Macho Fern Info - Tips For Growing A Macho Fern

Tips on Growing a Macho Fern The most important piece of Macho fern info recommends filtered light. In full sun situations, the fronds will burn and the plant will lose vigor. It is perfect on a covered porch or in shade near the patio. Indoor plants should be grown away from southern and western windows.

How much sun does a macho fern need?

Early morning sunlight is ideal, but a macho fern does not have the tolerance for the afternoon sun, which can scorch its foliage. When kept indoors, ensure that, in contrast to dark indoor conditions, the plant is exposed to bright-filtered light, and keep it in light shade or filtered sunlight if outdoors.

How big does a macho fern get?

Low fuss and super massive. 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.

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.

Are macho ferns Hardy?

Plant macho fern in large hanging baskets, or oversized urns, pots, or tubs. 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.

Are macho ferns toxic to dogs?

You might be wondering if ferns are safe for dogs? True ferns, like the Boston Fern, are typically non-toxic to dogs and they make wonderful houseplants. These graceful easy-care ferns make wonderful hanging plants or the perfect accent to the top of a bookshelf. They do best with indirect sunlight and moist soil.

How often should I water macho ferns?

Macho Fern Growing Instructions

Water enough to keep the potting mix moist, but not wet -- typically when the top inch or so of the mix dries. This may mean watering it every day during the hottest part of the summer. Fertilize your macho fern every six months or so (at minimum) with a general-purpose fertilizer.

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.

How often do you use Epsom salt on ferns?

You can mix 2 tablespoons into 1 gallon of water and spray it onto your fern once a month. Do this when your ferns are actively growing, and when the ferns are more dormant, reduce the ratio to 1 tablespoon per gallon.

Is a macho fern a perennial?

These robust plants form a large clump of fronds and thrive in shade to partial shade. ... The Nephrolepis biserrata Macho fern is a tropical, evergreen plant suitable for United States Department of Agriculture zones 9 to 10 but can be grown as an indoor plant and moved out in summer.

How do you revive a macho fern?

If the fern sits in a very dry room or if your winter heating system dries out the air, some leaflets or entire fronds may turn brown. Increase the humidity around the plant by placing the pot into another larger pot lined with moss or by misting the fern a few times a day.

How cold can macho ferns tolerate?

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. Water and mulch well.

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 long do ferns last outside?

Considered perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 to 11, they may stay out all year where temperatures seldom drop below 45 degrees F, but must be brought indoors if threatened by frost.

How do you keep macho ferns alive in the winter?

Trim back plants to keep them manageable indoors through the winter months. Lift the foliage and spray the plant down entirely. After all, no one wants to give a new home to any outdoor insects! At this time, you are ready to bring your plant indoors – unless of course, it has grown too big and needs divided.

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.

What ferns are poisonous to dogs?

Toxic ferns within the species of the emerald fern that have different names include:

Asparagus fern.
Lace fern.
Sprengeri fern.
Plumosa fern.
Racemose asparagus.
Emerald feather.
Shatavari.

Can ferns hurt dogs?

According to the ASPCA, Boston ferns are non-toxic to both cats and dogs.

What ferns are toxic to dogs?

Asparagus fern (also called emerald feather, emerald fern, sprengeri fern, plumosa fern, and lace fern) is toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic agent in this plant is sapogenin—a steroid found in a variety of plants.

When should I repot my macho fern?

You should repot your macho fern once every year in a container that is one size larger than what the plant is currently in. Some people can get away with doing this every couple of years. It all depends on the conditions that your plant is in. In ideal growing conditions, repotting is necessary at least every year.

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.

Will macho ferns come back after a freeze?

When only the fronds freeze, the fern will recover easily, but if the roots freeze it has less chance of recovery. Check for frost-damaged roots after a hard long freeze. ... Cut off the frost-damaged roots and repot in fresh potting soil. If the roots are black all the way through, the fern won't recover.