This page is dedicated to Nostalgic Ferns!

Ferns were feared and thought to have mystical powers during the Middle Ages even with their delicate graceful foliage.

Because they never flowered or set seed but reproduced as if by magic from their little spores which are microscopic,  people were  mystified.

Seen on the under sides of fern leaves surface are the spores.  They are usually in a straight line, in a circle or grouped together in patches. They are usually discarded by the novice gardener thinking they were insects or a disease, when in reality they are live giving!

Ferns are so unique that there is a special vocabulary for them.  Fern leaves are called fronds.   Many ferns grow no  upright stem but do grow something called a rhizome from a prostrate, and it grows just underneath the soil line.

Most fronds are soft and like plumes or featherlike but some are solid and bold like the ones of the bird's nest fern.  There are over 10,000 species of ferns.

Ferns may not have mystical properties, but they  do add a magic touch to any room or yard. 

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

1.          Adiantum hispidulum "pink lady"  (Pink maidenhair fern)

(ad-ee-AN-tum    hiss-PID-yew-lum)

Delicate rose and green sprays of foliage typify this maidenhair fern,  a native of New Zealand and Australia.  The name maidenhair was originally inspired by the fine wiry black stems which were thought to resemble shiny strands of hair.  

Adiantum means "unwetted," and refers to the unusual way water will bead on the fronds of this fern.  Maidenhair ferns have varied leaves, but most are fan-shaped or triangular.  This is not the easiest plant to grow; it needs high humidity and must be pruned to keep it from becoming unwieldy.  

However, it is worth the effort, as any fere enthusiast or terrarium lover will attest.

________________________

________________________

2.       ADIANTUM MACROPHYLLUM  (Maidenhair Fern)

(ad-ee-AN-tum   mak-roh-FIL-lum)

This fern, comes from the American tropics, it is one of the most elegant and distinctive ferns in culiivation.  Shiny black stems lend a unique contrast to its large bright green triangle-shaped leaflets. Near a waterfall or (for the humidity)  a natural spring, in a shady area is where you would find this fern. But the roots squeeze through rocks for water and over watering them will kill them, as they take the water in very slowly.

A healthy maidenhair will grow from 12 - 18 inches  (30 - 45 cm), providing that you give it enough humidity and proper watering, then it will start to cascade gracefully. 

________________________

________________________

3.       ADIANTUM RADDIANUM  "WEIGANDII 

 (Colombian Maidenhair Fern)

(ad-ee-AN-tum      rad-dee-AN-um)

________________________

________________________

7.    ASPLENIUM NIDUS  (BIRD'S NEST FERN)

(ass-PLEEN-ee-um   NYE-dus)

Before opening, this plants leaves look like a bird's nest, all coiled up in the heart of the plant.  Tough and flexible wavy margins that are on long leaves with black midribs.  A native of Asia, they are usually found within a tree.  

Due to this, less humidity is needed for this plant, making it much more high tolerant to low humidity, and a better suitor for indoor living.  Buy a small plant and watch it grow tall before your eyes! It is a great sight to see!

Light: medium to high light (near sunny south  or east window.)

Water:    keep the potting soil moist but not saturated.

Humidity:  Average (25% or more).

Fertilization:  Apply every  1 - 2  months.

Special Care:  Wipe leaves every month due to dust.

Common Problems:   If fronds turn yellow, prune it back.  Raise humidity if edges of fronds turn brown or plant wilts. If you find mealybugs underneath the leaves, spray them with proper pesticides.

________________________

________________________

8.     CYRTOMIUM FALCATUM  (HOLLY FERN)

(ser-TOH-mee-um    fal-KAY-tum)

A great fern for an apartment as it needs less humidity to survive. It is an adaptation to distinct dry seasons that make this a happy choice fern.  Hawaii, China, India and Japan is the places to find this fern!  Christmas holly was suggested as a name due to its shiny, spiked, cutout foliage, and it stuck.  The fronds of this fern will grow to about 18 - 24 inches (45 - 60 cm) indoors.

Light:  Low to medium light (near bright window)

Temperature:     55F to 80F (13C to 27C. Can tolerate 40F (4C) without damage.

Water:  Keep the potting mixture moist, but not saturated.

Humidity:  Average (25% or more)

Fertilization: Apply every 1 - 2  months. 

Special Care:   If plant is crowed in its pot, just repot it and or divide it. Use 50% organic matter in your mix for a well aerated soil.  

Common Problems:  If mealybugs are present underneath the fronds, use proper pesticides to rid the plant of them. 

