Growing Ferns
Ferns are found in most countries and are amongst the daintiest of foliage
plants. They love shady spots and since suburbia is becoming more and more
crowded - and thus shaded by tall buildings, they may be the ideal plant to
grow. Ferns will grow where the shade is too solid for most flowers, but they
also like moisture, some more so than others.
All ferns increase from brown, dust-like spores that grow on the undersides of
their leaves. Many also send out underground shoots that grow into new plants
and some will actually mutate, producing many variations that are in some cases
quite different from the parent plant.
Ferns come in many different shapes, sizes and growth habits and their cool
coloring and graceful appearance make them a welcome addition to most gardens.
Some are deciduous, their fronds turning russet, then brown and grey as the
frosts of winter increase. Others are evergreen and still look quite respectable
in the late spring just before the new green shoots appear. The leaf surface of
some ferns such as the hart’s tongue, can be ‘uncut’, while others are cut and
shaped into a fine filigree lace effect.
If you have the least shade, a water-feature or rocks in the garden, it will be
enhanced by the addition of ferns. They seem to add a feeling of timelessness
that few other plants can give and will create a satisfying unity by providing a
graceful backdrop for your other plants. But don’t think in terms of green only.
Of course there are a myriad of green hues to be had from different ferns in
various stages of growth, but the young foliage of some ferns is flushed with
orange, red or bronze. The fronds of Dryopteris erythrosorus are a coppery pink
when young and remain so almost until mature, while the black stems of
Dryopteris wallichiana forms a contrast to its lime green fronds.
Ferns are popular for growing in containers either indoors or out. Potting
medium for ferns should contain equal parts of garden soil, peat moss or leaf
mold, and sand. Keep them in full light, but not sunlight. They don’t like
still, dry air and are likely to be attacked by aphids and mealy-bugs if poorly
ventilated. Maidenhair fern (Adiantum) is popular for growing indoors. Keep it
moist, but if you forget and it dies off, it can be rejuvenated by cutting the
fronds back, or even burning them off. Fire seems to give it a new lease of
life.
An ideal fern for hanging baskets is rabbit’s foot (Davallia). Keep it moist
during warm conditions and its lacy fronds will hang down in a charming arch.
Don’t worry about re-potting too often, for ferns like to be crowded. Ferns
don’t like to be force-fed. A half-strength water-soluble fertilizer every four
weeks is all that is required - if anything. It’s a good idea to alternate your
ferns with indoor and outdoor living - two to three weeks for each position
should keep them happy.