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#240059 Oct 24th, 2008 at 12:16 PM
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I have a problem with some smelly Boston Ferns. I brought them in after we had a frost, the were a little wilted and turning a kind of purple color. I let them sit for a while and then I watered them. That is when the odor occurred. They smelled so bad I had to put them in an usused room. They are starting to bounce back a little color wise, although I will have to trim some stuff that died. But... the smell is awfull! So bad I'm thinking of letting them die a death outside the house. They kind of smell like rotten sea water. Any suggestions?
Deb

pinkzinia #240083 Oct 24th, 2008 at 04:16 PM
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could it be the soil that smells and not the plant?
I'd put a fan on them to dry out the dirt. you may have a fungus or something growing in the soil, which may end up killing your plants. the fan would help it dry out and when it's nice and dry maybe add just a bit of dish liquid to the water next time you water them. that might kill the fungus...or at least help with the odor. mmmmmm........you might could even add a bit of chopped or crushed garlic to the soil. garlic kills some types of fungus.


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cricket #240088 Oct 24th, 2008 at 04:25 PM
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Thats what I was going to say. I have brought plants in from outside and it was the soil smell
I simply repotted them in fresh sterile potting soil. Which I do anyway when they have been out all summer.
I know it may not be the best thing, but I have found that also spraying them with a natural insecticidal soap before bringing them in keep any unwanted guests out as well. grin


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pinkzinia #401141 Dec 1st, 2018 at 05:14 AM
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I brought my ferns in from outside as well; I brought in 3 ferns not at the same time. Two ferns, I brought in just in time. The other larger plant, I left outside in a makeshift green house to last until spring. I decided to bring in the larger fern. Some of the leaves had browned. I cut those back. But, the plant smelled very bad. So, I took the plant out of pot, put it in a plastic grocery bag. I sprayed a 3% hydrogen peroxide and tap water mixture on the plant top and soil at the sides and top since hydrogen peroxide deters microbes/disinfectant. I also placed a garlic bulb on the side. The smell left. no odor of any kind. Time lapse...it has been about 4 weeks; there is no smell; the garlic glove is growing out the side where the roots are....I even see little ferns growing as well.

pinkzinia #401362 Dec 27th, 2018 at 08:32 AM
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So you've ended up with garlic and ferns. Good for you.




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