________________________

________________________

9.    DAVALLIA FEJEENSIS  (Rabbit's foot fern)

(dah-VAL-lee-uh   fee-jee-EN-siss)

The creeping wooly textured rhizomes of this fern are its fabled "rabbit's feet."  Rising from its furry base is a fountain  of delicate airy, deep green fronds.  Each one is about 2 feet or  (60cm) long.  A perfect fern for a hanging basket.   

Light:  Medium light (bright window)

Temperature:   65F to 78F (18C to 25C. Can tolerate 45F (7C) without damage.

Water:  Keep the potting mixture moist, but not saturated.

Humidity:  Average (40% or more)

Fertilization: Apply every 1 to 2 months.

Special Care:  Place on tray of moist pebbles: grouped with other plants to raise humidity level.

Common Problems: If few on no flowers appear, move to higher light.  If leaves develop white or yellow specks, check for spider mites on undersides of leaves; if present, spray with appropriate pesticides. 

________________________

________________________

10.  DORYOPTERIS PEDATA  (HAND FERN)

(dor-ee-OP-ter-iss   peh-DAY-tuh)

Coming from South America this fern can be compared to the size of a celery stalk.  Light green foliage, with darker green veins seen in bright light situations.

In warm and humid situations is where the hand fern likes to be.  Would look beautiful alongside many other ferns. 

Light: high to very high light (near sunny south , east or west  window.)

Temperature:   65F to 85F (18C to 29C. Can tolerate 40F (4C) without damage.

Water:    keep the potting soil moist but not saturated.

Humidity:  Average (40 or more).

Fertilization:  Apply every  2  months.

Special Care: Place on tray of moist pebbles: grouped with other plants to raise humidity level.

Common Problems:  Raise humidity if edges of fronds turn brown or plant wilts. If you find mealybugs underneath the leaves, spray them with proper pesticides.

________________________

________________________

11.   Nephrolepis Biserrata "Furcans" (Fishtail Sword Fern)

(neh-FROH-lep-iss    bye-ser-RAY-tuh   Fer-kans)

Growing throughout the world, you can find this spectacular fern.  Forked leaflets on its fronds  and the appearance of fishtails is the only thing that makes this fern differ from the Boston Fern.  Commanding it's own space, with its coarser textured fronds than the texture of the Boston fern.  Eye catching to say the least!  Each frond gets to be about 3 feet long (90cm).

Light:  medium light (near bright window)

Temperature:     55F to 80F (13C to 27C. Can tolerate 40F (4C) without damage.

Water:  Keep the potting mixture moist, but not saturated.

Humidity:  Average (40% or more)

Fertilization: Apply every 1 - 2  months. 

Special Care:   If plant is crowed in its pot, just repot it and or divide it. Use 50% organic matter in your mix for a well aerated soil.  

Common Problems:  If mealybugs are present underneath the fronds, use proper pesticides to rid the plant of them. 

________________________

 12.     Nephrolepis Duffii  (Sword Fern)

(neh-FROH-lep-sis      DUF-fee-eye)  

Leaflets are rounded with wavy margins, with fronds growing up to 12 - 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).  Looks like a fake plants because little green circle  leaves look like they are just attached to a brown wire.  

Light:  medium light (near bright window)

Temperature:     55F to78F (13C to25C. Can tolerate 40F (4C) without damage.

Water:  Keep the potting mixture moist, but not saturated.

Humidity:  Average (40% or more)

Fertilization: Apply every 1 - 2  months. 

Special Care:   If plant is crowed in its pot, just repot it and or divide it. Use 50% organic matter in your mix for a well aerated soil.  

Common Problems:  If mealybugs are present underneath the fronds, use proper pesticides to rid the plant of them. 

________________________

________________________

13.   NEPHROLEPIS EXALTATA 'BOSTONIENSIS          (Boston Sword Fern)

(neh-FROH-lep-iss    eks-all-TAY-tuh)

The Boston Sword Fern is the best known fern in culitvation.  But it actually does come from Boston.  Since someone found it in a shipment back in 1894!  Let it grace your  large room in a hanging basket with its bright cascading fronds. 

Light:  medium light (near bright window)

Temperature:     50F to 80F (10C to 27C. Can tolerate 45F (2C) without damage.

Water:  Keep the potting mixture moist, but not saturated.

Humidity:  Average (40% or more)

Fertilization: Apply every 1 - 2  months. 

Special Care:   Prune back older, shedding foliage to potting mixture to encourage new growth. 

Common Problems:  If mealybugs are present underneath the fronds, use proper pesticides to rid the plant of them. 

