Indoor fern benefits and harm. Indoor fern: care at home. Types, features of growing Decorative fern at home

How to care for Asplenium fern at home is briefly described below.

Kostenets- distributed throughout the globe, mainly in the tropics. There are from 20 to 800 species.

Location: A bright place, without direct sunlight.
Temperature: 16-24 °C, but in winter not lower than 18 °C
Air humidity: Average.
Substrate: Flower soil mixture with leaf compost.
Watering: abundantly, but you need to take into account that everything depends on the air humidity and temperature in the apartment.
Feeding: Once every 2 weeks with mineral and organic fertilizers in spring and summer.
Transfer: Of necessity.
Trimming: remove dried leaves and petioles as necessary.
Reproduction: Disputes, dividing the bush.
Pests, diseases: Spider mite, scale insect.

Caring for the Davallia house fern at home is quite simple and does not take much time.

Davallia - exotic look fern. A genus of perennial, fast-growing plants.

Temperature: in summer 18-21°C, in winter at least 16°C.
Air humidity: Low.
Watering: Moisturize moderately in winter and generously during hot periods of the year.
Feeding: Liquid fertilizer 2 times a month during active growing season.
Transfer: As needed in the spring.
Reproduction: Dividing the bush.
Pests, diseases: Shchitovka; The plant grows very poorly.

Home care for indoor fern Polypodium (centipede) consists of observing a number of indicators.

Location: Loves coolness and shade.
Temperature: in summer up to 23-25°C, and in winter period not lower than 13°C.
Air humidity: High.
Watering: The autumn-winter period is moderate, the spring-summer period needs to be watered abundantly.
Feeding: In autumn and winter without fertilizing, and in spring and summer once a week with mineral and organic fertilizers.
Transfer: In the spring.
Reproduction: Dividing the bush.
Pests, diseases: Aphids, whiteflies, scale insects, springtails, thrips, root rot.

How to properly care for indoor nephrolepis fern is briefly described below.

Location: bright place with diffused light, without direct access sun rays.
Temperature: In summer - 15-17°C, and in winter at least 14°C.
Air humidity: High.
Watering: In the hot season, abundant watering is recommended, and in winter - moderate.
Feeding: in summer once every 2 weeks using complex organic and mineral fertilizers.
Transfer: Once a year in the spring.
Reproduction: By dividing rhizomes and cuttings.
Pests and diseases: Scale, root rot.

How to properly transplant an indoor fern (with video)

Before transplanting an indoor fern flower, you should know that this plant is quite sensitive to changes in germination conditions. Adaptation to a new nutrient substrate can last up to 2 months. It is best to update the soil and change the pot using the transshipment method - a method of replanting indoor flowers, which preserves the old soil layer on the rhizomes.

As a rule, this procedure is performed in the spring. Fern is a houseplant that prefers loose soil mixed with pine needles, leaves and peat. The most favorable soil acidity is 5-6.5 pH. For self-cooking soil mixture the following ingredients are needed:

Peat.
Leaf soil.
Humus.
Bone flour.

All components of the list must be mixed in a ratio of 1:1:1:1.5.

To carry out the transplant, you need to select a pot 2-3 cm larger in diameter than the previous one. Place a drainage layer 2-2.5 cm thick on the bottom. Carefully transfer the plant without damaging the roots. Afterwards it is enough to fill the remaining space with fresh soil and water it with water. room temperature.

Watch a video about the correct transplantation of indoor ferns, which shows the whole process in detail:

First you need to collect mature planting material. It is located in special formations - sporangia, which turn brown when they are ready for seedlings. In some species, spores may be located in pinpoints.

The second stage will be holding planting material V paper bag until it is dried and completely ripened. As soon as the mass looks like a brown free-flowing powder, you can move on to the last stage of planting. To do this, just add thin layer spores into moist soil.

This method is very labor-intensive and painstaking. To make it more effective, you can use methods for creating a home greenhouse. For example, cover the container with spores with polyethylene, glass or a plastic bottle with a cut bottom.

How indoor fern propagates by division

The easiest way to plant young shoots is to plant young shoots during plant transplantation (in spring). To do this, you need to carefully cut off the young parts of the plant with part of the root system. Then plant the seedling in a separate container, water it and cover it with a greenhouse.

Take a look at the photo of the shoots of the indoor fern plant and its name for reference:

Most probable cause- dry air. Ferns love moisture and dark places, water it more often, place it in a dark and cool place. Remember, they cannot tolerate direct sunlight.

If the fern does not have enough moisture, place the pot with your “green favorite” on a tray with damp sand. This will increase the humidity level.

Trim yellowed and damaged branches - they will no longer turn green, but will only take away the strength of the plant.

Another reason why an indoor fern flower turns yellow is watering with cold or too hard water. This tropical plant does not tolerate such temperature changes. Therefore, carefully monitor the water used for irrigation.

The last common reason why the leaves of an indoor fern flower dry is that the temperature of the plant is too low and drafts. Any type of this vegetation reacts negatively to such environmental conditions.

Try to protect the flower pot from the winds by moving it away from the window or insulating the opening with specialized means.

Another sign of poor plant health is dryness of its leaves. The main reasons why an indoor fern flower dries are described below.

Due to mistakes in caring for the plant, its leaves may dry out and curl. A similar problem is encountered most often in the autumn spring period. The reason for this is too heat and dry air, this can harm the fern. First, the tips of the leaves will dry out, and then the entire leaf.

The second reason why an indoor fern flower dries out is insufficient moisture. In this case, you should create a watering schedule. It is very important to monitor the condition of the soil in which the fern grows; it should always be moist, but not overwatered.

Pests can greatly harm your plant. Their vital activity on the fern leads to the fact that its leaves simply die off and fall off. In this case, the reason that the leaves of the house fern dry out is the harmful effects of insects.

To solve such a problem, it is enough to remove the affected parts of the plant and remove pests using specialized or folk remedies (alcohol, laundry soap, etc.).

