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Information about Fern Plants


Fern Plants will grow just about anywhere, if proper care is given. There is a species of fern that can inhabit nearly every condition on the planet. Fern plants add a nice touch to any garden. There are fern plants that are vividly colored and most will survive best in shaded regions.


There is a species of fern that can inhabit nearly every condition on the planet. Fern plants add a nice touch to any garden. There are fern plants that are vividly colored and most will survive best in shaded regions.


Fern plants differ from other kinds of plants in several ways. One way that ferns differ is how they propagate. Instead of growing from a seed or a flower, fern plants reproduce sexually using spores. Another difference between fern plants and other plants is that they grow in different conditions than most other vascular plants.


Fern plants prefer areas that are wetter and shadier than many other plants.

Beautiful Victorian Gardens

Information About Growing Ferns

Can you spot the ferns growing around?


Growing ferns differs from growing other types of plants in many ways. First of all, many plants need partial to full sun to be able to survive in a garden. Growing ferns in partial to full sun, on the other hand, will be extremely detrimental to the health of the plants. The natural habitat of many ferns is the rainforest, and they have become accustomed to being shaded and having lots of moisture.



Growing ferns differs from other plants in the amount of moisture needed. Most plants will get along fine when watered a couple times a week at most. Ferns, on the other hand, require constant moisture in both the soil and the air in order to grow properly. Misting the leaves of a fern plant is the best way to mimic the extremely humid atmosphere that the plants are generally local to.



Another difference between growing ferns and growing other perennials is that ferns will often not survive harsh frosts in the winter. Most perennials are used to the cold winter months and build strong root structures in order to survive. Ferns, as they are generally used to living in warmer climates, cannot survive the cold. In order to prevent ferns from dying over the winter, it is often necessary to remove them from the garden and plant them in pots and hanging baskets indoors.


Growing ferns is an enjoyable experience. Many gardeners attempt growing ferns without first understanding the very specific conditions needed for the fern to thrive. Make sure to check with a professional before attempting to grow ferns, as each fern needs slightly different circumstances to thrive.

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Cycas rumphii

Common Name : Malayan Fern Palm
Scientific Name : Cycas rumphii

Family Cycadaceae



Origin and Distribution
The plant is native to North Australia and the Malay Archipelago


Description
The plant has a single massive stem like a palm, which can grow to 7m tall. At the top of the trunk is the bunch of stiff, compund leaves. The leaflets are long and narrow, brittle to the touch. Plants are either male or female. The male plant bears a massive male cone terminally on the trunk, made up of numerous fleshy, scale-like leaves covered with pollen sacs on the lower surface. The female plant bears female cones of loosely assembled, narrow, fleshy fertile leaves bearing the ovules. The ovules develop into seeds which are oval, green with a hard cover.

Parts Poisonous: Seed




Chemical compounds: Cyanogenetic glycoside

Information about Poisonous Plants

Are Ferns Poisonous?

Poisonous plants have always been part of daily life. In the nineteenth century, poisonings due to plants reached near-epidemic levels as people often foraged for sources of food from natural plantings. Today, potentially dangerous plants can still be found all around us. Poisonous plants are frequently part of interiorscapes in homes as well as in landscape plantings outdoors. This has become increasingly problematic as more and more cultivated, exotic plants from throughout the world are introduced into the landscape. Recent studies have estimated that 3.5% of all poisonings in the United States are due to plants.

All types of native and introduced plants can be poisonous including ferns, herbaceous plants, woody shrubs, and trees. Identifying plants that are poisonous is difficult since poisonous plants do not appear distinctly different from their nontoxic relatives or counterparts. Many poisonous plants have such unpleasant tastes that most adults don’t chew them for very long before spitting them out. However, some poisonous plants are not distasteful and can even be sweet and, if eaten in large quantity, can cause serious problems. An example is the fruit of deadly nightshade, Solanum dulcamara; the red berry is not only attractive but also tastes sweet. The situation of plant poisoning of children is quite different than with adults since children have great curiosity and will often chew on anything within their reach, especially attractive berries or fruit. Children are also less likely than adults to spit out unpleasant-tasting substances. Since much smaller quantities are necessary to produce a toxic reaction in children, the risks of poisoning due to ingestion are much greater than for adults. However, regardless of age, reactions to poisonous plants vary with the individual and can be influenced by diet, metabolism, and medications being taken.

