FEATURESTORY
Ferns are a Great Plant for Your Greenhouse
F
erns are relatively easy to grow and
if they are protected from dry air
and temperature extremes they will
have lush green fronds throughout
the year.
Growing Ferns in a Greenhouse
There are a lot of species of tropical and subtrop-
ical ferns and these are best suited for a greenhouse.
There are many species that are native to more tem-
perate climates. These can be grown in a greenhouse
but only if it is kept on the cool side.
Light Needs
Although most ferns grow in moist shady
places like forest fl oors, this does not mean
that they need no light. Their normal situation
in the wild is dappled light, and if the light
level is too low, you will see poor growth
and yellowing fronds. Give them a position
in the greenhouse that gets morning or late
afternoon sun, and keep them away from
strong sunlight, especially during the sum-
mer. Direct sunlight will make them lose their
May 2018
leaves or turn their fronds yellow. Ferns can be kept
in dim light as long as they are given regular breaks
in bright light. They can be given artifi cial light, but
this should be from a fl uorescent strip.
Humidity
Ferns should be given humid conditions and do
well their pots are placed on trays of damp pebbles
or clay granules. They also love being misted at regu-
lar intervals with tepid, water unless the humidity
of the whole room is kept high through the use of a
humidifi er.
10-20 FOOT
KITS AND
CUSTOM
SIZES
LIFETIME
WARRANTY
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