The most common reason why the leaves of an indoor fern dry is a disrupted light regime. Prolonged exposure of vegetation to direct scorching sunlight is detrimental to the flower. Remember that healthy growth and development of ferns requires soft, indirect light and moisture.

How to care for a fern? Ferns are the oldest plants. They inhabited the planet before the advent of humans, and today there are thousands of species distributed throughout the globe.

There are legends surrounding the fern. It is believed that on the night of Ivan Kupala the plant blooms. And whoever finds a blooming fern will find happiness and wealth.

But every gardener knows that, due to their biological characteristics, ferns do not bloom, reproducing through spores. But they are decoration garden plot thanks to the beauty of its unusual foliage.

The variety of these plants is also represented by ornamental species that are grown at home. Pots with ferns will fit perfectly into the interior of any apartment and will help the owners become closer to nature.

Varieties and types of ferns

Fern - perennial herbaceous plant, which in appearance can resemble either short grass or a small tree.

Ferns are common on all continents. The variety of varieties includes more than ten thousand species that are found in the wild and grown at home.

Ferns differ from other ornamental plants in their method of reproduction and appearance. Their large, curly leaf plates are called “fronds”.

Most ferns are low-growing plants, but there are also tree-like giants that grow in tropical forests. Tree ferns have a scaly trunk reaching several meters in height, from which large feathery fronds extend.

Features of ferns are:

creeping rhizome;
fronds, which have a more primitive structure than the leaf blade of other deciduous plant crops;
spore method of reproduction;
love of shade and moisture;
ability to grow both in open ground and in indoor pots.

In a garden plot in a temperate climate, the varieties “ostrich”, “bracken”, “multi-row”, “male shield” grow well.

The ostrich bird is characterized by voluminous, lush thickets. It is easy to care for and can grow both in the shade and in the sun. The fronds are feathery, green, reaching a height of up to one and a half meters. This type is widely used in landscape design to create compositions with other garden plants and stones. Ferns are used to decorate borders, front gardens and paths.

“bracken” got its name due to the shape of the leaf, reminiscent of an eagle’s wing. The vascular network of the rhizome in cross section resembles a coat of arms. The fern grows quickly and fills the empty areas around it. For this reason it is considered an aggressive plant. The deep location of the root in the soil provides protection from frost in winter."Bracken" grows better in the shade, but is not afraid of sunlight.

“Multi-row” is a variety often used as a houseplant. In the dark corners of the apartment, the fern grows well and does not require frequent watering and fertilizing. "Multi-row" has a thick rhizome and dark green leaves with white hairs. The fronds form a rosette resembling a funnel, which extends from the rhizome. In open ground, this type of fern maintains green foliage throughout the year.

Among the many species of ferns, it is often found "male shield bug". The rhizome has fine roots and bears a tuft of leaves with pinnately divided lobes. The fronds are large, more than a meter long, and bright green.

Each type of fern has its own characteristics and is unique in its own way. You can choose a plant for your garden or apartment to your taste and highlight the interior with an abundance of lush, green foliage.

Caring for indoor ferns

Indoor fern combines visual appeal and unpretentiousness. Keeping track of house ferns is easy. For normal growth, the plant needs to be provided with regular watering, and also choose a place where direct sunlight does not penetrate much. The shade promotes the rapid growth of ferns and the normal course of life processes. Thanks to this, the plant is less susceptible to disease.

Soil selection and planting

Choosing soil for planting ferns - important condition for good growth. The soil in which the fern will grow must be loose. It is recommended to purchase special soil at a flower shop. It allows moisture to pass through well and prevents water stagnation, and is also enriched with microelements that are necessary for full growth.

If you use soil taken from a garden plot to plant a fern, it needs to be prepared. Sand and peat are added to the excavated soil. Two parts of land will require two parts peat and one part sand. The bottom of the pot is covered with a layer of expanded clay. Then the soil is poured into the pot and a small hole is made. The soil is moistened and the plant is installed. Having carefully placed the fern in the pot, the rhizome must be evenly sprinkled with soil and moistened from above without big amount water.

In order for an indoor fern to take root well, it is necessary to leave a sufficient amount of soil on the roots in which it grew before transplanting.

The fern does not need annual replanting. It is necessary when the plant is too large for its pot.

Watering and lighting

Indoor ferns prefer abundant watering. If the soil dries out frequently, the plant will begin to wither and become sick. It is necessary to moisten the soil when upper layer It's starting to dry out a little. The fern is watered with settled water. In winter, melted snow water is useful for the plant.

In order not to harm the roots, watering should be moderate. Do not fill the pot with water so that the roots do not begin to rot.

The growth of fern is affected by the humidity in the room. Dry air is harmful to moisture-loving plants, so you should not place pots near heating appliances. If the air in the apartment is not too humid, the fern should be regularly sprayed with a spray bottle. The procedure can be combined or alternated with watering.

You cannot place flowerpots with ferns on sunny side apartments. Constant sunlight harms the shade-loving plant.

Caring for ferns in open ground

In order for the bushes to be lush and beautiful, you need to properly care for ferns in the open ground. In the garden and at the dacha, you need to choose the right place and soil for ferns, as well as ensure regular watering.

There are more than two hundred species of garden ferns; they are frost-resistant and are little affected by diseases and pests. They are characterized by fast growth, therefore, it is necessary to control their growth on the site.

Choosing a landing site

The location for planting the fern should be chosen away from direct sunlight. From constant light and high temperatures, the plant will begin to wither and will not reach its full size. Shaded places where sunlight does not penetrate constantly are suitable. Comfortable temperature for fern – +15 – 25 degrees.

To create garden compositions, ferns are planted next to stumps, stones or tree remains, in flower beds and front gardens. In places where other plants feel uncomfortable, you can plant a fern. It will fill empty spaces on the site with greenery.

What should the soil be like?

