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Macho ferns are popular houseplants known for their large, feathery fronds. To care for macho ferns, place them in a location with bright, indirect light. Water them regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soaked. Mist the leaves occasionally to increase humidity. Fertilize the ferns every two to four weeks during the growing season. Prune any dead or yellowing fronds to maintain the plant’s appearance. Keep an eye out for pests such as mealybugs and scale insects, and treat them promptly if necessary. Overall, macho ferns require consistent moisture and attention to thrive indoors.
If you are fond of growing ferns and have enough space, then you should definitely consider adding Macho fern (Nephrolepsis biserrta ‘Macho’) to your garden or indoor environment. This evergreen tropical fern can grow outdoors throughout the year in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 to 10, either in a pot or in the ground, and can also thrive indoors as a large houseplant in any region. Its sword-shaped fronds can grow up to 4 feet long, and the entire plant can reach up to 6 feet in width. Macho fern requires care similar to most ferns such as partial shade, moist soil, and periodic extra care.
Light and Soil Requirements for Macho Ferns
Macho ferns require partial shade for optimal growth, as too much sun can scorch their fronds and slow down their growth. For those grown in the ground, the best location for Macho ferns is under tall trees that provide shifting shade throughout the day. For potted ferns, keep them on a covered porch or beneath a building overhang, where they are mostly shaded and receive only a bit of morning or late-afternoon sun.
For those grown indoors, place the Macho fern in a spot with bright, filtered light, a few feet from a lightly curtained, west- or south-facing window. Avoid exposing the plant to direct mid-day sun, which can burn its foliage.
Macho ferns can grow in any type of garden soil, including sandy or rocky soils, and can tolerate poor drainage or even flooding for short periods, provided the flooding water is fresh and not brackish or salt-laden. They do best when the top layer of soil is rich in organic material, such as humus. You can increase your soil’s organic content by spreading 1 or 2 inches of humus, which is available at garden centers, under the plant each spring when new growth begins.
Tip
If you grow Macho ferns in containers, avoid using garden soil because it can harbor insect eggs and disease organisms. Always use commercial potting soil.
Watering and Fertilizing Macho Ferns
Macho ferns do not tolerate dryness well, as a period of drought can cause their foliage to dry and might even permanently damage the plant. To keep the plant healthy, make sure its soil is evenly moist, adding water whenever the top of the soil is dry to the touch. For those grown in containers, use pots with at least one drainage hole and allow the pot to drain fully when watering. Never let it stand in a water-filled saucer.
Macho ferns prefer a humid environment, and frequent misting can be beneficial, whether they are grown outdoors or indoors as houseplants. It also helps to keep the plant’s pot in a pebble-filled saucer or tray, with water added to just below the pebble tops. This is especially useful when growing in a dry indoor environment.
Tip
If your indoor-grown Macho fern looks pale, with light green foliage, move it to a shady, sheltered spot outdoors for rejuvenation during the summer.
To promote growth in a Macho fern, fertilize it with a water-soluble 20-20-20 formula, diluted at half strength or 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water. Fertilize a new plant every four to six weeks, beginning in the spring, and an established plant once a year in the spring. Only fertilize when the soil is moist to avoid damaging the roots. If the tips of the fern’s fronds begin to brown, check the soil for a buildup of fertilizer salts and leach the soil by flooding it with water.
To prevent fungal problems, maintain even soil moisture and avoid wetting the foliage. If a fungal disease develops, discard the plant. Pest problems are rare, but inspect plants for signs of insects and avoid purchasing infested plants. Scale insects can be controlled by hand-picking them, while mealybugs can be treated with insecticidal soap. Macho ferns do not require regular pruning, but trimming away damaged or dry fronds can help maintain the plant’s appearance. Protect potted ferns from freezing temperatures by moving them to a warm location or covering them with a light cloth. For ferns in the ground, cover them with a cloth or hang lighted lamps on larger fronds to provide warmth.
FAQ
1. How often should I water my Macho Fern?
Macho Ferns require regular watering to thrive. During the growing season, which is typically spring and summer, you should water your fern about once or twice a week. However, it’s important to ensure that the soil doesn’t become waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. To check if your fern needs watering, you can stick your finger about an inch into the soil – if it feels dry, then it’s time to water. During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, you can reduce the frequency of watering to once every two to three weeks.
2. What kind of light does a Macho Fern need?
Macho Ferns prefer bright, indirect light. They thrive in locations where they receive bright, filtered light but are shielded from direct sunlight. Placing your fern near a north or east-facing window is usually ideal. If you notice that the fronds are turning yellow or brown, it may indicate that the fern is receiving too much direct sunlight. On the other hand, if the fronds are pale green or stretching towards the light source, it may indicate that the fern needs more light.
3. How do I fertilize my Macho Fern?
To keep your Macho Fern healthy and thriving, it’s recommended to fertilize it every two to four weeks during the growing season. You can use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Avoid applying fertilizer to dry soil, as it may cause root burn. Instead, water the fern thoroughly before applying the fertilizer. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for the correct dosage. During the dormant season, you can reduce the frequency of fertilizing to once every two months.