Resurrection Fern

14 years ago

In the early summer, I found a piece of fallen bark which had some resurrection fern growing along it.

I've placed it beside my a/c drip line, and so it keeps green as long as there is moisture getting to it.

What I would like to know is, will this fern, which curls up and looks dead in the absence of moisture, stay alive on that strip of oak bark when I water it?

These ferns can lie dormant and brown but when it rains, once again unfurl green short fronds all along the bark of old live oak trees. The section I salvaged from the street might need to have more bark or maybe some other nutrient. Could I keep it alive for any extended period of time on its original bark, or must I let it have a new surface?

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Comments (5)

greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
14 years ago
It will eventually need a new surface or media into which the roots can grow.
My Resurrection ferns are leafed out right now...very nice while they're around.

Josh
penfold2
14 years ago
I recently bought this fern from a seller who collected it after a storm had dislodged it. I simply cut the bark into strips and tied them to a piece of wood with heavy fishing line. I water and lightly fertilize it every day. I don't know if the fertilizer is necessary, but I use it since I'm already fertilizing my other plants. I've only had it a few weeks now, but it's already putting out new fronds, so it seems to be doing very well.

{{gwi:616740}}

I also mounted some of the remaining bits on cork bark with some sphagnum moss and live moss. I think I see a couple new fronds on it, but it's not much to look at yet.
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greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
14 years ago
That is awesome!
Wow, I've never seen such a cool set up!

Josh
penfold2
14 years ago
Thanks, Josh!

I love epiphytic ferns, and this seems to be a pretty natural and easy method for growing this one. I'm really happy with the way it turned out.
User
Original Author
14 years ago
It is inspirational, that's for sure. I did not expect much of the one I saved, just curious as to keeping one. Now, I will be looking for a better branch to use for its next home.
I had been keeping the original experiment next to the a/c condensate drip bowl, where it got plenty of moisture. And it stayed green constantly.