Η Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a leafy plant that belongs to the Pteridophyta and the Polypodiidae family. Its origin is from tropical and subtropical regions. It grows well in gardens and terraces, but also indoors. It does not bloom, but it has great aesthetic value due to its rich and special foliage.
Description
The fern forms sharp, green leaves that are divided into parts, the petals. Initially they stand upright and as they grow they tilt slightly and exceed one meter in length. Brown spores may appear at the bottom of the blades. It shows relatively fast growth and its final height reaches one meter.
Care
Prefers substrates with enough peat, with good drainage and places with west or east orientation. It grows well in bright places, but not in direct sunlight. The soil should be kept moist but excessive watering should be avoided. It prefers high humidity levels and is one of your choices for decorating the bathroom. To maintain its rich foliage, a monthly application of water-soluble fertilizer is needed during the autumn and spring months. It can be propagated by removing the mother plants and planting them separately. It is good to prune the old and aged leaves from the base of the plant, thus avoiding the development of diseases.
Tip: Regularly spraying the fern foliage with water, the plant remains at the desired moisture levels.
Diseases and enemies
Fern is infested with botrytis (Botrytis cinerea) , a fungus that causes gray rot on its foliage. The infestation is favored in cases of dense planting and use of unsuitable soil that prevents aeration of the roots.
In addition to fungi, it is also affected by insects. Its main enemy is the granules, which are usually found in the brown spore sacs at the bottom of the leaves.