The soil for ferns should easily allow moisture to pass through and be loose. This is the main condition for normal growth, since the fern takes root well in poorly fertilized soils. Stagnation of water leads to rotting of the root system, so when planting you need to add sand to the soil for drainage.

In addition to sand, peat is added to the soil. When mixing, the following proportions must be observed: two parts of soil, two parts of peat and one part of sand.

After preparing the soil, you need to make holes. The distance between them is made taking into account the size of the adult plant (on average 30 centimeters). You should pay attention to whether other plants will interfere with the fern. Therefore, the planting area should be spacious, and limiters should be placed in places where roots are planned to grow. Then when planting other plants root system the fern will not be disturbed.

Before planting, the soil in the hole is moistened, then the roots are evenly distributed inside and covered with prepared soil.

In order for the plant to take root better, you need to leave the soil in which it grew before on the roots. If the fern was dug up in the forest, then a small amount of forest soil must be used for planting.

What to plant next to the fern?

You can plant any of them next to the fern. perennials. The main condition is that the shadow from lush foliage does not interfere with the growth of neighbors on the site. Ferns look good in harmonious compositions of several plants, as well as in large flower beds and flower beds with a wide variety of flora.

Creating garden compositions, you can play on color scheme and leaf shape. The clear graphics and carved design of the frond will highlight the beauty of the flowers in its background. Openwork foliage looks impressive in combination with large leaves of a simpler shape, such as hostas, lilies, and arrowheads.

Ferns are planted next to stones and driftwood, creating interesting compositions.

A moisture-loving fern will become a decoration decorative pond or stream. In this case, you can add primroses or brunners to it.

Since the fern foliage grows by the end of May, in the spring you can plant scilla, rosena and anemone between the bushes. After the death of the above-ground parts of these plants free place will be occupied by lush fronds.

Fern partners in the flower bed can be aruncus and swimmer. These plants are forest plants and are suitable not only in theme, but also in appearance. Thematic compositions can be diluted with other types. A green area with ferns can be framed with a border of colorful low-growing plants, such as marigolds or calendula.

Fern can be planted around the well in combination with juniper and buzulnik.

How to care for ferns in the garden?

Caring for ferns in the garden does not require effort. By choosing the right soil and planting site, the gardener simplifies his task. After all, if a fern grows in a shady corner of the garden, it does not need to be watered often.

Soil moisture is an important condition for proper growth. Regular abundant watering is necessary during the spring period of active growth and during drought. The soil should not be too dry. It is necessary to maintain constant moisture in the top layer, but the plant should not be flooded. Regular loosening of the soil will help prevent stagnation of water. If you sprinkle three to five centimeters of sawdust on top of the soil, the moisture will remain longer.

Not only the root system of the fern needs moisture, but also the fronds. Therefore, you need to regularly spray the bush with water.

Every few years, an overgrown fern bush needs to be replanted. It's better to do this in the spring. Dry and old foliage, as well as broken shoots, are pruned, creating conditions for the growth of new leaves.

Non-frost-resistant varieties of ferns, such as davallia marisa, should be covered with a layer of peat for the winter to prevent the roots from freezing.

Ferns don't need autumn pruning, since the leaves create additional protection for the roots from frost.

Soil rich in organic matter promotes fern growth. Therefore, when transplanting and in the spring, it is recommended to water with ArganiQ solution in a proportion of 300 milliliters of the drug per bucket of water.

Fertilizer and feeding

Fertilizer and fertilizing are not a prerequisite for fern growth. Low fertilized soil does not affect the development of the plant.

To speed up growth processes and increase the fern’s resistance to diseases, it is necessary to fertilize the soil. Ferns need organic matter, and many gardeners add humus to the soil. You can also use organic fertilizers. An effective remedy is "Stimovit".

Enhanced growth is promoted by the nitrogen content in the soil, and the root system requires phosphorus and potassium. Flower shops offer a wide range of mineral fertilizers. When choosing a preparation for ferns, you need to pay attention to the composition. It should include:

Nitrogen – 6%.
Phosphorus – 4%.
Potassium – 5%.
Microelements: boron, zinc, copper, iron, manganese.

Biopon is suitable for feeding ferns. Its rich composition contains the necessary microelements in the right proportions.

In order for the fertilizer to be better absorbed, you need to purchase liquid products. They are easily introduced into the soil along with watering, unlike solid forms.

It is necessary to constantly monitor the plant. The fern itself will tell you that it needs feeding. If the leaves begin to turn yellow and wither with regular watering, it means that the mineral composition of the soil has been depleted.

Ferns need to be fertilized in a timely manner. Optimal time for fertilizing - the beginning of spring.

It should be noted that there is a risk of overdose. You can't constantly saturate the soil chemicals.

In spring and autumn, the fern is in a dormant period and does not need mineral and organic fertilizers.

Diseases and pests

Good care does not always prevent the plant from being damaged by diseases and pests. Low humidity air and irregular watering contribute to the appearance of diseases, especially in indoor ferns. In order to diagnose a plant disease in time, you must adhere to the following rules:

regularly inspect the fern for leaf damage;
ventilate and humidify the air;
do not place the plant in drafts or near heating devices;
do not place diseased plants next to healthy ones;
sterilize the soil during transplantation or plant the fern in a ready-made substrate;
Once a year, water the soil with a weak solution of potassium permanganate in the proportion of 2 - 3 crystals per liter of water.

Infectious diseases are widespread among ferns. They are caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Curled leaves and plaque on their surface, as well as rotting roots and shoots are the main signs of the disease. If a plant exhibits similar symptoms, it should be placed separately from others so that the disease does not spread. Affected parts of the plant should be removed.

If dark spots appear on the fern leaves and brownish smudges along the edges, this indicates the presence of anthracnose. Affected fronds must be destroyed and the plant treated with a fungicide. During the recovery period, watering should be reduced and leaf irrigation should be avoided.

