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Old 01-05-2008, 02:16 AM posted to uk.rec.gardening
Dave Poole Dave Poole is offline
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First recorded activity by GardenBanter: Jan 2004
Location: Torquay S. Devon
Posts: 478
Default can anyone identify this fern?

On Apr 29, 4:06 pm, hazchem wrote:
I bought some ferns from Lidl.They have large leaves that are glaucous
(blue-green). Remind me in shape of a miniature Philodendron selloum
(Split Leaf or Tree Philodendron) leaf. I have no idea of how to look
after this fern.


This would be Phlebodium (Polypodium) aureum - an impressive,
vigorous, tropical, epiphytic fern that seems to be offered with
increasing frequency nowadays. In time it develops a stout, creeping
rhizome from which arise large, deeply incised pinnate fronds to
nearly 1m. long, although around 60cms. seems to be the norm in
containerised plants. It grows along the surface of compost and is
best seen in a hanging basket or shallow pot. Periodically, it can
suddenly lose all of its leaves, usually just before or immediately
after the resumption of new growth and in this way it resembles it
close relative; Polypodium.

This species loves warmth, humidity and bright light but not direct
sun. Keep evenly moist (very brief periods of dryness are only barely
tolerated especially by young plants) and apply half-strength seaweed
based fertiliser about every 14 - 21 days in summer, reducing to every
4 - 6 weeks in winter. Large specimens can be placed out of doors in
wind-sheltered light shade during the warmest months, but when minimum
night temperatures begin to drop below 8C they should be brought back
inside.

Phlebodium is not especially demanding in terms of special composts
and will do well in a general, multi-purpose compost to which a small
amount of additional sharp sand or perlite has been added to improve
drainage and aeration.

HTH