Fern ostrich

The ostrich fern is often used for landscaping large areas, for decorating areas around the house, and also by landscape designers. It grows excellently in open space and is not considered capricious in its cultivation and care.

Fern ostrich: description and varieties

Fern ostrich: photo

The common ostrich fern is considered a herbaceous perennial, which can grow up to two meters in height and from one meter in diameter. The root processes of this plant are quite long and creeping, endowed with a black-brown tint and a scaly surface. The stems of the plant are located from the roots in a circle. The fern has a beautiful even shape due to the fact that its stems grow at the same time. The variety of this fern got this name due to the fact that the branches of this plant outwardly look like ostrich feathers. The stems of this plant are spore-bearing and sterile. The barren branches can be up to two meters in height and reach a width of about 20 centimeters, and also have an intense green tint and a dissected-pinnate structure. They form a high outer ring-funnel, in the middle of which, by the month of July, they are not very high, about 50 centimeters, rather strong and dense with a dark shade of frond, which carry sporangia. These stems are endowed with much fewer leaves than sterile ones, although they are able to persist on the bush for several years, and do not fall off in the winter season. In the wild, this species of fern can be seen in mixed forests with high levels of humidity, as well as near various bodies of water. This plant is widely distributed in the Far East and in the European part of Russia, as well as in the territory of Ukraine. In some regions of our country, this fern variety is listed in the Red Book, for example, in the Vologda Oblast, Saratov, Samara and Bryansk.

In the biological characteristics of this fern, two main subspecies are distinguished: eastern and ordinary. Moreover, they are similar in appearance, there are only some differences. Consider these varieties:

• Oriental. This fern species grows in China, Korea and the Sakhalin region. Its structure is the same as that of the common fern: strong and tall stems of the first order, and spore-bearing frond in the middle of a brown shade. But, compared to its relative, this species is slightly shorter in growth, up to about 130 centimeters, with the smallest number of leaves, although the size of these leaves is slightly larger. The main difference of this species is considered to be its less high endurance to adverse weather conditions. This type is required in constant watering and shelter from cold weather and winds. Spore-bearing fronds of this species die off in the winter.
• Ordinary. The main difference between this species is a high level of tolerance to unfavorable climatic conditions and a sufficient unpretentiousness in care. The species is quite fast and has a rate of development, it survives cold weather very well and does not need regular maintenance. The main and only condition of this fern for good growth is constant and sufficient watering. The circle of places of its growth is quite large, all because it feels good on almost any soil, as well as in different weather conditions.This fern species is endowed with strong, tall and powerful fronds of an intense green hue and a large rhizome. This type is most often used for garden decoration and landscaping areas.

Fern ostrich: planting and care

A heterogeneous plant fern ostrich: video

Special requirements for planting the common ostrich fern, as well as for its subsequent care, are not required. When the usual rules are followed, the fern will feel great in completely different areas and delight with its lush leaves of a rich green hue.

Disembarkation date. The planting of shoots with the vegetative method of reproduction is done at the beginning of spring, even before the formation of leaves, or at the very end of the summer period, during sporulation. If this plant is propagated by spores, then the rooted ferns are transplanted into an open space in the spring, when the probability of frost has already disappeared.

Site selection and soil preparation... For growing a heterogeneous plant, the ostrich fern, a sufficiently illuminated area and a shaded area would be a good option. Although you should know the fact that if you grow this fern in an area with strong sunlight, then there will definitely not be a strong growth of stems (in this case, the height will reach only one meter), as well as a bright shade of leaves. A more saturated shade of the leaves of this plant appears when growing in areas with shade and high humidity. When choosing a site for growing this plant, it is necessary to take into account the fact that the roots of the fern grow at a very fast pace, so after one year they can be at a distance of several meters from the main bush.

The best soil for growing this fern is dry and sandy soil. Such a soil will require frequent and regular watering in order to create ideal conditions for the growth of this plant. And this fern has no more requirements for soil. He feels good both on fertile soil, and on infertile, and also with different levels of acidity.

Disembarkation rules. Depending on which method you will propagate this plant, there will be rules for planting it. With the vegetative method, a part of the root system is taken, about 25 centimeters in length, and at least two buds must be present on the shoot. The shoot is planted to an approximate depth of five centimeters, while keeping in mind that the distance from other fern bushes should be at least half a meter.