Thick mold on the soil and shoots is a sign of gray rot. The fungus can affect the entire plant or individual areas. Most often, the root system of the fern suffers, and the disease develops due to frequent watering and oversaturation of the soil with moisture. At the first signs of infection, you need to remove the affected parts, and if necessary, replant the plant in sterile soil.

Aphids settle on back side and in the leaf axils. As a result, the leaf plate becomes deformed and the plant loses its decorative effect. A solution of three percent chlorophos, an infusion of ash and tobacco, and an aqueous extract of garlic will help get rid of aphids. To prepare the extract, you will need to grind 50 grams of garlic in a mortar. The resulting mass is poured with one glass of water for 20 minutes, then filtered and diluted with water to one liter. One and a half glasses of liquid are poured into a bucket of water and the plants are washed. It is better to carry out the procedure in the evening or in cloudy weather.

The presence of a mealybug is indicated by a white cotton-like coating on the leaves. Washing the leaves with soap will help get rid of the pest, and the next day clean water. Cleaning should be done regularly until the plant looks healthy.

Fighting diseases and pests of ferns is not difficult. It is important to diagnose the disease in time and begin treatment. Basic rules of fern care and proper watering will help prevent diseases.

A fern growing in an apartment is a very attractive and unusual indoor plant. This openwork shrub very popular, they decorate apartments and houses. It can reach impressive sizes and is therefore often planted in hotels, offices and various institutions. So that the indoor fern, a photo of which will be presented in the article, has luxurious appearance, you need to familiarize yourself with the basic rules for its care.

Description of indoor ferns

All ferns are perennial terrestrial epiphytic plants. They have pinnately dissected leaves and short rhizomes. In addition to a large number of leaves, the stems also have ground loops, which, when in contact with the ground, can quickly produce roots. There are sporangia on the bottom of the leaves.

More than 10 thousand species of tree, herbaceous, terrestrial and aquatic ferns grow in nature. They can be found in meadows, swamps or forests. Among them there are little ones and giants, whose leaves can be as long as be more than half a meter. Moisture-loving plants have delicate, heavily dissected leaves of a light green hue. Drought-resistant shrubs are distinguished by leathery leaves that may have a waxy coating.

Types of indoor ferns

There are a large number of cultivated species of ferns that are grown at home. Let's look at the most popular of them:

Nephrolepis is the most unpretentious appearance house fern. It is characterized by a spectacular rosette formed by lacy leaves with spores on inside. Each leaf reaches a length of 45–50 cm.
Davallia. This shrub has another name - hare's foot. It is characterized by reddish hairy rhizomes. The whole plant is strewn with succulent green leaves.
Platycerium - this type of fern has flat leaves that grow in different sides, reminding deer horns. The middle of the plant with brown leaves looks like a head of cabbage.
The ossicle (asplenium) is distinguished by leaflets that are not divided and wavy around the edges, and he really doesn’t like it when his leaves are touched.
Blekhnum or derbyanka resembles a palm tree in its appearance. The crown of an adult plant can reach a meter in diameter.
Polypodium or centipede is characterized by deeply dissected leaves located on thin stems. The rhizomes of the shrub creep and cling to surfaces, and the plant itself can grow in the air.

How to care for ferns at home?

In the wild, this flower can survive for a very long time without fertilizers, watering and other manipulations that are required for the growth and development of the bush. At the same time, it remains unpretentious and when grown at home, it is not difficult to plant and grow. However, even in this case, a number of conditions must be observed, as a result of which the indoor plant will be healthy and strong.

Selecting a location

Shrub care starts with choosing a location. In this case, you need to remember that such a plant is an “indicator” of air pollution. It should not be placed in a room if it is gassy, smoky or with dry air. Therefore, this homely beauty will quickly wither in the kitchen, but in other rooms located far from this room, he will feel very good. To create a fern in the kitchen favorable conditions, necessary hood or humidifier.

This exotic plant loves both light (but not direct light) and shade. Therefore, it is best to place it in a corner opposite the window. It also needs an influx of fresh air.

When choosing a location for a shrub, you need to consider features of his growth. It can grow very large, forming large and lush leaves around itself. It is better not to place it on the windowsill, as in this limited space the leaves will rest against the glass and walls, becoming deformed. As a result, the decorative appearance of the bush will suffer.

Lighting and temperature conditions

Many gardeners believe that all types of ferns are shade-tolerant plants. But if the plant remains in the shade for a long time, it will simply die. In order for the bush to form healthy, strong and large leaves, it should be exposed to bright and diffused light. That's why ideal place there will be a southwest window for it. In this case, the pot should be placed on a separate flower stand, and not on the windowsill.

Fern care includes following temperature regime. It grows remarkably well at room temperatures from +15 to +22 degrees. But some varieties require a certain temperature:

for heat-loving species such as platicerium, asplenium, adiantum and nephrolepis, the room temperature should be at least +18 degrees;
for winter-hardy species (pellea and polypodium pimply), the temperature in the room should not fall below +12 degrees.

The plant should not be placed in drafts when ventilating the room. In summer, the pot can be taken out onto the balcony.

Priming

When growing fern at home should choose the right soil. If this point is not observed, then all efforts to create favorable conditions for the plant will not be successful.

The soil for ferns must meet a number of requirements:

the soil should be loose and well permeable to water and air;
contain a large number of rotted leaves;
the soil should have a little increased level acidity;
it should contain a small amount of peat and pine needles, and it is also recommended to add a little sand and humus.

It is this kind of soil that is found in the forest, which is a favorite place for ferns to grow in the wild.

Watering and fertilizing

How to water fern at home? This is very important point when caring for the plant, since overdrying the soil is contraindicated for an exotic plant, which may die. It should be watered when the top layer of soil dries out.

But you should also remember that excessive watering is also undesirable. Stagnation of water in the soil can cause rotting of the root system. It is recommended to water the fern once a week using well-settled water.

If the plant does not receive all the necessary nutrients during active growth, its leaves will become very pale, after which they begin to turn yellow and dry out, so it needs to be fed. For this purpose, once a week the shrub needs to be fed with special complex fertilizers.