________________________

________________________

14.     Nephrolepis Exaltata "compacta"  

(Dwarf Boston Sword Fern)

(neh-FROH-lep-sis     eks-all-TAY-tuh  kom-PAK-tuh)

A small upright Boston Fern.  The original fern of this type is from the Americas and Asia, but the first compacta  is from a collection of ferns nestled in an American greenhouse.  And though it is a fern, it's stiff ladderlike fronds can grow to 12 inches (30 cm) long,  but will never cascade.  . 

Light:  medium light (near bright window)

Temperature:     55F to80F (13C to 27C. Can tolerate 40F (4C) without damage.

Water:  Keep the potting mixture moist, but not saturated.

Humidity:  Average (25% or more)

Fertilization: Apply every 1 - 2  months. 

Special Care:   If plant is crowed in its pot, just repot it and or divide it. Use 50% peat moss and 50 % bark for your soil. 

Common Problems:  If mealybugs are present underneath the fronds, use proper pesticides to rid the plant of them. 

this is the last one i did.

________________________

________________________

15.     NEPHROLEPIS EXALTATA  (FLORIDA RUFFLES)

(neh-FROH-lep-iss       eks-TAY-tuh)

This new, lovely fern discovered in Florida in the 1960's makes you think of a Floridian dancing dress, with a name like FLORIDA RUFFLES. 

Light: MEDIUM LIGHT (bright windows are good)

Temperature:   50F to 75F (10C to 24C. Can tolerate 40F (4C) without damage.

Water:  Plant can tolerate some surface drying, but best to keep it moist.

Humidity:  Average (25% or more)

Fertilization: Apply monthly during active growth; otherwise every two months.

Special Care: prune back older leaves and shred them back into the potting mixture to encourage new growth.  Must be re-potted every 2 years or so. Repot into a mixture containing well aerated soil containing at least 50% organic matter.

Common Problems:  Check for mealybugs at leaf nodes and axils, and scale on stems and undersides of leaves; if present, spray with appropriate pesticide. Raise humidity if you have excessive leaflet loss. 

________________________

________________________

16. Pellaea rotundifolia  (Rock fern)

(pel-LEE-uh    roh-tun-dih-FOH-lee-uh)

A true member of the fern family, but this little fellow doesn't act or grow  like it's cousins. Enlongated  egg shaped leaflets when mature and waxy,  dark green dime or button looking leaflets when a baby.  A lovely shelf plant when mature this plant needs a terrarium or dishgarden when just starting out.  Will spread like a carpet outside, but inside will only grow to 6 inches (15 cm) with 12 inch slightly dipping fronds.   It is a rock loving plant that originates in New Zealand.

 Light:   midium light (near bright window)

Temperature:      55F to 75F (13C to 75C. Can tolerate 35F (2C) without damage.

Water:  Allow the surface to dry between waterings.

Humidity:    Low (25% or more)

Fertilization: Apply  monthly.

Special Care:   Repot into a mixture containing well aerated soil containing at least 50% organic matter.

Common Problems:  If edges of leaflets turn brown, leach to remove excess soluble salts.  Check carefully for scale on stems:  if present, spray with pesticide.

________________________

________________________

17.     Pellaea viridis  (Cliff Brake Fern)

(pel-LEE-uh    VEER-ih-diss)

An African native, can live indoors where the light is limited, and the humidity is low.  A bit leathery to the touch, the leaves are a beautiful deep green.  Great for a hanging basket because of its low tolerance to light and humidity. 

Light:  medium light near bright window

Temperature:     60F to 75F (15C to 24C. Can tolerate 45F (7C) without damage.

Water:  Keep the potting mixture moist at all times, but not saturated.

Humidity:  Average (25% or more)

Fertilization:   apply monthly during active growth; otherwise apply  every 3 months. 

Special Care:  Plant will outgrow its pot...time to repot in well aerated potting soil. containing 50% or more of organic matter.

Common Problems:  If edges turn brown or yellow, leach to remove excess, soluble salts.  If scale, mealybugs are found on stems, spray with appropriate pesticides.

________________________

18.    PLATYCERIUM bifurcatum (Staghorn Fern)

(plat-ih-SEER-ee-um        bye-fer-KAY-tum) 

An epiphytic fern that is truly remarkable!  Australia and Polynesia being its native land.  Will attach its roots to and rough bark of trees, rather than bury them into the soil.  Growing on a piece of bark or a slab of tree fern is how it is sold to you in the trade.  If this is the case, then it should be mounted to a wall to grow on.  The leaves resemble the antlers of a deer.  

Light:   Medium light to high light  (near bright east or south window)

Temperature:     55F to 80F (13C to 27C. Can tolerate 35F (2C) without damage.

