ferns-general

Cause

Ferns have been on Earth for over 300 million years, with about 12,000 species worldwide. They reproduce via spores rather than seeds, with sporangia typically producing 64 spores per case. The spore germinates into a heart-shaped gametophyte (prothallus) which produces sperm and eggs that combine to form a new sporophyte plant.

Solutions

• 1. Collect mature spores when sori appear dark and glistening like caviar
• 2. Surface-sow spores on moist, sterile potting mix in a covered container
• 3. Maintain high humidity and temperatures between 60-75°F
• 4. Provide indirect light; spores germinate in 1-3 months
• 5. Keep prothalli moist; fertilize lightly once true leaves develop

Cause

Fern fronds (leaves) are called fiddleheads or crosiers when young and tightly coiled. They unroll first at the base, with maturation progressing to the tips. Crosiers are diverse in size, color, and clothing, allowing identification of many fern species before full frond expansion.

Solutions

• 1. Check fern crowns in early spring by pulling back dry leaves
• 2. Observe crosier shape, color, and hair covering for species ID
• 3. Provide extra mulch protection for marginally hardy species
• 4. Water during drought to prevent fiddlehead browning
• 5. Cut dead fronds only after new growth is well established

Cause

Ferns show remarkable variation in cultivar forms including forking/cresting of frond tips and pinnae, increased frond dissection (plumose forms), dwarfing and congestion of segments, and margin undulations. Some species like Athyrium filix-femina, Phyllitis scolopendrium, and Polystichum setiferum have hundreds of named varieties each.

Solutions

• 1. Forking/cresting: select cultivars with branched frond tips (cristata, polydactyla forms)
• 2. Dwarf forms: choose compact cultivars like Athyrium 'Minutissimum' for rock gardens and terraria
• 3. Cruciate forms: look for Athyrium 'Victoriae' with pinnae that crisscross
• 4. Variegated forms: try Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum' with green, gray, and burgundy coloring
• 5. Collect spores from unusual forms but expect variation - most cultivars do not come true from spore

Cause

Ferns require three things for successful garden cultivation: dappled shade (not deep shade), loose rich soil with organic matter, and consistent moisture. They are often misunderstood as difficult, but most hardy ferns are easy to grow with minimal care.

Solutions

• 1. Choose dappled shade location with protection from afternoon sun
• 2. Amend soil with peat or compost and a little bonemeal
• 3. Plant at same depth as grown, with crown slightly above ground
• 4. Water well at planting, then keep moist for first 2 weeks
• 5. Add wood chip mulch around plants to conserve moisture

Cause

Most ferns have rhizomes (stems) that creep horizontally underground, either short-creeping (forming compact clumps) or long-creeping (forming large colonies). Rhizomes are the growth center and growing tip must not be damaged. Some species produce stolons (runners) that create new plants at a distance.

Solutions

• 1. For compact rhizomes: plant divisions at same depth with crown slightly above soil
• 2. For creeping rhizomes: lay in shallow trench, cover with 1 inch of soil
• 3. Separate offsets from parent plant with some roots attached
• 4. Divide established clumps in spring or late summer when nights are cool
• 5. Cut rhizomes in half lengthwise for difficult species with upright growth