The wood lady fern sets beautiful contrasts in your garden even without flowers. The undemanding fern prefers to be in the shade, but it does not tolerate drought.
If you also want fresh green in shady places, you are on the safe side with the forest lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina). The robust and delicate plants have survived on earth for 400 million years and can therefore be equated with the sequoia as a living fossil. With its lush green, feathery fronds, the wood lady fern has long since conquered a permanent place in the natural garden. If a few care instructions are followed, the plant will last for many years and become a focal point in your garden.Forest Lady Fern - Origin
The forest lady fern is counted among the eyelash ferns. This plant species is native to the entire northern hemisphere. Isolated stocks are also found in South America. The Wood Lady Fern is found in deciduous and coniferous forests.
In the past, botanists assumed that the lady fern was the female counterpart of the supposedly male male fern. Hence the name lady fern.
| Forest Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femin) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | arched, expansive, clump-forming |
| Growth: | 50 - 90 cm |
| Growth: | 60 - 80 cm |
| Special Features: | undemanding, robust, very hardy |
| Location: | Penumbral shade to full shade |
| Floor: | fresh, well-drained, rich in humus, acidic to moderately acidic |
Plant Lady Fern
Find the right location
The wood lady fern feels at home in shady to partially shaded areas of the garden. You can breathe new life into drab patches in the garden. The ideal location is under trees or in the company of grasses. The edges of streams and ponds can also be loosened up and designed attractively with the plant. A natural biotope is created, which attracts many animals.
Ideal planting neighbors of the lady fern are:
- Funkie
- Tablesheet
- Silver Candle
- Goat's Beard
- Early bloomer
- Autumn Cyclamen
Selecting the ideal substrate
The Wood Lady Fern does best in moist, humus-rich soil. An acidic substrate is ideal.
» Tip: An acidic substrate is low in lime and the pH of the soil is well below 7.
An acidic soil environment can be promoted by mixing in pine needles, sawdust or oak leaves.
Planting lady ferns - when and how?
The Wood Lady Fern is planted in Spring. The plant can be placed under trees and shrubs or grow in crevices. For this purpose, the substrate is filled into the gap and watered well. Once the earth has settled, the fern can be planted in the gap. After planting, the forest lady fern should be watered well. Moisture can be better retained in the soil if a layer of mulch is spread over the planting site.
Forest lady fern - cultivation in the pot
Placed in a bucket, the forest lady fern can brighten up the picture on shady balconies or terraces. When planting, ensure a humus-rich substrate. Potted plants have an increased need for moisture and nutrients compared to outdoor plants. It should be watered regularly and fertilizing is recommended during the growing season.
Forest lady fern as a houseplant
The lady fern can also draw attention to the flower window. A place in the conservatory is ideal. However, the fern does not feel comfortable on a sunny south-facing window. Therefore, opt for west- or east-facing window seats.
Regular spraying can help to ensure that the lady fern does not suffer from dry heating air.
» Tip: Use lime-free water for spraying, preferably rainwater.
Watering the houseplant requires a bit of finesse. The root ball should be kept evenly moist. Drought is tolerated just as little as waterlogging.
It is advantageous to dive the Lady Fern weekly. The plant pot is placed in a container with water until no more air bubbles rise. The plant pot should then drain well to avoid waterlogging.
Regular application of fertilizer is also important for cultivation as a houseplant. Fertilize every two weeks during the growth phase with conventional houseplant fertilizer.
» Caution: The Wood Lady Fern only needs half the amount of fertilizer indicated on the packaging.
Watering Lady Fern correctly
The soil of the plants should not dry out. During a hot and dry summer, the Wood Lady Fern needs regular watering. Waterlogging is not tolerated, so the condition of the soil should be checked before watering. The soil should dry out slightly, but never dry out.
Fertilize the Lady Fern properly
If the Wood Lady Fern is planted outdoors, spring is the best time for fertilization. Compost or horn shavings can be incorporated into the substrate. This can be combined with the planting of the fern. Mineral fertilizers are less suitable for the care of the lady fern.
Pruning Lady Fern - yes or no?
The Wood Lady Fern should not be cut off. If the fronds are trimmed, they will not sprout again during the current growing season. If the plant seems to have grown too large at its current location, it is better to divide the rhizome and let the fresh green color liven up another shady area in the garden.
Propagating Wood Lady Fern
As already mentioned, the plant can easily be propagated by division. This can happen in spring or autumn.
Dividing Wood Lady Fern - step by step
- Dig up Forest Ladyfern
- Remove rhizome from substrate
- remove dead or diseased plant parts
- Split the rhizome with a sharp spade
- at least one shoot bud should be preserved
- In case of division, plant out sections directly in spring
- If dividing in autumn, place sections in pots and overwinter frost-free
Detect diseases and pests
Diseases and pests are not a big problem for the Wood Lady Fern. However, if the plant is damaged by a wrong location, the unsuitable substrate or watering errors, it will be weakened and thus more susceptible to pests.
Scab bugs, spider mites or fungus gnats can occur. A tincture of water, soft soap and alcohol can help against scale insects and spider mites. One tablespoon of each of the substances mentioned is added to one liter of water. The plant is sprayed several times with the mixture. If an infestation with fungus gnats is noticed, it has proven useful to attach commercially available yellow signs.
Winter Lady Fern
In late autumn, the Scots Lady Fern sheds its fronds and retreats into its rhizome for hibernation. become at the same timealready formed the fronds for next spring. These can be seen if you look closely. The fronds are curled and surrounded by chaff scales.
The rhizome should be covered with foliage. Additional winter protection is usually not necessary. So that the plant does not dry out, you should also water on frost-free days.