The term "poisonous" designates many kinds of reactions or effects. Among the key effects are allergic reactions (caused by spores, pollen, or naturally occurring volatile compounds emitted into the air by plants), skin rashes or dermatitis (caused by direct or indirect contact with allergenic or irritant compounds), skin photosensitization (caused by exposure to irritating or allergenic compounds), and internal poisonings or irritations (from ingestion of plants or plant parts). The general types of poisoning and examples of plants responsible for each are: blood poisoning (wild cherry, Prunus spp.), nerve poisoning (mushrooms), cardiac poisoning (foxglove, Digitalis purpurea), and skin irritation (poison ivy, Toxicodendron radicans).

Dividing Ferns

Picture of Adiantum capillus-veneris (Black Maidenhair; Southern Maidenhair)

Many time when growing ferns and other types of plants, they become too large for their pot or basket. When this happens, the plant must be placed into a larger pot or basket in order for the plant to continue growth. On many occasions, however, a larger holder may not be available or desired. On these occasions, it is possible to divide the plant into two or more smaller plants.

Dividing ferns is very similar to the act of dividing other perennials. First, the plant must be removed from the soil or pot. This can sometimes be tricky, as the root structure inside the pot may be dense and unwieldy. Next, as much soil as possible must be removed to allow access to the root ball. Using a sharp, long bladed knife to cut the root ball into equal pieces, depending on the number of plants desired. Each part should then be replanted into a separate container.


Dividing ferns is unlike dividing other perennials in that ferns can take quite a bit of abuse when dividing. The root ball is usually extremely tight, so it may take considerable force to cut when dividing ferns. Many other perennials are more delicate and should be handled slightly differently than when dividing ferns.

Beautiful Pictures Of Ferns Fronds

Great Information About Ferns



Ferns are an ancient type of plant, with fossils of ferns being dated back over three hundred and sixty million years ago. As they are known today, ferns are leafy, non-flowering plants that grow in very moist areas. Like all other types of plants, ferns have several species, which have varying growing conditions. Ferns are extremely successful niche plants, meaning that they are well adapted to specific environmental conditions.


Ferns are vascular plants, meaning that they have developed internal vein structures that aid in the flow of nutrients and water to the outer parts of the plant. Most vascular plants, such as flowers and leafy trees, grow immediately from the seed to their adult form. Ferns, on the other hand, reproduce using spores that grow into an intermediate stage referred to as gametophytes.



The reproductive cycle of ferns is very complicated and needs specific conditions to be completed. First and most importantly, there must be liquid water. This is so that when the gametophyte is grown out of a spore, the sperm from one side of the gametophyte can swim to the eggs on the other side. Once fertilization has occurred, the fern is nurtured inside the gametophyte and grows into the adult plant.


To grow properly, ferns need good moisture, both in the air and in the soil. Ferns also require protection from the wind, as they are very delicate plants. Ferns require sufficient light for photosynthesis, but need protection from too much direct sunlight, as this will dry out the plant. It is important to maintain all of these factors regularly, as ferns are very reliant on consistent condition to both grow and reproduce.

Fern Garden

Fern gardens are becoming more are more common, as people are realizing the potential that these beautiful plants have. While many other kinds of plants do not vary much from species to species, the leaf structure, size, and shape of ferns can differ greatly, making an all-fern garden nice to look at indeed. Fern gardens are also rather easy to care for, and can grow in several different regions.



The first part to starting a fern garden is to consider the area that it would inhabit. Many species of fern cannot tolerate any frost or temperatures under fifty degrees, so living in a colder zone limits the selection of ferns to choose from. The Christmas fern will retain its green foliage throughout the winter in zones as cold as zone four. This makes the Christmas fern useful for gardens farther north.



