Container ferns

Many of the fern family are overlooked and underrated in their use, either indoors as a container plant, or outdoors in a shady garden spot.There are ferns for all sorts of places, some shady, some moist and dry areas within the garden.

There are over 10,000 types of ferns to found worldwide. Their preference in growing positions is a shaded and damp area.

Maidenhair ferns are a particular favourite, as they can be showy and extravagant, or dainty and delightful. The lacy delicacy of the leaves varying between very fine and very large.

Growing in pots indoors, they enjoy a room that has the early morning sun for just a few hours, and becomes cooler as the day moves on.They prefer a lot of moisture and water in the summer months, but water only as they need it in winter, as they do not like wet, cold feet. 

To propagate them easily becomes a matter of having several plants at different heights wherever they are grown, as the spores fall onto the potting mixture of the lower plants.The new plants start life as a green mossy growth called (prothalli) that eventually start sending tiny maidenhair plants upwards. Transplanted into individual pots once they have the tiny new leaves, they will take up to 12 months to grow into reasonable size. 

Ferns normally grown in natural surroundings will have rotted leaves and organic matter to grow in, so the young ferns will do best if provided with a similar mix. A never-ending supply of the fern results. The spores can be collected from mature leaves and a regime followed if you wish to do it on a large scale. I have never found this necessary as I have more than enough just by natural means. They can also be divided into separate plants. 

The Maiden hair ferns look stunning in hanging baskets, again in a shaded spot where they will receive some sun but not the all-day sun.Pots and containers with maidenhairs in them should always be protected from the very hot sun and winds. The delicate leaves become burnt and broken very easily.

These delightful plants are mostly hardy and have few problems. Common pests are likely to be mealy bugs and scale insects. I use a product called Confidor every week to 10 days and it seems to keep the plants clean.

Enjoy these plants as they add a luxurious feel to any room they grace.