When growing the common ostrich fern with the help of spores, it is considered a rather difficult process, but most effective. Disputes begin to collect at the end of the summer period and are planted in a peat mixture, disinfected. Moreover, the collected spores do not need to be planted right away, they are perfectly stored for several years. Containers with planted spores are covered with a transparent and strong lid, and left for a while, but periodically watering and airing. After the spores have germinated after a few weeks, this lid can be completely peeled off. The grown plant is dived and transplanted into separate containers. When grown at home, the fern is taken out to the site no earlier than two years later.

This plant should be planted in groups of 5 pieces, observing the distance between them from 45 to 85 centimeters. For planting, it is advised to use a triangular pattern, which is close to the natural growing conditions of the fern. This planting will allow in the subsequent time to reproduce independently vegetatively.

Fern ostrich: photo

This fern variety is not required for laborious and special care.If the landing site fully meets all the requirements of this plant, then with normal and minimal care, the fern will attract the eyes with its rich green and fluffy bushes.

Watering. The most important requirement for this plant is a sufficient level of moisture. This fern requires constant watering in moderation. In very dry soil, or in rather hot weather, the plant should be watered abundantly, and the part of the plant that is above the ground should be sprayed with a rain method.

Top dressing. This fern variety does not require additional feeding, although some growers noted good dynamics when applying periodic mineral and organic fertilizers.

Pruning procedure and preparation for the winter period... The pruning procedure for this plant is absolutely not required. Instead of pruning, the fern is thinned out about once every three years, due to the fact that the plant grows very quickly. It is necessary to remove the extra stems so that the formation of thickets of this plant does not work. Some experienced growers advise limiting fern growth in advance. For this, obstacles of a mechanical nature are used, they enclose the landing site both underground and above the ground.

Fern ostrich rather steadfastly survive low air temperatures, which is why they often do not need actions to prepare for the winter period. If, according to forecasts, the winter period will be rather frosty, then covering material can be used.

Fern ostrich: reproduction

The fern is a representative of very ancient plants that were formed even before the appearance of bees. Therefore, these plants completely lack flowers, and, accordingly, they do not need pollination and seed development.

There are two methods of propagation of this plant:

• Vegetative. This means the separation of part of the root of the plant with buds and shoots.
• Through a dispute. Spores are formed on fronds, which are located in the middle of the rosette. They begin to collect them at the very end of the summer period and plant them in small closed containers, constantly airing and watering. Approximately one to two years after disembarkation, they begin to be transplanted into an open space.

Diseases and pests

Another main quality that the common ostrich fern is endowed with is its high level of immunity to various diseases and infections, as well as to the attack of harmful insects. The most important danger is the thickening of the plantings together with a high level of humidity, since then there is a likelihood of being affected by the fungus. In this case, dark spots appear on the leaves. If you notice this manifestation, then you should remove and burn the infected stems, and treat other unaffected ferns with a fungicide. To avoid infection with a fungus, plants should be treated with copper sulfate in the spring.

Role in landscaping

Fern ostrich: photo

Most often, this fern variety is used to decorate park areas or individual areas. This plant is considered a wonderful decoration for absolutely any composition. It is planted near boulders and stones, as well as on the banks of any body of water. The fern thrives on large and tall flowers such as peonies and iris. When grown in shaded areas, the daylily or hosta can become neighbors of the fern. Often you can see this plant close to early spring flowers, such as daffodils, tulips, and when the fern grows, it very successfully covers the already faded flowers. You should not plant a fern along rather narrow paths, as it grows, it will rather interfere with passing along them.But planting a fern together with low plants that love sunlight (such as petunias, zinnias) is definitely not worth it, since these plants will not receive enough sunlight due to the fern. You should also take into account the fact that the root system of this plant is quite developed and endowed with a fast growth rate. Such a rhizome will simply crush the weakest plants.

Conclusion

The common ostrich fern is considered a rather unpretentious and wonderful plant, which will be an excellent way to decorate absolutely any personal plot and territory. Growing this plant does not require much effort and cost, even beginners in gardening can handle it. This fern is endowed with voluminous, fluffy leaves of a rich green hue and looks great with a huge number of other horticultural crops.