One way to avoid limiting fern selection in colder regions is to transplant the ferns each fall into pots or hanging baskets and place them indoors for the winter months. When placed indoors, ferns are easy to care for and require little sunlight. In the garden, nearly all ferns prefer full to partial shade, and all require a fair amount of moisture to thrive. Placing a fern garden beneath a well-shading tree will assure the plants get little sunlight.



Another advantage to placing fern gardens underneath a shady tree is the addition of one of the most interesting ferns, the staghorn fern. The staghorn fern requires no soil to grow, and can be suspended by chain from a tree branch, to make a ball of foliage. These interesting ferns can be attached to hardwood boards and give the impression of a hanging basket, yet there is no basket to be found.

Beautiful Fronds Of Ferns

A fern is a leafy, flowerless plant that grows in areas of high moisture. Ferns are vascular plants, in that they have a complex internal vein structure that supplies nutrients to the outer regions of the plant. A fern is different from other vascular plants in that most vascular plants grow directly from seeds, while a fern grows from a spore, through an intermediate stage called a gametophyte.




A fern requires certain characteristics in its surroundings to grow. Moisture in the air and soil is a must. A fern is a fairly delicate plant, so wind protection is needed also. A fern will require some direct sunlight, but not too much. Ferns also prefer climates that are more or less constant. A fern will usually not live through a frost.


Ferns have even more specific conditions when it comes to reproducing. For example, a fern may live for a while in a fairly hostile environment, but will most likely not be able to reproduce there. Ferns will only grow naturally where conditions suit the survival of both the plants themselves, and the intermediate gametophytes. It is commonly accepted that the strength of the gametophyte alone will determine survival of the fern.


Ferns have evolved to suit their environment. While some ferns are able to tolerate drought and heat, others will only thrive in the densest of rain forests. For a fern to grow properly in a garden, the garden and its surroundings must be very similar, nearly identical, to the environment it evolved in. For example, a tree fern, found mostly in rain forest climates, will not live in a garden that mimics a desert.

Types Of Ferns

Pteris ensiformis

There are many types of ferns in the world. Species of fern grow in almost any climate, save sub-Antarctic. There are fern species that will grow in deserts, tolerating extreme heat and drought. Other types of fern will grow only in the deepest areas of the rainforest.

Fluffy Ruffle Fern

Several types of fern can be added to the same garden, for a dramatic look. Most of the fern species prefer shaded areas with moist soil, and these can be combined underneath a shade-giving tree for a spectacular look. Most species of fern are purely green, while other types of fern, such as cinnamon and Japanese painted, offer vivid colors to a shady garden.

Fern identification is often hard to do, as many species of fern look very similar. The easiest type of fern identification is close inspection of the orientation of the fronds and the leaves growing off the sides. Many types of ferns, while looking similar at first glance, will become very different indeed when inspected thoroughly.






Polystichum acrostichoides Christmas Fern

Facts And Pictures Of Boston Fern

The Boston fern has long green drooping fronds growing out of the crown at the surface of the ground. Boston ferns are generally known to be grown in hanging baskets from porches or indoors.



The Boston fern originates from tropical and semi-tropical regions of the world. Boston ferns are generally tropical, and will not tolerate temperatures under fifty degrees for any extended period of time.

Boston ferns, like all other ferns, prefer good bright light, but not full sun. Misting a Boston fern from time to time is a good idea, as this will mimic the natural rain forest environment. Boston ferns will only grow in the ground in zones nine through eleven. In any colder zone, they will need to be brought inside for the winter season, as temperatures below 45-50 degrees will kill the plant.

Boston ferns will propagate by using runners, which are long stems that produce small plantlets along their length. In their natural conditions, Boston ferns will also spread naturally by using spores. Boston fens can also be divided. This is the process of breaking one large plant into two or more smaller plants.

