GrowinG ferns in containers
Any fern can be grown in a container, but they will require extra care in order to produce a fresh-looking show of foliage for a long period. “A fern can last in the same pot for three years, but after that it will need to be moved into a bigger pot or planted out,” says grower Steven. His advice is to feed every fortnight while they are in growth, applying a half- strength general liquid plant food. He recommends potting ferns into containers of equal parts multi-purpose compost and soil-based compost, such as John Innes No. 3. This mix is suitable for most ferns. One British native that will grow reliably in containers is Asplenium scolopendrium, the hart’s tongue fern. This is an epiphytic fern producing pea-green fronds, which are shaped like a spearhead, in spring. “The smaller the container, the more the plant will need water,” says Steven. “Never let them dry out because they can die back. The plant can regrow, but it will have to start again from scratch.”