Macho Fern

    Macho Fern - please refer to plant caretag for specific variety information

Nephrolepis biserrata

Features - A perfect fern for landscaping and a must have for any tropical garden. Lush symmetrical upright, erect fern fronds.

Height - Approximately 90 to 120cm (36"-48") in height.

Width - Approximate garden width is 60 to 90cm (24"-36").

Soil and water - Prefers a slightly moist media with good drainage. Allow the top two or three inches of soil to dry out before watering. If you hang this plant outside in the summer, it will need much more water than when it was hanging indoors.

Light requirements - Grow in shade or part sun.

Best use - Ideal fern for large hanging baskets and containers. Works well for landscaping.

Growing tips - Fertilize monthly during the spring and summer and bi-monthly during the winter. The best temperature range for this fern is between 60 and 85 degrees F. Never expose ferns to full sun in summer.

The tropical garden

A tropical garden features tropical plants and requires good rainfall or a decent irrigation or sprinkler system for watering. These gardens typically need fertilizer and heavy mulching.

Tropical gardens are no longer exclusive to tropical areas. Many gardeners in colder climates are adopting the tropical garden design, which is possible through careful choice of plants and flowers. Main features include plants with very large leaves, vegetation that builds in height towards the back of the garden, creating a dense garden. Large plants and small trees hang over the garden, leaving sunlight to hit the ground directly.

The more your local climate differs from the natural habitat of your plants, the more challenging it can be to maintain your tropical garden. Lots of light and lots of water are key elements for success. The large leaves that feature in tropical plants require the soil to be humid at all times, so irrigation is critical depending on the specific varieties in your garden. Although be careful not to over-watering as it will cause the roots to rot.

A tropical plant that is not cold-hardy should be brought indoors during the winter and returned to the garden for the summer.