This plant needs a period of rest. The best time for this is the end of October - mid-February. If it is located in a cool room, then stop all feeding and reduce watering by half.

Caring for an exotic plant involves replanting young bushes, which is carried out every year. Adult plants are replanted after their roots completely fill the entire pot.

How to replant an indoor fern? The complexity of this procedure lies in the fact that such an exotic plant undergoes transplantation quite painfully and recovers after this within several months. Therefore, it is recommended to use the transshipment method, when the bush is transplanted from one pot to another without clearing the roots from the ground.

The best time for transplantation is spring. The fern needs to select a wide and low flowerpot, and the soil acidity level should be 5.0 – 6.6 pH. First, drainage is poured onto the bottom of the pot, after which fur is laid and covered with substrate. The plant must be planted and the roots covered with soil in such a way that there was no space between them. Immediately after transplantation, the fern is watered abundantly.

Reproduction

How to propagate fern? This is done in two ways:

dividing the bush;
disputes.

In nature, this shrub reproduces by spores, but at home this is a very complex and painstaking process. Therefore, it is recommended to propagate ferns by dividing the bush. For this purpose they use only young root shoots(sockets) that need to be seated. They must be separated from the mother bush very carefully so as not to harm the adult plant. It should be remembered that a lot of ground must be stored on each individual outlet.

Having received the required material, they begin to plant it in a new container. So that the planting material takes root well and quickly adapted, the plant is provided fresh air and optimal water regime.

Diseases and pests

Usually there are no problems when growing ferns, but they can be affected by the following pests:

Scale insects, thrips and aphids. They appear if the air in the room is dry. In this case, the plant must be treated with special chemicals.
The bush can also be affected by a nematode that appears when watering the plant. cold water with a lot of chlorine. In this case, its leaves turn yellow and dry out. The fern needs to be transplanted into fresh soil as quickly as possible, having previously treated the bush with insecticides.

During cultivation at the fern leaves may turn yellow and dry out. Why is this happening? The main reasons for this include:

watering with cold water or containing a large amount of chlorine;
too dry air or high room temperature;
exposure to direct sunlight;
growing shrubs in a very cold room;
drafts.

Therefore, by finding out the reason, you can get rid of this problem.

Modern ferns are those rare plants of antiquity that, despite the passage of time and all kinds of disasters, not only survived, but were also able to largely retain their former appearance. Of course, it is not possible to grow any of the fern representatives indoors, but some species have successfully adapted to life indoors. They look great as single plants or decorate a group of decorative foliage flowers. The bright green of the dissected leaves in the composition creates an atmosphere of the jungle and humid forest.

Distribution of ferns in nature

Having appeared on the planet more than 400 million years ago, these higher plants survived the appearance and disappearance of dinosaurs, the change historical periods, eras and epochs, climate change, geography and geology of continents, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Some plants replaced others as more prepared for changing conditions, but only ferns did not leave the scene.

Each time, adjusting and adapting to environment, they managed not only to survive, but also to preserve intraspecific diversity, thanks to which we can largely imagine the flora of the ancient world.

Despite all the diversity, all species are often called one word - ferns. Meanwhile, this is one of the most numerous groups of spore plants, including 48 families and more than 10 thousand species of ferns, among which there are both herbaceous and tree-like forms.

The diversity of ferns is manifested not only in external differences - sizes from miniature to giant, the structure of the leaves, which in ferns are called fronds, but also the conditions for their growth are also very different.

Epiphytic ferns can be found in the forest, where they grow on branches and tree trunks, in rock crevices, along roadsides and even on the walls of houses. For many of these plants, the main conditions are warmth and dampness, so most species prefer the humid tropics and subtropics.

The geography of distribution of ferns is very extensive. Various species were able to adapt to the most difficult conditions, so they can be found not only in the jungle, but also in the coniferous forests of Siberia, Bashkiria and the Far East. IN Middle lane About 20 species of ferns grow in Russia.

Features of growing indoor ferns

Some types of ferns feel good in our homes, having managed to adapt to potted conditions. Despite the external differences, sometimes very significant, the maintenance requirements for indoor species are very similar:

high air humidity;
good lighting without direct sunlight;
the temperature in summer is not higher than 23 o C;
winter period of rest with a decrease in temperature;
fertilizing only in the spring and summer;
timely watering with settled water at room temperature;
replanting as the rosette grows;
nutritious air- and moisture-permeable soil;
if necessary, divide the mother plant.

For a list of the best indoor ferns, see below.

1. Nephrolepis

The most common genus of ferns in nature Nephrolepis(Nephrolepis). About 30 species of this plant grow everywhere, and you can find them in the most unexpected places. Its unpretentiousness and resistance to various diseases and pests were appreciated by flower growers in many countries around the world, and certain types of nephrolepis migrated indoors.

Nephrolepis. © Serres Fortier

One of the most popular ferns in pot cultivation is Nephrolepis sublime. This species is quite often found in homes, as it is the most unpretentious among its fellows. Nephrolepis fronds reach 70 cm in length and, thanks to numerous dissections, resemble exotic feathers of a soft green color.

If the fern is kept in suitable conditions, and ideal for it - diffused light, warmth and high humidity air, then it will certainly become the center of attention in the apartment - numerous bright, slightly curved fronds will not leave anyone indifferent.

Nephrolepis bostonensis- a close relative of Nephrolepis sublime. It differs from its relative only in the shape of the leaf blades, which, when curled, give the entire plant a curly and very decorative appearance.

Nephrolepis Cordiform It is distinguished by erect fronds with delicate rounded leaves. Branches of this type look very original and are often used to create bouquets and all kinds of flower arrangements. However, other types of ferns are also used for these purposes.

All types of nephrolepis reproduce easily and do not create any special problems when growing. They can reproduce both by spores formed on the underside of the leaf blade and by suckers that appear on short ground rhizomes.

