The fact is a primitive plant. It appeared about 420 million years ago and, although today they have evolved creating what we label as "new species", their characteristics remain the same as those they had in the past. This in practice is very interesting to us, since it is a beautiful, elegant plant that is not usually difficult to care for.
But still it is important to know what is the maintenance of the fern plant, since otherwise we could get some other upset.
Protect it from direct sun
The fern is a plant that wants to be in a bright area, but without direct sun. In fact, if it were exposed to the star king all day, in no time we would end up throwing it into the compost heap. But that does not mean that it has to be in total shade, since, although it is true that many species grow under trees, the conditions of their natural habitat will never be the same as they will have in the garden, much less indoors. .
Use a substrate that drains well
The substrate or soil where it will grow has to be rich in organic matter and very good drainage.. If you intend to plant it in the ground, you must make sure that it is so, fertile and that it also filters the water well and quickly. In this sense, in limestone and compact soils it cannot be good, unless a large planting hole is made - at least 50x50cm - and mixed with perlite in equal parts. In the case of having it in a pot, it can be planted in universal cultivation substrate mixed with 30% perlite.
Water and fertilize whenever necessary
Watering the fern is one of the tasks that, at first, costs more to master, but the truth is that you do not have to worry excessively. It's more, so you do not have problems what you can do is the following:
- Introduce a thin wooden stick: if when you remove it, it comes out with a lot of adhering soil, do not water.
- Using a digital moisture meter: as soon as you insert it, it will tell you the degree of humidity in the soil that has been in contact with it.
- Weigh the pot once watered and again after a few days: wet soil weighs more than dry, so this difference can serve as a guide to know when to water.
On the other hand, it is very important that you fertilize it in spring and summer with organic fertilizers (guano, humus, herbivorous animal manure), liquid if it is in a pot or powder if it is on the ground.
Protect it from the cold
Finally, so that it will last you many years, it is necessary to protect it from the cold and especially from frost, since with exceptions (Nephrolepis, Dicksonia, Blechnum) they do not support them. To give you an idea of how much most species support, you should know that the minimum temperature should not be lower than 0º.
Enjoy your fern 🙂.