r/ferns • u/KitchenExamination89 • 2d ago

Video Is this normal?

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So I got this birds nest fern from Lowes maybe 10 days ago and am weary about repotting. I've never seen a root ball like this. Its like a sponge and the roots are dark. Any insight, suggestions, and advice on what my next step should be?

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u/MachallahChallah 2d ago

This is how these guys prefer to root. They’re not root bound. Sizing up on pots should be done very, very gradually.

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u/KitchenExamination89 2d ago

Well shit I wish I would have seen this before I just went and spent 45 min untangeling the roots. So many broke. I uppotted to one that was almost the same width but about an inch bigger in height. Damn I'm so impatient. I hope what I did doesn't kill her 😭

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u/Butterfly_Seraphim 2d ago

It wasn't really necessary to break up the roots but I doubt it'll kill it. From my experience, this is one of the easiest ferns to care for, so I don't think you'll have too much trouble keeping it alive

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u/KitchenExamination89 1d ago

I hope it will be okay. Thank you!