Mature plant Propagated by dividing the rhizome, the fern should have several growth points. Their number will determine how many divisions will result from the operation. Reproduction by spores does not always bring results, since in indoor plants they do not mature completely. Therefore, this method is used extremely rarely by flower growers.

2. Asplenium

Can withstand indoor conditions and some types of Asplenium (Asplenium). The second name of this fern is kostenets. The Asplenium family unites about 500 different species of this plant, which can be found in the tropical forests of Africa and South America, India, Australia and New Zealand. Flower growers breed several species of this plant, which are completely different from each other.

Asplenium nest-shaped It is a rosette of long, smooth leaves with slightly wavy edges and looks more like bromeliads. The length of the leaves often exceeds 70 cm, and, thanks to them, the whole plant has a very attractive, solemn appearance. In nature, this epiphytic plant grows on tree trunks and feeds on moisture and organic matter that accumulates in the center of the rosette. This feature should be taken into account when growing indoors.

Two types of asplenium - bulbous and viviparous- similar to each other not only in appearance, but also in the method of reproduction. The fronds of these plants are similar to nephrolepis - the same dissected soft green color. An adult plant forms daughter rosettes on the surface of the leaf blade, which over time fall off from the mother plant and, once on moist soil, easily take root.

3. Platycerium

Very interesting view fern - Platycerium, or Antlers(Platycerium). This rare plant, you can find it in greenhouses or among flower growers who are truly passionate about their work. In nature, a few representatives of this species live in Australia, India and some areas of Africa.

Platycerium, or Deer Antlers (Platycerium). © Carlos Tatsuta

Like many other ferns, Platycerium is an epiphytic plant and in nature can reach very large sizes. The smooth long fronds of the platicerium, thanks to the original dissection, look like the antlers of a deer, for which it was nicknamed that way.

The peculiarity of this fern is that it has two types of fronds - some are long, up to 1 meter and smooth, while others have special depressions in the form of pockets. Moisture, insect remains, and seeds accumulate in these bins various plants and leaves. Over time, all this rots, and the resulting organic matter nourishes the plant.

Platycerium does not form spores and is propagated only by lateral layering, which appears quite rarely. Most often, gardeners place deer antlers in hanging planters or attached to a piece of driftwood. For pots, make a soil mixture from bark, moss, branches, or buy ready-made soil for orchids. If deer antlers are grown on driftwood, then you need to provide the plant required humidity air, and when watering, immerse the snag in water so that it is saturated with moisture.

4. Adiantum

Adiantum, or curly fern(Adiantum)- one of 200 representatives of the adiantum family. In nature, certain types of adiantums are found in East Asia and South America, and in each of these two zones their own centers of species affiliation are formed. Some varieties of this elegant fern can be grown indoors.

Adiantum Venus hair - perhaps the most elegant of all indoor ferns, but also the most capricious. The long fronds of this plant look like thin brown threads, studded with delicate small leaves of a soft green color. Through the plates of the segments, the sori located on the underside - spore-bearing areas - are visible.

In nature, adiantum chooses secluded places in rock crevices, among rocky placers, near streams and lakes. The main thing for him is that there is shade and moisture. If you can create similar conditions indoors, then there will be no problems with growing adiantum.

The plant is usually propagated by dividing the rhizome or a root segment with 2–3 buds. To grow Venus hair from spores, you will need a small greenhouse with constantly humid and warm air.

Many years ago, while working in a greenhouse, I tried to grow adiantum from spores, but all my attempts ended in nothing - the spores stubbornly refused to germinate. Pots with mother plants stood on our floor, in the darkest corner, as far as the concept “dark” is appropriate for a sunny greenhouse.

And imagine my surprise when one day I saw that the green grass making its way between the slabs on the floor were small sprouts of adiantum. Dampness and concrete plates turned out to be for them better than any greenhouses So I planted them later - separated them with a fork and put them in a pot.

5. Pteris

The numerous Pteris family gave indoor floriculture its representative - Pteris (Pteris). Ferns of this species are distributed everywhere - where there are tropics or subtropics, there is also pteris. Several types of pteris are common in indoor floriculture, but all of them are quite unpretentious.

Pteris Cretan- the owner of beautiful feathery leaves up to 50 cm long. The segments are arranged in pairs from 2 to 6 and have a beautiful color - the center of the plate is bluish-green with a dark border along the edges.

Pteris ensiform Outwardly, it is a little similar to Pteris Cretan, but its color is somewhat darker, and the leaf segments have jagged edges.

All types of pteris prefer high air humidity, a well-lit location, but without exposure to sunlight. They grow well at moderate temperatures not higher than 22 o C. In winter, a dormant period is required with a decrease in temperature to 17-18 o C. Lower temperatures are undesirable, although hardy pteris can withstand short-term cold snaps of up to 10 o C.

Pteris reproduces, like most ferns, by spores and division of the bush.

6. Pelleia

Pelley (Pellaea) belongs to the Synopteris family and is found in the subtropical forests of Africa, South America and New Zealand. Pellei or, as they are also called, button ferns, are grown mainly in greenhouses or in winter gardens, since of all indoor ferns these are the most capricious.

Pellea rotundifolia owner of beautiful lush greenery. Round leathery segments are tightly attached to thin fleecy shoots, forming a dense green bush, no more than 25 cm high. This is perhaps the only indoor fern that does not require high air humidity.

Under natural conditions, pelley can withstand dry periods, shedding its greenery. With the onset of rains, the leaves form new segments and the plant takes on its previous appearance.

Despite its undemanding requirements for humidity, pelley is rarely grown indoors, since it is very sensitive to air temperature and prefers cool conditions, especially in winter.

In greenhouses you can find other types of pelley - green pellea, pellea spear-shaped, Pellea naked, pellea ovate, pellea dark purple. In general, these plants are similar to each other, differing mainly in the shape and color of the leaf segments and height, which varies depending on the species from 25 to 60 cm.

