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New ferns - potting conditions

JoshCJoshC Posts: 14
edited August 2020 in Plants
Hello all,

Today I purchased a new fern (Dryopteris) that is already quite established, at about 35cm high, and I’m wondering what the best soil conditions it should be in are? I purchased a large pot for it, and have peat free organic compost. I’ll also put it in the place in the garden that is shady from 10am. Is there anything else I need to do to ensure it’s happy? Do I need to shower the root ball in water first etc? 

I also have another one that is much smaller at around 10cm and this will go straight in the ground next to our large ash tree. 

I’m new to planting, and haven’t had much luck in pots recently hence the basic questions :)

Thank you! 

Posts

  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    Are you sure it is a tree fern? The one most grown is Dicksonia. If it is a tree fern then have a look at Kelways Nursery website as they grow loads of tree ferns and give good advice.
  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    I think @bertrand-mabel is right, Dryopteris is not a tree fern to my knowledge.  We have several varieties of Dryopteris in pots.  They are in full shade, but perhaps get half an hour of sun at the beginning or end of the day.  I water them once a day, twice if it is very hot although that's rare, and I give them a liquid feed once a week.  I tend to cut them back hard at the start of Spring, as the foliage is usually a bit messy by then.

  • JoshCJoshC Posts: 14
    Ah, my bad it’s not actually a tree fern! I was looking at them, but didn’t get it in the end.

    Thanks KeenOnGreen, will bear in mind to cut back in spring!
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719


    Got a bit lost on this ...could see no mention of tree fern ..Dickinsonia
    by cartercjosh.

    When ever buying a new plant it is always good practise to pop the pot in a bucket of water for 10 mins or longer. Give the roots a good soak.If you have a shady spot in the garden it will be quite happy in the ground...or repot into a new pot. If in a pot make sure to water it regularly.

    There are many different Dryopteris...all super ferns.... can be deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen ferns.

    If deciduous the old fronds die back in winter...they can look tatty.
    In spring do as recommended and cut off these old fronds...being careful not to damage the new fronds which will be tightly curled up in the centre. 

    Ferns are wonderful and should be more popular. Enjoy.
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
    edited August 2020
    I've had a couple for about 3 years. Both in pots. Multi purpose with John Innes no 3. I cut all of the previous year's growth off in February (being careful not the damage the new knuckles and ones that have started to unfurl). Mine get sun for about 3/4 hours per day in summer. I replenish the bottom few inches of the compost each spring. They seem happy. I water them a few times per week in summer (trying not to get the centre too wet) and they get a feed every week in spring and summer.

    Pics (I put the scissors there for scale!)




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