Whether consciously or unconsciously - almost every gardener has a fern in his green domicile. Since it does not appear particularly eye-catching and is colorful, it often goes unnoticed. He's really interesting though!

Ferns have been around for millions of years and exist all over the world

Ferns - unlike most others

Here is the most important thing about the fern:

  • Plant Family: Vascular Spore Plants
  • Distribution: worldwide
  • Growth: upright, bushy
  • Foliage: frond-like, pinnate to multiple pinnate, deciduous to evergreen
  • Flowers: none
  • Location: semi-shady to shady
  • Soil: loose, nutritious, moist
  • Care: no special measures required
  • Propagation: spores, division, cuttings
  • Special features: Toxic to humans and animals

A witness to the past

The fern is a witness to primeval times. It has inhabited the earth for millions of years. It used to lead less of a shadowy existence than it does today. Then it grew as tall as trees and covered entire regions.

Toxic and medicinal?

All representatives of the approximately 12,000 species of ferns are poisonous. While some species are highly toxic, others are classified as slightly toxic. Both humans and animals such as cats should refrain from consumption. On the other hand, ferns are non-toxic when used externally.

In the past, the focus was more on the healing power of ferns. The fern was valued and used, among other things, as a means of combating worms and other vermin. Above all, he should be able to banish tapeworms from the body in no time.

Inspected from toe to head

While most fern species have a creeping rhizome in the ground, the fronds rise up on the surface. With them, the ferns are between 10 cm and 250 cm high. The fronds are pinnate to multiply pinnate, often slightly overhanging and usually green in color. There are also cultivars with red or silvery-white fronds.

Ferns do not form flowers, fruits or seeds. They produce spore capsules on the underside of their fronds. Each capsule can contain up to 500 spores. The spores fall out and germinate in a damp, shady place.

tips and tricks

Most fern species require little maintenance. Only if you keep them indoors should you water and fertilize them regularly.

Category:

Vegetable garden