7. Davallia

Davallia (Davallia)- another unpretentious epiphyte that was able to adapt to room conditions. The main habitats of ferns of the Davalliaceae family are the tropics of Asia, Polynesia, the Canary Islands and the island of Java. A special feature of davallia is its delicate greenery. Moreover, on the old, lower fronds it has a yellowish tint, while the young growths emerging from the center dazzle with their bright greenery.

The superficial roots of dawllia, growing quickly, crawl out of the pot, giving the plant a very exotic look. Under no circumstances should these roots be cut off - the plant may not survive this. Thanks to the shaggy roots hanging from the pot, davallia is also called "squirrel's feet" or "rabbit's feet".

Long curved fronds allow davalia to be used as hanging plant. In a hanging pot in good light, the plant grows well and looks very attractive. The maintenance conditions are the same as for other ferns, with the only difference being that high humidity is needed not only by the greenery, but also by the aerial roots. Therefore, it is recommended to spray the plant from head to toe.

Dawllia propagates by dividing the bush and best time for this it is spring.

8. Blekhnum

Blekhnum (Blechnum) is one of 200 species of ferns in the family Lorenzoidae. The geography of distribution of this plant is North America, Asia, Japan, Europe. Blekhnum is highly decorative. The long fronds of this type of fern, rushing upward, often reach a length of 1 m. Numerous green segments have an elongated shape and give the blechnum a resemblance to a palm tree.

On the underside of the green segments along the main vein, sori are located in pairs. The fronds are collected into a dense rosette, which is attached to a lignified short trunk. With age, the trunk becomes longer, and along with it the resemblance to a palm tree increases.

Blekhnum is very demanding not only in terms of air humidity - the earthen lump must also always be slightly damp. At the same time, moisture should not be retained in the pot - the drainage holes must work.

Fertilizers are applied in spring and summer twice a month, and the concentration is made twice as weak as recommended. He doesn’t like drafts and sudden temperature changes, so a room with a wide open window is most likely not suitable for him.

The optimal temperature during the growing season is +20...+25 o C, during the dormant period +18...+20 o C. Blekhnum does not like frequent transplants, so it is replanted only as needed.

Blekhnum is not the easiest fern to keep indoors, but if you manage to provide it suitable conditions – best decoration It’s hard to come up with for a room.

Dear readers! Ferns in rooms not only live and grow, but also reproduce. Of course, in order for the flower to grow healthy and look gorgeous, some effort will be required. But this does not stop flower growers, especially since nothing more than natural is needed. Spraying more often, watering and fertilizing on time, placing it away from the sun and heating devices - it’s easy. And for owners of apartments with windows facing north, a collection of ferns will replace exotic plants who can’t do without the sun.

House ferns decorate many apartments and offices with their lush dark green foliage and are considered unpretentious plants, withstanding long drought and lack of fertilizing. Impressive specimens look good in the foyer, on the veranda and terrace; smaller plants feel great on window sills and shelves.

Indoor fern, which can be cared for at home even by beginners in floriculture, can enliven the interior of any kitchen and living room and add rich colors to a boring room design.

Fern (Polypodiophyta) – ancient plant with a multimillion-dollar history, numbering more than 300 genera and 10 thousand varieties. Only a few of its varieties are grown in apartment conditions:

nephrolepis;
maidenhair;
polypodium;
platicerium;
pellea.

This lush indoor flower with a thick spherical or spreading crown consists of two parts: a not too powerful rhizome and feathery openwork leaves, scientifically called fronds. The arc-curved leaf blades differ in shape and size among different varieties; they come with dissected or whole leaves. The indoor fern does not have flowers or fruits, but spores are successfully formed on the underside of the leaf.

Many owners of fern-like crops value these plants for their healing properties and ability to cleanse the air of dust. However, if left in a dusty and polluted room for a long time, the fern begins to wither and may even die. Another feature of the evergreen flower is the structure of its leaves. Young, unopened leaf blades grow tightly curled into a spiral, then become more dark shade, become dense, almost completely straightened.

It is important to know. When using the roots of the plant to treat eczema, you must remember that the rhizomes are poisonous, and failure to follow the decoction recipe can cause poisoning.

Types and varieties

Home fern has been successfully grown by gardeners for many hundreds of years, during which time the appearance of the plant has remained virtually unchanged. The following species are bred in apartment conditions.

The most famous variety with a lush rosette of dense openwork leaves covered with small spores on the underside. The length of leaf blades in adulthood usually reaches 40-50 cm.

Among the people, the variety received another name - hare's foot. The bush is distinguished by shaggy roots of a reddish color hanging from the pot on all sides, and rich green leaves.

This species has flat leaves sticking out in different directions, somewhat reminiscent of the shape of a deer's antlers. The dense center of the plant with brownish-green leaves also resembles a head of cabbage.

Asplenium. The second name is kostenets. This variety of house fern has undivided leaves that are slightly wavy at the edges. The flower does not like touching and frequent rearrangements.

It slightly resembles a palm tree, grows up to a meter in diameter, and has fronds that are very hard to the touch.

Popularly called centipede, it is distinguished by strongly dissected leaves growing on thin stems. The rhizome spreads across the surface of the soil, and the bush itself can grow while hanging in the air.

All ferns are quite unpretentious and not capricious; they can withstand temperature changes and a long absence of watering, but they have a beautiful bush shape only with regular care.

Selection of location and conditions of detention

When caring for indoor ferns, the gardener will not have to look for expensive indoor fertilizers, unusual soil composition or ceramic pots original form. It will be enough to feed the flower occasionally, water it periodically, observing simple requirements for temperature conditions, illumination and location. What conditions must be met for the fern to grow healthy, fluffy, not dry out and remain green all year round?