Boston Fern

Common Name: Boston Fern
Scientific Name: Nephrolepis exaltata

Scientific Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Division Pteridophyta
Class Pteridopsida
Order Polypodidales
Family Davalliaceae
Genus Nephrolepsis
Species N. exaltata

The Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a species of fern in the family Davalliaceae (sometimes treated in the families Nephrolepidaceae or Oleandraceae), native to tropical regions throughout the world. It is a common in humid forests and swamps, especially in northern South America, Mexico, Central America, Florida, the West Indies, Polynesia and Africa.

The fronds are 50-250 cm long and 6-15 cm broad, with alternate pinnae (the small "leaflets" on either side of the midrib), each pinna being 2-8 cm long. The pinnae are generally deltoid, as seen in the picture to the right. The pinnate vein pattern is also visible on these highly compound leaves. The edges appear slightly serrate.

The Boston Fern has a great history of being one of the Victorian parlor room tropicals.

It originates from tropical and semi-tropical regions of the world. Often covering rain forest floors, it quickly spreads. It can be used in landscapes as great fill-in and backdrops for smaller annuals.

Ferns, in general, thrive in rich humus soil, partial shade, and high humidity. The Boston fern is no different.

Cultivation and uses

The Boston fern is a very popular house plant, often grown in hanging baskets or similar conditions. It is a perennial plant hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 9-11. Although the fern may appear totally dead due to frost, it wi

ll re-emerge in the spring. In general, the Boston Fern likes damp, but not soggy soil that is rich in nutrients. Of the common cultivated ferns, the Boston Fern is the most tolerant to drought. The fern thrives best in humid conditions, so when grown as a house plant it becomes necessary to mist the plant when relative humidity falls below around 80%. Although outdoors this plant prefers partial shade or full shade, inside it grows best in bright filtered light. This plant is usually propagated by division of the rooted runners, as named cultivars will not come true from spores.

Some cultivars have become naturalised in Florida.

Special Tips

Propagation can be done from spores, runners or by division.

Clay pots are an excellent way to grow the plant.

Misting is ideal for it creates the tropical and semi-tropical conditions that the plant loves best.

Pay close attention for aphids, mealy bugs, or the red spider. Do not use pesticides for they are a tad strong on ferns. Use soap and water, drenching and repeating the process several times.

Facts And Pictures Of Polypody

Great Information about Polypodium vulgare



Description
Rhizome: creeping, branching, whitish waxy, rather thick, with phylopodia, scales lanceolate, base and margins light brown, sometimes with dark central stripe.

Frond: 25 cm high by 7 cm wide, evergreen, new fronds early summer, monomorphic, blade/stipe ratio: 1:1 to 3:1.

Stipe: jointed at base, straw-colored, narrowly triangular, red-brown scales, to 4 mm, these scales are peltate, vascular bundles: 3 at the base, unifying upwards into an open v-shape.

Blade: pinnatifid, lanceolate to linear, parallel sides in the lower half, truncated base, leathery or herbaceous, mid green, dull in shade, rachis sparsely scaly below, glabrous above; scales lanceolate-ovate.

Pinnae: 10 to 20 pair, alternate; margins entire or crenate, rarely serrate; veins free, forking.

Sori: round, discrete, sunken into the lamina, bulging on the top surface, midway between margin and midrib, on the upper half of the blade, indusium: absent, sporangia: early green, later yellow, then rusty brown, maturity: late summer to early fall.

Dimensionality: normally the lowest pinnae pair only slightly bending forward, down; pinnae rolling up into the rachis, above the plane, when desicated or in winter.




Culture
Habitat: acidic, well-drained locations, on rocks, logs, hillsides.

Distribution: central and northern Europe, less common southern Europe, occurence elsewhere often segrated into other taxa. Hardy to -25°C, USDA Zone 5.


Polypody - delicate perennial fern growing to a height of 1 ft (30 cm). Polypody has slender knotty rhizomes and curving fronds that are dotted with brown spores (sori) on their lower surface.

