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How to Grow Ferns Shade Loving Plants

Perennial, Pteridophyta

Fern plants grow and thrive in woodlands all over the country. These attractive plants are equally comfortable in the shady areas of your yard. Place them in areas of little or no direct sunlight, where little else will grow.

Homeowners with wooded backyards select ferns for their attractive foliage. There are many varieties to choose from. Thousands of varieties of Ferns can be found all over the world. Size range from a few inches to 50-60 feet tall.

Established fern plants are easy to grow. They are quite versatile, too. Plant them singly or in groups. Use them as border edgings, along wooded areas, along the north side of your house, and in rock gardens. Try them in containers. Or, use them as indoor houseplants.

While there may be thousands of varieties of ferns, some are on the Endangered Species list.

Some ferns are poisonous. Unless you know the variety you have is safe, keep children a pets away from ferns.

How to Grow Ferns:

Ferns produce spores, not unlike mushrooms.  Spores develop on the underside of the leaves. Millions of spores are produced. Only a few successfully land in a place suitable to grow and actually take root. Ferns also grow by spreading their underground Rhizomes(roots). Most homeowners will propagate them by division of the Rhizomes.

Ferns plants grow slowly. Established plants live for years. Most people buy ferns from garden supply stores or on the Internet.

Select a location with partial to full shade. Ferns like soil that is rich in organic matter. Add plenty of compost at planting time.

Keep the soil moist at all times.

Established fern plants should thrive for years with little, or no attention. Mulch around the plants each spring to help retain moisture, and to replenish organic matter around the plant.

Let plant grow naturally. Remove dead or damaged fronds.

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