Water:  Best to let the surface of the sphagnum moss to dry out between waterings.  If on a tree slab, soak it in the sink and allow it to dry out before hanging it back up.

Humidity:  Average (25% or more)

Fertilization: Apply  monthly.

Special Care:   Attach  moss to slab with wire, plant fern through mesh.

Common Problems:  If the plant gets too large, then cut down on the fertilization. 

________________________

________________________

19.     Polypodium aureum    (Hare's foot Fern)

(pol-ih-Poh-dee-um      Aw-ree-un)

Native to Florida and Argentina  the Hare's foot fern is quiet easy to grow, because it has a high tolerance to low humidity.  As referred to in its name, the Hare's foot fern base is covered with orange-brown or white scales.   Will do just fine in a shallow pot or hanging basket.  Excellent plant for a little contrast n color or texture.  This plant comes in many and varied forms with both wavy and or serrated foliage. 

Light:  Medium light for growth;  high light for flowering (near bright east or south window)

Temperature:   50F to 75F (10C to 24C. Can tolerate 40F (4C) without damage.

Water:  Keep the potting soil moist, but plant can tolerate some surface drying without damage.

Humidity:  Average (25% or more)

Fertilization: Apply every 2 months during active months and every 3 months at other times.

Special Care:   Plant will outgrow its pot...time to repot in well aerated potting soil. containing 50% or more of organic matter.

Common Problems:   Fertilize monthly and move to higher light if only a few fronds are present. 

________________________

________________________

20.   POLYPODIUM puncatatum Grandiceps  (Elkhorn fern)

(pol-ih-POH-dee-um   punk-TAY-tum   GRAN- dih-seps)

Resembling a birds nest, the central crown is where the light green leathery foliage arises, and the fronds look like an elks horn.  Reports say that grown indoors, the  individual fronds can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) and a span of 6 inches ( 15cm ) where the flaring occurs.  Not grown on  a bark slab this fern is  potted for home use.  In its natural habitat on tree stumps or logs near the forest floor, this fern is epiphytic!

Light:   Medium light for growth;  high light for flowering (near bright east or south window)

Temperature:      50F to 75F (10C to 24C. Can tolerate 40F (4C) without damage.

Water:  Keep the potting mixture moist at all times, but not saturated 

Humidity:  Average (25% or more)

Fertilization:   Apply monthly during active growth and flowering; otherwise apply every 2 months.

Special Care: Repot into a mixture containing well aerated soil containing at least 50% organic matter,  about every two years.

Common Problems:   If edges of leaves turn brown, raise humidity.

________________________

________________________

21.    POLYPODIUM scolopendria (wart  fern)

(pol-ih-POH-dee-um   skoh-loh-PEN-dree-uh)

One of many multi-footed ferns. Topping a creeping sea-green rhizome, are lush, deeply etched, bright green glossy foliage.  Growing on tree stumps and rocks near the forest floor are these native to the tropics epiphytic ferns.  Can be grown indoors in a pot.  Has 2 foot (60cm) fronds and is relatives tolerant of life indoors, and despite its horrible name ..it truly is a handsome fern.

Light:   Low light to medium light (near a bright window)

Temperature:   50F to 75F (10C to 24C. Can tolerate 40F (4C) without damage.

Water:   Keep the potting mixture moist, but plant can tolerate some surface drying without damage.

Humidity:  Average (25% or more)

Fertilization:      Apply every 1 - 2 months during active growth; otherwise apply every 3 months..

Special Care:   Repot every 2 years if plant becomes pot bound (root bound), using well-aerated potting mixture containing  50% or more organic matter.  Syringe foliage monthly to remove dust.

Common Problems: If edges turn brown, leach to remove excess soluble salts. If  mealy-bugs, scale are found on leaflets, spray with appropriate pesticide. 

________________________

________________________

22.      PTERIS cretica   (Table fern)

(TARE-iss  kreh-TIK-uh)

Found in the tropics and subtropics is this member of the upright brake family, the TABLE FERN.   Spear shaped fronds, with light brown stems and dark green  leaflets, and while small, growth is luxuriant.  Great terrarium plant.  Referred to as a stove fern in Old English, where they were grown in heated rooms.

Light:   Low light to medium light (near a bright window)

Temperature:      50F to 75F (10C to 24C. Can tolerate 40F (4C) without damage.

Water:   Keep the potting mixture moist at all times, but not saturated 

Humidity:  Average (40% or more)

Fertilization: Apply every 1 - 2 months.

Special Care:  Place on a tray of moist pebbles and grouped with other plants or use humidifier to raise humidity.  Repot every 2 - 3 years. 

