Thanks to male fern, dim garden niches and corners of rooms are not left lying idle, but are filled with lush green ornamental fronds. The following lines reveal why the robust male ferns are among the most popular design elements in the garden and house.

The male fern likes it shady and damp

Table of Contents

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  1. Plant male fern correctly
  2. care tips
  3. Which location is suitable?
  4. The right planting distance
  5. What soil does the plant need?
  6. What is the best planting time?
  7. Properly cut male fern
  8. water male fern
  9. Fertilize male fern properly
  10. Diseases
  11. pests
  12. hibernate
  13. propagate male fern
  14. Male fern in the pot
  15. Is Male Fern Poisonous?
  16. How do I plant correctly?
  17. The most beautiful varieties

    18. Plant male fern correctly

    A well thought-out planting directs the growth and vitality of male ferns into problem-free cultivation right from the start. Pay attention to these steps:

    • Soak the root ball in soft water until no more air bubbles rise
    • In the meantime, thoroughly rake and weed the soil in a semi-shady to shady location
    • Dig a planting pit with twice the volume of the root ball
    • Optimize the excavation with compost, peat, peat soil and horn shavings

    Maintain the previous planting depth of a young plant as closely as possible and then water generously. A mulch layer made of leaves, coniferous compost or lawn clippings has proven to be advantageous for the establishment of the roots.

    care tips

    Water plays a central role in the maintenance work. All other measures follow. How to do it right:

    • If the earth dries up, worm ferns are poured
    • Use mainly soft water
    • Spray or shower the green fern fronds with water every 1-2 days
    • Fertilize monthly from March to September organically or with a special fern fertilizer without salt and lime
    • Water less when wintering behind glass and fertilize every 6-8 weeks

    Cut out withered leaves regularly, new fronds will happily sprout. The pruning close to the ground does not take place until late in winter, when the underground rhizome has drawn in all parts of the plant.

    Which location is suitable?

    A semi-shady to shady location promotes the vitality and health of this lush foliage plant. Plant male ferns preferably in sheltered locations to avoid a disheveled appearance.

    The right planting distance

    The selected species and variety defines the concrete planting distance. For the majestic Male Male Fern, a distance of 70-100 centimeters is considered appropriate, while the dainty Curled Male Fern gets by with a distance of 50 centimeters to the plant neighbor.

    What soil does the plant need?

    If the soil is equal to good forest soil, you will enjoy your male fern for a long time. The dominant attributes should be nutritious, humic, low in lime and, above all, fresh and moist. For planters, we recommend a mix of rhododendron soil, compost and peat dust with a handful of clay for best water retention.

    What is the best planting time?

    The best time to plant male ferns is between March and May. During the dry summer months, planting should only be considered in exceptional cases, provided that a daily water supply is guaranteed in the beginning.

    Properly cut male fern

    If you regularly cut out withered leaves, this encourages new growth of young fronds. Since male ferns wear their green dress well into winter, only cut off the drawn-in parts of the plant close to the ground in late winter.

    water male fern

    Water plays a key role in the care of male ferns. Water regularly as soon as the substrate dries. However, avoid the formation of waterlogging. Since male ferns are sensitive to lime, we recommend using collected rainwater. A shower with soft water also helps to maintain vitality.

    Fertilize male fern properly

    As classic humus roots, male ferns do not like salt or lime. Therefore, use compost, plant manure or special fern fertilizers from specialist shops for the nutrient supply. How to fertilize the green plant correctly:

    • Fertilize the bed organically every 4 weeks from March/April to September
    • Supply potted plants with liquid fertilizer or granules, sticks or cones

    Male ferns cultivated all year round indoors at room temperatures should be fertilized every 6-8 weeks in winter, since the plants do not take a break from growth in this case.

    Diseases

    Male ferns are spared diseases with professional care. On the contrary, the leaves, fermented into liquid manure, serve as a biological control agent against powdery mildew, gray mold and late blight.

    pests

    Male ferns are high on the menu for ravenous vine weevils. If there are signs of feeding on the leaves in the form of holes or bulges, act as follows:

    • Lay out bait traps for adult beetles, prepared with nematode gel (available from specialist retailers)
    • Fight the larvae with nematode powder, dissolved in water and applied with a watering can

    hibernate

    Male ferns are completely hardy and bear their decorative leaves well into late winter. Special precautions are only advised for potted plants. How to handle it correctly:

    • Cover the bucket with bubble wrap before the first frost
    • Place the vessel on wood in front of the protective southern wall of the house
    • Optionally overwinter in a partially shaded, frost-free window seat
    • Reduce watering and fertilize every 6-8 weeks

    propagate male fern

    To breed more male ferns, the following propagation methods are available:

    • Division of the rhizomes in spring: the method suitable for beginners
    • Sowing mature spores in July/August: suitable for advanced users, time-consuming and tedious

    Male fern in the pot

    Especially delicate hybrids, such as Crispa Cristata, are recommended for cultivation in pots. This is how planting and care proceed in a regulated manner:

    • Use expanded clay (19.73€) or pottery shards to create a drainage over the water outlet
    • Fill in half the nutrient-rich substrate with an acidic pH value
    • Insert the potted, water-soaked young plant in the middle

    Water male ferns in pots regularly with soft water and spray the fronds every 1-2 days. From March to September give diluted special fertilizer every 4 days. From October to February, extend the time intervals to 6-8 weeks.

    Is Male Fern Poisonous?

    All ferns on earth pose a toxic hazard. Male ferns, however, have a rather low proportion of toxins. However, small children and pets should not reach the leaves. We recommend sensitive gardeners to use gloves to protect themselves when planting and caring for them.

    How do I plant correctly?

    Do not expect male ferns to change location when they are young. Only at an advanced age do the green plants survive transplanting unscathed. Choose a date in early spring, after pruning and before new sprouting. The soil in the new place should be optimized with compost and peat and the transplanted plant should then be watered abundantly.

    The most beautiful varieties

    • Barnesii: a magnificent specimen from the male fern family that scores with a taut, upright habit
    • Crispa Cristata: the compact variety impresses with its curled fronds, which look great in the bucket
    • Goldscale fern: a noble variety with yellow-gold iridescent, evergreen leaves for sunny locations
    • Red veil fern: sets decorative accents in beds and tubs with red shoots in spring

Category:

Vegetable garden