Do you want to have ferns in your home? This type of plant is one of the oldest, in fact it is 400 years old on earth, so they have managed to survive in time until today. The striking appearance of their leaves makes them one of the most valued plants when you want to create a cozy atmosphere in a room. Keep reading this article and discover what are the types of ferns, characteristics and care that you should know.
What are ferns?
Ferns are vascular plants, which can actually be very diverse depending on its species. Something that will characterize this type of plant is that it does not have flowers. The leaves are very varied and can be very large or very small..
The development of the leaves in each of the ferns happens through circinate prefoliation, this means that the leaf first unrolls making a rod shape.
As for the reproduction of this plant, it goes through structures that are known as sori and these have different shapes. These have a taxonomic value, which helps to distinguish specific species or genera.
Fern Characteristics
Ferns are plants that will not produce flowers or seeds. Most are herbaceous, although there are some arborescent species.
The stems will become known as rhizomes and can grow horizontally below and above the soil surface. Likewise, there are species that grow more erect and are climbers. Most are covered in scales, while some are covered in hair. The scales are lanceolate or orbicular. While the hairs can be unicellular or multicellular.
Fern leaves are also known as fronds. They are monomorphic in most of the species, although there are dimorphic in some certain species. The laminae will be described as pinnate or simple, but they generally have a pinnate cleavage pattern.
types of ferns
asparagus ferns
The asparagus fern, or Asparagus aethiopicus, is also known as the foxtail fern in the northern hemisphere. It is a species that originates from South Africa. It is grown as a houseplant in cool climates or as an ornamental plant in urban gardens or in pots outside in warm and temperate climates.
monkey tail fern
The Matteuccina Struthiopteris fern or monkey tail fern is one of the varieties of edible ferns. They are very popular in Canada and their consumption is mainly in April and May. This type of fern will grow in wetlands, near lakes and streams. When its shoots are collected, it should be recognized very well because some are not edible, for example the cinnamon fern, which has a much more yellowish cover.
The shoots of this fern are usually consumed raw, blanched to be served in salads. They can also be prepared boiled, steamed, in soups, stews, fried or baked.
java fern
The java fern belongs to the polypodiaceae family that has more than 60 different genera. Microsorum is a genus within this family that will include at least 50 species of tropical ferns. The most popular species within this genus is known as the java fern.
Its origin is in Southeast Asia and it is basically a jungle plant that will grow on rocks, soil and around trees near waterfalls. It also grows in rain forests, like a grass. Its growth is possible both submerged and partially submerged.
fern Boston
the fern Boston is of the genre nephrolepsiswhich at the same time is part of the family polypodiaceae. This is a very popular fern in domestic cultivation. It will stand out for its long branches that arise directly from the ground and are crossed by a variety of small leaves on both sides. This causes shapes to be generated that are reminiscent of a spear or sword with a downward curve.
The green of its leaves is homogeneous, dark and elegant. Its growth occurs mainly on the horizontal axis. Its reproduction is by spores, which are found on the underside of the leaves.
Fern care
If you want to have ferns in your home, you must take into account the following care:
1- As a general rule, ferns should not be without light, although it is important that they do not receive direct sunlight, except in some very specific cases.
2- They require constant watering and their pot must have holes for drainage.
3- When there are high temperatures, as it could be in summer or spring, it is recommended to fertilize it lightly.
4- Leaves in poor condition must be removed so that the growth of the fern is favored.
reproduction of ferns
Ferns can be reproduced in three ways. By means of spores, by separation of stolons or by cultivating them in vitro. The first ones mentioned are the most used because they are the simplest.
In case you want to reproduce the ferns by spores, you must wait until they are mature. This can be known when you have a dark collaboration. After this they can be put in a pH soil with 80% humidity. To reproduce it by stolons, they must be carefully removed and planted in soil that meets the same specifications as above.
Are you interested in knowing much more about plants? In Bioguide we prepared a very interesting article about plants and what feng shui says. If you are looking for some plants that you can have on a balcony, we recommend another article where you will get 30 excellent options.
Sources: Tropical Nature, Nature, Green Ecology, Gastronomy and Science.