Common Problems:    If edges of leaves turn brown, raise humidity.

________________________

________________________

23.  PTERIS cretica 'Albo-lineata'  (Striped Table Fern)

(TARE-iss  kreh-TIK-uh  AL-boh-lin-ee-AY-tuh)

This is one of the most prized of many ferns that come in a wide range of colors and shapes.  As pretty  as a flower to some fern fanciers, and very uncommon to see a fern with a wide creamy white center on each leaflet.  Growing only 6 to 12 inches  (15 - 30 cm) it has a delicate, wispy texture, still it is strangely hardy to a cool window sill that would be fatal to most robust-looking plants.  Softens a bare window sill. 

Light:    Low light to medium light (near a bright window)

Temperature:      50F to 75F (10C to 24C. Can tolerate 40F (4C) without damage.

Water:   Keep the potting mixture moist at all times,  but not saturated.

Humidity:  Average (40% or more)

Fertilization: Apply  every 2 months during active growth; otherwise apply every 3 months.

Special Care:   Place on a tray of moist pebbles and grouped with other plants or use humidifier to raise humidity.  Repot every 2 - 3 years. 

Common Problems:  If tips and edges of leaves turn brown, raise humidity.

________________________

________________________

24.  PTERIS ensiformis  'Victoriae'  (Victoria Table Fern)

(TARE-iss en-sih-FOR-miss  vik-TOR-ee-ay)

A delightful smal fern!  Native to southeastern Asia, although it's origin is obscure.  In a well grown plant the frond can reach nearly 18 inches (45cm).  With deep green down the center of narrow leaflets is  a silvery white band egde.  fertile fronds are longer than the sterile shorter fronds that are twice as wide.  Great for terrariums. 

Light:    medium light (near bright window)

Temperature:      55F to 78F (13C to 25C. Can tolerate 40F (4C) without damage.

Water:   Keep the potting mixture moist at all times,  but not saturated.

Humidity:  Average (40% or more)

Fertilization: Apply  every 2 months.

Special Care:   Place on a tray of moist pebbles and grouped with other plants or use humidifier to raise humidity.  Repot every 2 - 3 years. Shred old frongds and add them to the potting mixture. 

Common Problems:  If tips and edges of leaves turn brown, raise humidity.

________________________

________________________

25.  PYRROSIA  macrocarpa (Strap Fern)

(pye-ROH-see-uh      mak-roh-KAR-puh)

Long and narrow resembling straps are the thick, leathery fronds of this native southern Asia fern.  Found growing on trees, rocks and other out of the way places on the forest floor.  Usually sold growing on a bark slab makes it perfect for indoor growing.  Can be mounted to a wall or can be grown in a basket filled with moss. 

Light:    medium light (near bright window)

Temperature:      55F to 80F (13C to 27C. Can tolerate 40F (7C) without damage.

Water:   Allow the surfac eof moss to dry out between waterings.  If on a slab. let soak in the sink and drain several hours or overnight.

Humidity:  Average (25% or more)

Fertilization: Apply  every 2 months.

Special Care:   Repot every 2 years if plant becomes pot bound (root bound), using well-aerated potting mixture containing  50% or more organic matter.  Syringe foliage monthly to remove dust

Common Problems:   If tips and edges of leaves turn brown, raise humidity.

________________________

________________________

26.  RUMOHRA adiantiformis (Leatherleaf Fern)

(roo-MOH-ruh  ad-ee-an-tih-FOR-miss)

Aptly named leatherleaf, this is a fern for all seasons.  Growing in many areas of the throughout the world, this fern has survived adapting to drought.  A perfect quality that makes it great for indoor growing.  Though it grows faster in warm weather then it does in cold ones, it is not a finicky fern, and can survive in both climates.  Florist love using them in floral arrangement because they last so long as cut plants.  Use where ever you desire a bold strike!  It is an upright growing fern that grows to 2 feet (60cm). 

Light:    medium light to high light (near bright window)

Temperature:      55F to 80F (13C to 27C. Can tolerate 35F (2C) without damage.

Water:   Potting soil should be kept moist, but can tolerate a drying out for a few days.

Humidity:  Average (25% or more)

Fertilization: Apply  every 2 months.

Special Care:   Repot every 2 years if plant becomes pot bound (root bound), using well-aerated potting mixture containing  50% or more organic matter.  Syringe foliage monthly to remove dust

Common Problems:   If  fronds start turning yellow, reduce the watering.  Check for scale and if found on  stems. spray with appropriate pesticides. 

________________________

________________________

Go Back To The Main Page


______________________________________________________