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The Tropical Look of Ferns      

  Dale Johnson

Fern

Have you ever thought about giving your outdoor garden the Tropical look of ferns?  Many don’t realize that there is usually a variety of fern that can be grown in almost any climate. 

 There are over 400 different types of ferns and the craze of growing ferns domestically began in Britain in the 1840’s.  With the advent of the terrarium ferns were brought inside and then made their way out to the garden.  It even became common practice to spend Sunday afternoons hunting and digging up prized ferns for the garden.

 Interest in fern cultivation has continued to this day on all continents.  Most all ferns love the shade, which makes them the perfect candidate for under tree plantings or next to buildings. However they do not like competition and need to be kept away from direct contact with tree roots, unless you can assure that they get the moisture and nutrients they need.  A method often used is to cut around the fern to keep roots from invading the plantings.  They do require a rich humusy soil with good drainage.  Try to avoid clay areas.  When planting a fern, throw a shovel full of compost into the hole and don’t let the soil ever dry completely out.

 During winter months you will only need to mulch the fern bed and in the spring be sure to clean the area before the new leaves start to uncurl, as they can be a little delicate to the rake.  If successful, you will find that your fern bed may need to be thinned.  You can transplant at any time during the growing season. 

 A benefit to growing ferns is that they are relatively pest free, with the exception that slugs may find them a little tasty.  A ring of diatomaceous earth can often help with this problem.  And if you have a problem with deer in the garden, they will find ferns not that tasty at all, and will generally leave them alone.

Ferns planted along water features or pools are especially beautiful and seem to fit right in as naturally as in the wild.  There are so many ferns that you could grow that the best way to find the right one for you is to visit your local nursery.  This also ensures that you will obtain the right plant for your climate and before you know it you will be hooked, just like the fern lovers of times past.

Propagation of Ferns 

So you’re hooked on growing ferns.  You’ve planted them outside and now you want some indoors.  You found the most perfect fern at the greenhouse and now you want to create more plantings.  

Ferns are primitive plants and reproduce by spores and not by seed.  They don’t always reproduce true to the parent plant, but it’s worth a shot.  When spores develop and ripen, usually around mid to late summer, they can be harvested.  Look under the leaves and you will see brown-like spots.  These are the spore bearing bodies called sori.  Don’t let them get too dark of a brown.  These are too ripe and will be no good. 

Cut one of these fronds from the main plant.  Tap the frond over a pot of sterilized, soiless mix, mixed with equal parts sphagnum moss, peat and sand.  Cover the pot with a bag and keep moist.  Set in the window and keep at room temperature.  Sometime about 6-9 months later you will see small, green, moss-like patches staring to grow.

Separate the patches into dime-sized pieces, replant and cover. When they start to develop small fronds you can repot to individual cells and keep in a humid environment.  This will require patience, but the effort is truly rewarding and what else is gardening all about? 

 Sometimes fronds will develop little plantlets and these can even develop roots.  You can cut these and plant just like little seedlings.  These are reproduced true to the parent plant and is much less time involved and is as equally rewarding.  There is nothing like seeing you’re little ones grow and mature into adult plants. So have fun!

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