Reaching tiptop of up to 6 foot tall and producing curling , feathery frond , ostrich fern ( Matteuccia struthiopteris ) is a perennial species that thrives in cool , shaded areas . It requires minimal maintenance and care , and is rarely bothered by pest or diseases . The fern often distribute , forming impenetrable colonies when planted in ideal growing conditions .
Choose a Shady Site
Ostrich fern is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 7 , where it prefers partial and full spook . A wooded area , the north side of a construction or a shady riverbank or pond side are ideal locations for the plant . It does safe in naturally cool climates and suffers when develop in humid , southern U.S. part . Because each ostrich fern can grow 5 to 8 feet panoptic , leave at least 5 substructure of space between each fern and other plants . Transplant an ostrich fern by dig it up carefully in early spring , impart flock of room around its cap — where its above - ground and below - ground division join — to avoid disturbing its roots . Replant the fern so that soil completely encloses its solution clod , but do n’t place the fern so deeply that soil aim in its center , from which its frond or stems grow ; soil in that location may cause rot .
Add Organic Material to Soil
Ostrich fern tolerates a wide variety of soil type , though it calculate its best in well - draining soil generously enhanced with constitutional affair . If your placement has light , flaxen soil or heavy clay soil , mix a 2 - in - thick layer of constitutional material , such as composted pine bark , with the top 10 inches of the stain before planting . Rather than just mixing the organic matter into each planting maw , mix the material into the whole planting bed so that water does n’t fill the hole and have theme damage to the plants .
Water Regularly
urine oftentimes — at least once each week unless it rain down — to keep each ostrich fern ’s soil moist at all times . Do not allow the soil to dry out completely ; err on the side of too wet rather than too dry because ostrich fern tolerates wet soil . Applying a 2- to 3 - inch - thick bed of organic matter such as leaves or pine shuck on the grime surface — but not touching the plants — in spring and capitulation aid retain wet in the ground . In a wooded area , the ferns experience some natural mulch from fallen leaves and evergreen plant phonograph needle .
Fertilize Sparingly
Ferns are sensitive to plant food , though they can profit from a light software in spring , right on after their new frond begin to go forth . employ a control - liberation , granular , 14 - 14 - 14 fertilizer , spreading 1/8 cup of it uniformly on the soil Earth’s surface per 10 square feet , avoiding getting it on the fern and other plants . Till it into the top 1/2 to 1 inch of the soil very light if you could avoid damaging the fern ' base or rhizome . memory board fresh fertiliser in a cool , dry home away from children and pets .
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