macho fern scientific name

The Macho fern (Nephrolepis biserrata) is one of the best examples of these plants.

What is a macho fern?

Macho fern comes by its name honestly. This big, brawny fern sports bright green fronds with bold, broad leaves and makes its relatives, Boston fern and Kimberly Queen fern, look little by comparison. Macho fern is ideal for large urns or planters where it has room to flex its graceful 3- to 4-foot-long fronds.

Can macho ferns take sun?

Grow macho fern in a shaded or partially shaded (morning sun and afternoon shade) spot outdoors to keep it looking its best. While it's not a delicate plant, Macho fern looks its best when protected from strong, drying winds.

Are macho ferns poisonous?

Is the Macho Fern Poisonous? While it is not a particularly good idea to eat this plant, it isn't especially toxic or poisonous to humans or most animals. You shouldn't have to worry about your kids or pets getting sick from eating a little bit of this plant.

Can macho fern survive winter?

Like Boston fern, 'Macho' fern likes partial shade and moist soil throughout the growing season. It won't survive winter cold but you could bring part of a clump indoors and keep it in a large container for winter.

What is the purpose of ferns?

Here's a brief list of some of the amazing roles that ferns can play: provide microhabitats, as well as shelter and shade to small animals. provide a source of food or medicine for animals, including people. ceremonial and spiritual use or importance.

Do any ferns like full sun?

Sunlight. A limited number of ferns tolerate full sunlight; however, frequent watering and consistently moist soil is critical. Sun-tolerant ferns include cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) which reaches heights of 24 to 36 inches and grows in USDA zones 2 through 10.

Why are my macho ferns turning yellow?

Plant manuals plainly state that when leaves turn yellow or brown, the fern is a victim of over- or underwatering. ... Since most ferns come from moist environments, they don't mind having their feet wet. As an alternate method, water your plants thoroughly until the excess runs into the saucer two or three times a week.

How big do macho ferns get?

Macho ferns can be found growing wild in Florida, Louisiana, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The plant may be epiphytic but is usually found near swamps and wet sites. The big ferns can grow 4 feet (1.2 m.) tall with fronds that swing out up to 6 feet (1.8 m.)

Why is my macho fern turning brown?

You may see brown tips on garden ferns if the soil becomes too dry. When it feels dry to touch, water slowly and deeply. Stop watering when the water runs off instead of sinking into the soil. ... If your fern has brown tips because the humidity is too low, it's best to choose another plant for the location.

Are macho ferns poisonous to cats?

Plants that are considered true ferns are generally safe to grow in a home with cats. This doesn't mean that it's good for your cat to eat them. It simply means that they are not considered toxic and are unlikely to cause permanent or serious damage if your feline friend nibbles them.

How much sunlight does a macho fern need?

A tropical, evergreen fern, it's also called "giant sword fern" because its sword-shaped fronds can be 4 feet long, with the entire plant approaching a width of 6 feet. Light: A Macho fern needs light shade for best growth; too much sun can scorch the fronds and slow overall growth.

How cold can macho ferns take?

I think the temperature dipped to about 30 degrees for short periods. Macho fern is listed as cold-hardy in Zone 9. However, to save some green top growth, I plan to provide protection during future freezes, especially if temperatures are predicted to fall into the 20s.

Can you divide a macho fern?

Hi, Tina in Florida: It is possible to divide your macho fern, in fact this is the most common method of propagation for this fern. The downfall to dividing it and planting the separate ferns in your urns is that they are not going to be uniform in shape.

How do you winterize a fern?

Trim the fern, removing the shoots at the outside of the pot and keeping only the most upright shoots in the middle. ...
Bring the fern inside and place it in a bright, sunny room where the temperature will stay between 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. ...
Water the fern once a week. ...
Withhold fertilizer during the winter.

Are macho ferns Hardy?

Macho ferns are hardy planted in the ground from zones 9-11. Because of their spectacular size, macho ferns usually look best by themselves. They can swallow up smaller plants in container gardens.

Why are ferns unique?

Ferns are unique in land plants in having two separate living structures, so the ferny plant that we see out in the bush produces spores, and those spores, when they are released, don't grow straight back into a new ferny plant. ... Ferns are different because both of them are independent.

Are ferns dangerous?

Unfortunately, some species are toxic or can cause dermatitis on contact. Choosing only non-toxic fern species will help keep the children in your house safe. But even with non-poisonous ferns, avoid letting children handle or ingest the plant.

What is a love fern?

Love Fern ($55) is a potted Blue Bell fern which comes with a King St. Vodka mister for easy watering. This gift is the perfect gift for your spirit-loving Galentine or Valentine. Each Love Fern comes with a unique 15% discount code for King St. Vodka on ReserveBar.com.

Do you water ferns everyday?

A large fern may require watering daily, while a small fern in the bathroom - where the humidity is high - may require less frequent watering. The key is to water the fern before the soil dries, but to avoid soggy soil. This means good drainage is vital to the health of indoor ferns.

Where is the best place to plant ferns?

Light. Most ferns prefer a shady location, but they don't do well in deep shade. The dabbled shade provided by tree branches provide the best conditions. Think about how they grow in the forest and try and find similar conditions in your yard.

How do you keep a fern alive in your house?

Mist your ferns as often as practical, preferably in the morning. Keep a spray bottle handy and train your family members to use it whenever they pass by the fern. Stand the pot on a tray of pebbles or clay granules and keep those wet. This increases the humidity around the plant without keeping the roots soggy.