Lighting and location. Too bright rays of the sun are harmful to the fern and cause burns, so in spring and summer the flower requires slight shading. The flower will grow in strong shade, but its decorative effect will suffer significantly from the lack of diffused light. The optimal placement option is not on the windowsill, but not far from the southwest window, placing the pot on a table or shelf.
Temperature. Most ferns are native to the tropics, so they love warm and humid air. In summer, the plant grows comfortably at temperatures up to 28–30°C; allowing it to overheat for a long time in bright sunshine is not recommended. You can even take the pots out into the garden or to open terrace, hanging large specimens in flowerpots on hooks. In the fall, you will have to bring all the pots into the house so as not to destroy the plants. In winter, it is advisable to reduce the room temperature to 17-18°C. When the thermometer drops below 10°C, the rhizomes may become too cold and rot.
Air and humidity. In hot weather, the plant requires not only abundant watering, but also frequent irrigation of the foliage from a spray bottle with filtered water. The usual one from the tap will leave unsightly white spots on the fronds. It would be a good idea to place a container of water next to the pot to humidify the air and wipe the leaves of some varieties with a damp sponge. You can also spread sphagnum moss moistened with water over the soil surface and purchase an air humidifier. You also need to ensure that the indoor flower is protected from drafts at any time of the year, and in the summer from strong gusts of wind when grown outside.
Soil and pot. All ferns prefer loose soil with the addition of humus and a handful of rotted leaves. The presence of spruce needles and peat in the soil is not prohibited. The soil must be airy so that water flows well when watering to the roots. Be sure to have drainage made of expanded clay or pebbles at the bottom of the flowerpot. The soil mixture is easy to purchase at a garden center, but you can also make it yourself by mixing turf, peat, and leaf soil from the garden in equal proportions. It is not forbidden to mix a small amount of river sand and humus. It is recommended to plant small specimens in durable clay pots or inexpensive plastic containers any shape with a diameter 2-2.5 times smaller than the fluffy crown.

Care

Knowing how to care for any type of fern, you can grow it at home in 2-3 years. beautiful plant with dense and healthy foliage. Moreover, it is enough to carry out all the procedures not too often, paying closer attention only to watering and replanting as the plant grows. Regular home care evergreen flower with openwork fronds instead of leaves includes only 4 simple events.

Watering. Ferns in pots should be watered with settled or filtered water at room temperature, pouring it carefully under the roots or into trays. In summer, watering should be frequent, in winter - less frequent, about 1-2 times every 7 days. It is necessary that the soil on the surface is always slightly damp, but not flooded. Overflows and droughts are not very beneficial for the flower, although they do not cause problems if they occur once.
Feeding. Nephrolepis and other varieties need to be fertilized only in the spring and summer. It is advisable to purchase in stores already ready-made compositions for feeding in liquid form, apply them during watering a couple of times a month according to the instructions on the bottle. Suitable as mineral fertilizer, and organic, for example, mullein infusion. Some gardeners pour tea leaves into the pot or pour out some cooled tea.
Rest period. The flower needs it from October to early February, during the winter cold. At this time, it is better to keep the plant in a cool room, reducing the frequency of watering and completely stopping feeding.
Transfer. Young specimens need it every year, then once every 2 years during intensive growth of the rhizome and crown. Due to the heaviness of the leaves, a small pot may not support the weight of the bush, so in the spring you need to select a larger container with a diameter 2-3 cm wider than the old one. You also need to replant store-bought specimens, waiting about 2 weeks for the flower to take root a little in its new conditions. When replanting, carefully remove the fern from the container, shake off excess soil from the rhizome, and remove dried or rotten roots. poured into new pot drainage, a layer of nutritious soil, place the plant and sprinkle with earth. Then water it.

Many inexperienced flower growers are interested in how a fern reproduces if it does not bloom and practically does not produce shoots? In fact there are problems with breeding beautiful flower does not occur - for reproduction the plant requires only spores located on the lower part of the leaves. True, the process of growing them at home is quite long and labor-intensive; for some it is easier to purchase an already formed sprout with several fronds in the store or divide the bush into two parts when replanting.

Reproduction of ferns by spores consists of two stages.

Collection of spores matured in sporangia on fronds.
Sowing planting material in nutrient soil followed by watering.

Typically, it takes 3 to 5 years to obtain a normal-sized plant from spores. Therefore, if it is possible to divide the bush into separate rosettes, it is better to reproduce an adult specimen this way.

Some varieties, to the delight of flower growers, are able to reproduce by dividing underground shoots; some species produce an increase in children on the so-called mustaches or form daughter rosettes on fronds. Such bushes then fall off and take root next to the mother specimen.

Diseases and pests

Like any indoor plant, ferns can be affected by insect pests, especially:

white duras;
whitefly;
nematodes;
mealybug;
spider mite;
thrips;

Most often, insects appear on fronds and rhizomes due to improper care - overflow, temperature changes, excessive heat in the apartment. We need to fight them folk remedies and special chemicals - insecticides, having previously removed the flower “for quarantine”.

Among the diseases that affect the plant, the most common are fungus and mold. Due to overdrying, overflow and drafts, the flower can also wither and lose leaf turgor. Heat, drought and bright rays of the sun can cause yellowing, darkening of foliage, drying out and death. In any case, the affected fronds should be treated with a fungicide, cutting off the dried ends. When mold appears on the ground, it is recommended to replace the layer of soil with a new one.

By observing the appearance of any type of fern, you can understand whether the air in the apartment is fresh and clean, whether there is a gas leak or heavy dust. With any of these problems, the flower will immediately feel unwell, turn yellow and wither. Therefore, if the air at home is too humid or dry, it is better to purchase a humidifier and install a hood in the kitchen. This will be useful not only for the indoor plant, but also for all inhabitants of the apartment, including small children.

It is also necessary to remember that a narrow window sill or a dark corner is not the best place for a fluffy, handsome fern. For getting decorative look it is necessary that its fronds grow simultaneously to the sides and upwards. It is easier to create this position of the leaves by hanging the specimen in a flowerpot or placing it on a shelf, coffee table, low column, or stand.