior environment, while one-third were held in the greenhouse. Six weeks later, ferns moved to the interior environment were greener in color, had greater nutrient content, and exhibited less growth than did ferns held in the greenhouse.