Athyrium (Lady Fern)
This genus of ferns consists of 180 species and is found throughout the world. This type of fern is the food source for many different kinds of butterflies and will tolerate drier soil than other ferns.
| Growing Temperature: | 60-70° F Days,
50-60° F nights |
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| Soil pH: | 5.5-6.5 |
| Fertility: | Ferns are light feeders and can be sensitive to fertilization, do not over feed. |
| Pests and Diseases: | Botrytis blight, leaf spots, sooty mold(indoors or South), rusts, damping-off(of prothalli), foliar Rhizoctonia, Pythium.
Applications of a preventative fungicide after planting can be beneficial in reducing risks. |
| Potting and Timing: | Make sure plugs are adequately moist prior to planting. |
| Moisture: | it is important to keep ferns evenly moist and never allow them to fully dry out, but do not allow them to become waterlogged. Like Astilbe, allowing them to wilt could be deadly. Water early in the day to prevent botrytis and foliar diseases. |
| Planting Level: | Plug at soil level, be sure to not plant too deeply to avoid burying any side shoots. |
| PGRs/Pinching: | |
| Lighting: | Provide 50% shade (below 2500 foot candles) for optimum growth, especially in late spring. Too much light produces light green to yellow foliage. Lower light levels produce more lush and dark green foliage. |
3" Plug - Planting Instructions
| Container: | 1 or 2 gallon |
|---|---|
| When to Plant: | Spring or early summer. |
| Finish: | 6-8 weeks 1 gallon
8-10 weeks 2 gallon |
