On 6/27/2011 10:54 AM, j wrote:
I've got a north facing shady screened porch (7b Piedmont). I'd like
to hang 6 ferns off that. Not sure what I got, but they are tallish
until they droop over, and are cold hardy. They are root bound in one
gallon pots.



I've got them hanging from the dripline in coconut mat baskets ($3 Wally
World) in a sorta sandy humus/manure mix.


When I broke up the roots it was loaded with nodules. These seemed to
me to storing water.

I've always thought about misting ferns, but now I wonder if they
aren't more like camels storing water for the drought. Load them up and
they can go for a while.

At any rate, it is raining and water is pouring through one of the
planters. Fern stress test in progress.

j


Does it need deep or wide? Can I plant this in mostly peat? I may make
the containers. I have a good bit of 6" wide cypress as well as some old
copper screen and I'm not in the mood to throw $60 or so in pots (though
I may give in). Perhaps fold a basket out of the screen, stuff it with
peat and I'm not sure what else. Hang it on the drip line. Should I be
thinking coconut mat?

Ideas?

jeff