Fern plants provide a handsome decoration for indoors or outdoors. There are many types of ferns available which can be grown in containers indoors, sheltered patios or courtyards. Most fern plants are grown in pots or hanging baskets but some like Staghorns and Elkhorns, can be wired to wooden uprights or boards.
‘Ferns’ described as a group need cool, moist conditions. When indoors they are best in full light from a window facing south or where summer sunlight can be dulled by curtains. Free air movement is essential as ferns do not respond well to still, dry air and are prone to attack by insects (aphids, mealy bug and scale) under poorly ventilated conditions.
Potted ferns are best used as decoration indoors for only short periods of time (1-2 weeks) only then returned to a shady, sheltered spot for the same length of time.
Soil mixture needs to be suitable for potted ferns consisting of equal parts of garden loam, sand and peat moss or leaf mould. Potting up is best done in late winter or early spring when new fronds appear.
Pots or baskets should not be too large as the plants like to be crowded. Wire baskets are normally lined with moisture retaining fern bark or sphagnum moss.
Ferns must be kept damp at all times although they will require less water in winter when the growth is slower. Ferns need little feeding and dislike concentrated fertilizers. It’s safer to give them water-soluble fertilizers applied every 3-4 weeks during warmer weather.
There are 200 species in the maidenhair fern family which differ in leaf shape and size. Maidenhair fern (Adiantum) is very popular for hanging pots and baskets. The fronds are finely cut on long wing stems. Attractive when used for flower arrangements and bouquets.
Tree ferns (Cyathea) are the giants of the fern family and are best grown in a shady position outside. They can be grown in large tubs or in a corner bed of a courtyard. All species need semi-shade and plenty of moisture.