Polypody rhizome contains saponins (based on polypodosapogenin), ecdysteroids, phloroglucins, volatile oil, fixed oil, and tannins.

Native to Europe and northern Asia, polypody is commonly found growing in damp woodland and thickets, and on walls. The rhizome is unearthed in autumn.


Polypody stimulates bile secretion and is a gentle laxative. Traditionally, polypody has been used in European herbal medicine as a treatment for hepatitis and jaundice, and as a remedy for indigestion and loss of appetite. Polypody makes a safe treatment for constipation in children. The rhizome is also expectorant, having a supportive and mildly stimulating effect on the respiratory system. It may be taken for the relief of congestion, bronchitis, pleuisy, and dry irritable coughs. The rhizome combines well with marsh mallow.

Polypodium vulgare (Polypody)

Common name: Polypody
Scientific Name: Polypodium vulgare

Scientific Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Division Pteridophyta
Class Pteridopsida
Order Polypodiales
Family: Polypodiaceae
Genus: Polypodium



Polypody can often be seen growing along the branches of oak trees or even on old roofs. Its dark green fronds are deeply lobed and give the appearance of a double-sided comb. It makes good ground cover and other than being a bit susceptible to drought, which will usually only fry off the foliage and not kill the plant, it is very tough and adaptable.

Polypodium is a large genus of true ferns, widely distributed throughout the world, but specially developed in the tropics. The name is derived from Gr. poly, many, and podium, a little foot, on account of the foot-like appearance of the rhizome and its branches.

The species differ greatly in size and general appearance and in the character of the frond; the son or groups of spore-cases (sporangia) are borne on the back of the leaf, are globose and naked, that is, are not covered with a membrane (indusium). The common polypody (Plypodium vulgare) is widely diffused in the British Isles, where it is found on walls, banks, trees, and other places; the creeping, densely-scaly rootstock bears deeply pinnately cut fronds, the fertile ones bearing on the back the bright yellow naked groups of sporangia (son). It is also known as adders foot, golden maidenhair and wood-fern, and is the oak- fern of the old herbals.

There are a large number of varieties, differing chiefly in the form and division of the pinnae; var. cambricum (originally found in Wales) has the pinnae themselves deeply cut into narrow segments; var. cornubiense is a very elegant plant with finely-divided fronds; var. cnislatum is a handsome variety with fronds forking at the apex and the tips of all the pinnae crested and curled.

Medicinal Uses
Polypody stimulates bile secretion and is a gentle laxative. In European herbal medicine it is traditionally used as a treatment for hepatitis and jaundice and as a remedy for indigestion and loss of appetite. It should not be used externally since it can cause skin rashes. The root is alterative anthelmintic cholagogue demulcent diuretic expectorant pectoral purgative tonic. It can be used either fresh or dried and is best harvested in October or November though it can be collected until February. The leaves can also be used but are less active. A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of pleurisy hives sore throats and stomach aches and as a mild laxative for children. It was also considered of value for lung ailments and liver diseases. The poulticed root is applied to inflammations. A tea or syrup of the whole plant is anthelmintic.

Pellaea rotundifolia (Button Fern)

The button fern has dark green rounded leaves attached to firm, wiry stems and forms a dense, attractive plant.



When potting use a peaty mixture and shallow pans. Almost all ferns in small pots will quickly beocme root bound and will lose their vigour if not potted on. However, inspection of roots can be misleading as these are very dark brown and the color of the peaty soil in which they are growing, so careful inspection is needed before potting on.


Potting is best done in spring or summer and the new container should be only a little larger than the last. Roots ought to be moistened before it is removed from the pot, and after potting the soil should be well enough watered for surplus to be seen draining through the holes in the base of the pot. Then keep the newly potted plant on the dry side for several weeks - careful judgement is needed, as excessive drying out of the peat mixture can be fatal as far as ferns are concerned.



Special Tips:
Shade
Temperature 16 - 21 degree celsius
keep moist
Avoid direct sunlight.