Is a macho fern the same as a Boston fern?
Is a macho fern the same as a Boston fern?
The primary difference between the two is that a Macho fern is larger than a Boston fern. The Macho fern’s fronds are also larger and have bolder, brighter, and longer leaflets. Boston fern fronds are smaller and have fewer leaflets. They are a shade of blue-green.
How big do macho ferns get?
3-4 ft. tall
These jumbo ferns come by their name honestly.
| Botanical Name | Nephrolepis biserrata |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Macho fern, broad sword fern |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 3-4 ft. tall, 6 ft. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Partial, shade |
How much sun do macho ferns need?
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.
Do macho ferns take sun?
Light: A Macho fern needs light shade for best growth; too much sun can scorch the fronds and slow overall growth. Indoors, give it a spot that gets bright, filtered light– a few feet from a lightly curtained, west- or south-facing window is ideal.
What is the hardiest fern?
How to Grow and Care for Hardy Ferns
| Hardy Fern | Conditions | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Fern Dryopteris erythrosora | Evergreen Fern | 15-24″ |
| Japanese Painted Fern Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’ | Deciduous Fern | 12-15″ |
| Maidenhair Spleenwort Asplenium trichomanes | Evergreen Fern | 4-7″ |
| Hart’s Tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium | Evergreen Fern | 24-30″ |
What temperature can a fern be outside?
They grow best when temperatures reach no higher than 75 degrees during the day and 65 degrees at night. A temperature of 95 degrees or higher may kill a Boston fern. Outdoors they should be placed in a sheltered spot where the temperature does not get this hot.
What is the lowest temperature a macho fern can tolerate?
Macho ferns cannot tolerate temperatures below the freezing point, neither will they like temperatures above 95°F (35°C). What is this? If you live in cooler climates, you will have to overwinter your Macho fern indoors or in a protected greenhouse environment.
Do macho ferns spread?
It’s easy to propagate macho ferns, which spread readily, given their invasive habit. This can be done in two ways: Simply pull out a clump of the fern, with a little bit of the rhizome attached to it. This clump can then be planted in a container with potting mix, or outside, after which, the rhizome gives off roots.
How often should I water macho ferns?
Macho Fern Indoors (Nephrolepis falcata)
- Plant Feed. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly.
- Watering. Water every 5 to 7 days depending on light and temperature. Keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy.
- Soil. All-purpose potting mix.
- Basic Care Summary. Keep soil evenly moist.
What temperature 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.
What is the easiest fern to grow outdoors?
Kimberly Queen Fern They’re also easy to grow outside, where they’re hardy in Zones 9-11 and grow to 3′ tall and 4′ wide. They prefer shade to part sun in the garden; plant them in well-drained soil and keep them moist. Fertilize a couple of times a year, if you wish, but these ferns don’t need a lot of plant food.
What type of ferns are perennials?
Perennial Ferns
- AUTUMN BRILLIANCE. Lovely deep green fronds; fiddleheads and fronds emerge copper colored; great woodland and shade garden plant; keep evenly moist.
- CHRISTMAS.
- CINNAMON.
- DIXIE WOOD.
- GHOST.
- JAPANESE HOLLY.
- JAPANESE PAINTED.
- JAPANESE TASSEL.
What is a macho fern plant?
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.
How much light does a macho fern need?
If you are going to keep your macho fern inside, you’ll want to give it a medium amount of light. This means that it should not be placed in direct sunlight. If you are going to plant it outside, it should have a good amount of shade.
What is wrong with my macho ferns?
The macho fern is susceptible to a few different diseases, including leaf tip burn. This is caused by over-fertilization and presents as brown frond tips. There is also a disease called nematodes, which causes the foliage of the plant to wilt and die.
How do you make Macho ferns grow faster?
If you want your macho fern to grow larger and faster, you can fertilize more frequently. Or you can add a little a timed-release fertilizer when you buy the plant to fertilize it all season long. Prune your macho fern to remove old, faded fronds.