Ostrich fern

Ostrich fern Care

Matteuccia struthiopteris

What is the plant

Matteuccia is a genus of ferns with one species: Matteuccia struthiopteris. The species epithet struthiopteris comes from Ancient Greek words στρουθίων "ostrich" and πτερίς "fern".

Matteuccia struthiopteris, commonly called ostrich fern, is a clump-forming, upright to arching, rhizomatous, deciduous fern which typically grows 2-3' tall in cultivation, but may reach 6' tall in moist, cool climates in the wild. The showy parts of this fern are the finely dissected, medium green, vegetative (sterile) fronds which, as the common name suggests, exhibit the feathery appearance of long ostrich plumes. Genus name honors Carlo Matteucci (1800-1863), Italian physicist.

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

5°C - 15°C

Hardiness zone

min 2a

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water frequently - at least once each week unless it rains - to keep each ostrich fern's soil moist at all times. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely; err on the side of too wet rather than too dry because ostrich fern tolerates wet soil.
Fertilizer
Ferns are sensitive to fertilizer, though they can benefit from a light application in spring, right after their new fronds begin to emerge. Use a controlled-release, granular, 14-14-14 fertilizer, spreading 1/8 cup of it uniformly on the soil surface per 10 square feet, avoiding getting it on the ferns.
Sunlight
Choose a place in part shade to full shade.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
Ostrich fern tolerates a wide variety of soil types, though it looks its best in well-draining soil generously enhanced with organic matter. Applying a 2- to 3-inch-thick layer of organic matter such as leaves or pine straw on the soil surface - but not touching the plants - in spring and fall helps retain moisture in the soil.
Temperature
This fern can be grown in the areas with the lowest winter temperatures of −40°C (−40°F).
Popularity
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