Did you know that the ferns shared the planet Earth with tyrannosaurs It is pterodactyls? So it is! Known as the «dinosaurs» of plantsthey have changed very little over time, obtaining the necessary resources for their survival and perpetuating themselves from generation to generation.
Beyond curiosity, however, these ancient plants are perfect for anyone who wants to create a garden at homesince they are easy to maintain, do well both in houses and apartments and have a wide variety of species – there are more than 12 thousand existing in the worldmore than a thousand in Brazil alone.
Many of them are dear to our grandmothers, but they have also gained popularity among landscapers and interior designers in recent years as well. Despite being native to forests, they can be used in decoration projects and guarantee a fit that beautifies any environment.
If you are looking for another plant for your Urban Jungle or vertical garden, don’t think twice: go fern. Here, you will find some and the growing tips, project inspirations and places where you can position your plant benefits to have her at home. Check out:
How to care for fern
Ground
Perhaps the greatest care with regard to ferns is the need for a moist soil. Because they have a tropical climate, the ideal thing is that their substrate is always humid to keep them healthy.
Another important point is that, in the past, the species were planted in tree fern. Due to its prohibition for being plant extractivism, however, today it is used coconut fiber as an alternative. That’s because ferns need a land with natural substrates and rich in nutrients to grow well.
Thus, whoever takes care of the plant can look for specific fertilizers for the plant in specialized stores – and remember that alternating compounds can guarantee a varied diet. Fertilize monthly, but only after waiting 6 months of initial growth in the pot. See a complete guide to soil types here!
drafts
ferns don’t like winds because they dry them out and cause their leaves to turn yellow or fall off. Therefore, in order to keep the foliage in order, make sure that they are away from doors and windows that are passageways for air currents. And no putting them next to air conditioner!
Sun light
As for the incidence of sunlight, ideally it should be soft. Intense lighting can cause plant weakening and the darkening of its leaves. Prefer to place it close to windows that don’t get as much sunlight and are away from drafts.
watering
It is important that the fern soil is always moist. You can water it every day, being careful not to soak them. In other words: it is not necessary for the earth to be full of water, just wet.
pruning
Despite being resistant, ferns can suffer from some illnesses if not wet. If that happens, it’s time to prune the plant. Get rid of the damaged areas – but if the entire plant is diseased, it’s best to move it out of the space to prevent the disease from spreading to other plants.
ideal vase
opt for one plastic vase instead of clay ones, as this way more moisture will be retained. If you want to make the environment even more humid, use a humidifier on site. (See how to choose the perfect pot for your plant here!)
The fern is a plant of fast growth and therefore can exceed the size of the original vase. When this happens, ideally transplant her for one larger reservoir. A large plant can be divided into smaller plants. Just follow these steps:
- dig the roots
- Separate the plants into parts
- Replant each fern in a different location, watering them well.
Pests
If you notice the presence of pests on your fern, remove them with your own hands, as it is not recommended to use pesticides on this plant.
Where to place the fern
Despite their reputation as “immortals”, ferns need all the care mentioned above. The ideal is to go too testing location of them in your house until you notice where they are better adapted. Here are some ideas:
See too
What types of fern
As mentioned, there are many species of ferns available and available to bring into the home. Some, however, are more indicated by their characteristics and peculiarities.
American fern
Also known as boston fernthis plant is one of the most common species in Brazilian homes since the 1980s. With its long subdivided leaves, it goes well in vertical wall gardensis about cabinetshung over the bed and combined with other plants.
Perennial, it can reach 40 to 90 centimeters and, in some extreme cases, up to 1.5 meters. In addition, the American fern has light green coloring and normally forms voluminous clumps that show beautiful textures.
hawaiian fern
Today, the Hawaiian fern is the miniature plant of the species group in thumbnail format most cultivated in Brazil. Small in size, it’s great for indoor and small spaces. Its leaves remain compact throughout its life cycle and its sculptural, fluffy appearance will also remain.
jamaican fern
in another pocket version, the fern can come with curved, smaller and delicate leaves. We are talking about the Jamaican species, whose ornamental foliage looks very beautiful in vertical gardens It is hanging vases.
It is also possible to use it in horizontal spaces to compose with other plants and arrangements. It thrives well this way, sprouting new branches from which new leaves sprout. When they touch the ground, these branches take root, strengthening the plant and continuing its development.
blue fern
In great ornamental effectthe blue fern belongs to the family selaginella, while most ferns belong to the pteridaceae family. Its name comes from bluish reflections in its leaves, whose visualization depends both on the lighting and the angle from which it is seen. However, its leaves are green.
The plant is considered large and its leaves, which come out of the rhizome, can reach up to 1 meter in length. It is also not edible and can cause irritation and intoxication. To avoid contact with pets and children, the ideal is to place it in hanging gardens. What about?
Amazon Fern
Native to Brazil, the Amazon fern is large and fast growing. The leaves reach up to 1 meter long and are born directly from the rhizome with light brown down.
An epiphyte, this plant grows in nature clinging to trunks and stones, using surfaces as support to protect itself and guarantee some height. It is showy and different, but be careful: it has in its composition a substance that can cause irritationso it’s best to keep it away from children and pets.
fern cactus
Despite being a cactus, this species is so called because, like ferns, they live pendulously. Furthermore, they require long hours of direct exposure to the sun and are native to more arid regions, such as southern Mexico.
The fern cactus produces large and beautiful white flowers with multiple petals. They only open in the dark and close again at dawn. The thorns, in turn, are not very aggressive but do not require care when handling.
Even without flowers, the fern cactus can be used ornamentally indoors and easily fills the vase due to its easy and fast growth habit.
What are the benefits of fern in the environment
You can see from the photos the aesthetic benefits that ferns can bring to any home. But they also have other positive effects. Like other plants, the fern helps maintain the moisture of the environment through perspiration, making it more pleasant.
Furthermore, it is believed that the plant is capable of remove pollutants from the air, such as formaldehyde. Meanwhile, its roots and rhizomes are consumed to produce some teas and recipes that help in some human health conditions.
O bud, in turn, is involved in many controversies. It is common in stews in the central area of Minas Gerais and in the Jequitinhonha Valley, but some researchers defend that, even boiled, the sprout is harmful. he owns a carcinogenic component which has radiation-like effects and can lead to addiction.
However, it is extremely important that, before consuming anything, you consult a doctor and his guidelines.