Growing ferns (By Sangram Jagtap, CEO, Tukai Exotics, Pune)
What are ferns?
Ferns are amongst the earliest of plants on earth. In those prehistoric times (much before the dinosaurs) – they were abundant all over the world. Fossils bear testimony to their magnificent past. They are found all over the word in the tropics, subtropics and some temperate regions. They also grow and adapt themselves to the modern times. Ferns can lend a aura of old word charm and magic to any garden or indoor space.
They belong to the plant order Filicales. Ferns are non flowering plants. In medieval times there was a lot of mysticism, fear and superstition surrounding ferns. It was common knowledge that plants that did not have flowers did not have seed. And, yet the ferns sprung up everywhere! Soon humans realized that these, seedless plants were in fact some of the most prolific producers. Instead of seed they produced millions of spores.
Fern plants do not grow directly from spores. The spores germinate to form microscopic male and female organs. Once these mature, water carry minute spermatozoids which lead to fertilization of egg cell. This than grows to form the plant we so easily recognize as a fern. Ferns are also propagated by division and therefore we do not have to follow propagation by spores.
The fern plant
Ferns come in all sizes and shapes. From small, pin head size plants – to large palm like ones. They have symmetric leaves called fronds. There are various types of fronds. There are juvenile leaves and mature leaves. Mature leaves are leaves which will bear spores. These are often different from the young ones. Ferns have dark fine roots. They form a thick mat in the growing medium. Fern plants often have a rhizome. This is a horizontal growing stem (very much like a ginger). The rhizome can be hairy or scaly depending on the species. The ferns have sac like sporangia in which have spores in them. These are symmetrically arranged on the underside of the leaves. Their location can often be seen by markings above.
Watering and moisture requirement
This is the single most important factor while growing ferns. Ferns love moisture. But – they hate standing water. Ferns like their growing medium to be moist but not soggy. There is a fine line. Get this correct and your ferns will do great! Quality of this water too is important. Do not use hard water. Municipal water is fine. If it smells of chlorine – keep it standing over night and then water the plants. Ferns also like high humidity. That is why they are said to be companion plants i.e. they do well in the company of other plants. Avoid putting the ferns in locations where they will get hot dry desiccating winds. Care needs to be taken that the plants do not dry out. Some delicate ferns have a problem in summer. This can be solved in any of the ways below
a. Put the plant along with its pot in a large pot. The space between the pots can be filled with water retaining media like coco peat. This does not disturb the plant and keeps the media cool.
b. Fill a broad tray with one or two inches of water. Place broken brick pieces in this water so that they are above the water level. Place the fern pots on these pieces, due to constant evaporation of the water the leaves and roots stay cool.
c. Use clay pots where possible. These also keep the roots cool.
d. Spray the plants with a fine mist of water 3 to 4 times a day – they love it!
Be careful when keeping the plants in a air conditioned environment. The indoor AC keeps the air too dry. And if the AC is turned on only in the day – there might be air stagnation at night.
Light requirement
Most ferns require semi shade to grow in. Certain varieties can tale full sun. This is the case in very coastal humid weather or very cool humid weather. Ferns can be panted in a location where they get early morning sun or late evening sun. They love the filtered light coming from a large window. Ferns are similar in their light requirement to orchids. Avoid harsh afternoon sun. This can easily scorch the leaves.
Containers and media
Media is the soil in which the plants grow. It is referred to as media as it often contains more than just soil. In fact most modern growing media contains very little soil or no soil. Containers are the pots in which media is filled and plants are planted. Clay containers are very good for growing plants. As they breathe (let air and some amounts of water through) they help the plants in three ways. Firstly they help the roots get air. Secondly they drain out the excess salts and lastly they keep the roots cool in summer. Clay containers are very safe and can be used with a range of soil types. Next are plastic, ceramic or metal containers. Good draining media is important for these containers. These containers should have good large holes at the bottom to facilitate drainage. In case it is not possible to have holes at the bottom then it is advisable to put another container in it and plant the plant inside the inner one.
Various potting media can be used for ferns. A good media should drain quickly – yet stay moist for a long time. This can be achieved with addition of organic matter to the media.
For ferns the following is good enough.
1 part good red acidic soil
1 part good decomposed (not dry!) cow dung manure / horse manure
1 part any organic additive (could be rice husk, leaf mould, coco-peat, ground nut shells, peat etc)
For every 30 lts of above mixture add 1 tea spoon Follidol dust, Supergrow, 1 tea spoon Single superphosphate and 1 teaspoon Neem Cake.
Place a few broken pot pieces or crocks on the drainage holes of the pots.
Certain ferns like the Bird’s nest fern are epiphytic and can grow on trees. A fork in the trunk is a good idea – as the chances of the plant getting heavy or falling out due to wind are minimal. Use a coir rope to secure the plant to the tree. Pants can be put in a pouch made from coconut coir mats or shade nets. Fill this with potting mix.
Ferns can also be grown in cracks in stone walls. Choose only eastern or north facing walls. Fill the cavities with potting mix. Plant the ferns in monsoon.
Division and repotting
Ferns can be propagated by division. The monsoon when weather is most conducive is best. Take care to cause minimum damage to the roots. In case plants are to be changed to a larger pots, remove the flat disc of roots from the bottom of the pot. Do not plant the ferns too deep. Do not compact the media too much. In case a lot of roots break while transplanting – cut the leaves to around 1/3rd to avoid stress.
Pests and diseases
Ferns are very hardy. However they may get affected by scales and other insects. Consult your nearest pesticide store for recommended pesticides.
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