Whether consciously or unconsciously – almost every gardener has a fern in their green home. Because it doesn't appear particularly eye-catching and is colorful, it often goes unnoticed. He's really interesting!
What are the characteristics of fern plants?
Ferns are vascular spore plants that are widespread worldwide and thrive in partially shaded to shady locations. They have frond-like, green leaves, do not produce flowers and are poisonous to humans and animals. Ferns can be propagated by spores, division or cuttings.
Ferns – different from most others
Here are the most important things about the fern in brief:
- Plant family: Vascular spore plants
- Distribution: worldwide
- Growth: upright, bushy
- Foliage: frond-like, single to multipinnate, deciduous to evergreen
- Flowers: none
- Location: partially shaded to shady
- Soil: loose, nutrient-rich, moist
- Care: no special measures required
- Propagation: spores, division, cuttings
- Special features: toxic to humans and animals
A witness to prehistoric times
The fern is a witness to prehistoric times. It has colonized the earth for millions of years. In the past he led less of a shadowy existence than he does today. Then it grew as tall as trees and covered entire regions.
Poisonous and medicinal?
All representatives of the approximately 12,000 fern species are poisonous. While some species are highly toxic, others are classified as slightly toxic. Both people and animals such as cats should avoid consumption. When used externally, ferns are non-toxic.
In the past, the focus was more on the healing power of the fern. The fern was valued and used, among other things, to combat worms and other vermin. In particular, it should be able to banish tapeworms from the body in no time.
Inspected from toe to head
While most fern species have a creeping rhizome growing in the ground, the fronds rise up on the surface. With them, the ferns grow between 10 cm and 250 cm high. The fronds are single to multi-pinnate, often slightly overhanging and usually colored green. There are also cultivars with red or silvery-white fronds.
Ferns do not produce flowers, fruits or seeds. They produce spore capsules on the underside of their fronds. Each capsule can contain up to 500 spores. The spores fall out and germinate in a moist, shady place.
Tips & Tricks
Most fern species require little care. You should only water and fertilize them regularly if you keep them indoors.