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Fern

james.lambjames.lamb Posts: 16
in Problem solving

Hi all. I cut the old browning fonds of my fern too early (pre Christmas) and now there doesn't appear to be any New fonds starting to appear. What should I do, has it died? Thanks in advance.

 image

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 54,029

    It doesn't look like a standard  fern to me. Do you know what it is you actually have James? Is it a tree fern?

    Many varieties of ferns are later anyway, and it will also depend where you live, but  a tree fern is completely different.  

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,218

    Is it a tree fern, James?  And whereabouts in the world are you?  

    It certainly doesn't look very promising, though that small gold coloured curly piece (at 6 o'clock as I look at the photo) might be alive.  Tree ferns need winter protection - wrapping the top in fleece or packing with straw - in most of Britain because they're not fully hardy.  The insulation needs to be kept in place until most frost risk is over; I think you'd expect to see signs of growth by now, unfortunately...

    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,218

    Snap, Fairy...  image

    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • james.lambjames.lamb Posts: 16

    I am Hertfordshire southern U.K. As to what type of fern I am not sure. The fonds are very large when grown.

  • Villaverde123Villaverde123 Posts: 196

    Mine have been slow to come on this year.  Suggest a good watering with a few watering cans full. 

  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,218

    I believe you're supposed to keep the "trunk" moist too, if it is indeed a tree fern - and from what Villaverde says, it would be wise to wait a bit before giving up on it.

    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • Lynda TrivettLynda Trivett Posts: 27

    Very carefully using a soft paint brush brush out the centre. There should be some tightly curled fonds there. If there is water really well, a couple of gallons and fleece it with bubble wrap. It may still grow as in native New Zealand it can survive in minus 18 degrees.

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