How to Grow and Care for Macho Ferns

Macho ferns are large ferns characterized by bold, bright green fronds that grows up to 3 to 4 feet long, dwarfing other common fern varieties such as Boston ferns and Kimberly queen ferns. Macho ferns thrive in warm, shady conditions with consistent moisture and acidic soil. They are native to Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, and are typically found growing naturally near swamps and other wet sites with high humidity. They grow well both outdoors and indoors.

The best time for planting a macho fern outdoors is in the spring or fall to allow it to get established in moderate temperatures before the summer heat or winter cold sets in.

Macho Fern Care

While they are not particularly delicate ferns, there are some specific care requirements for growingmacho ferns:

• Place macho ferns in bright but indirect sunlight or shade.
• Use airy, acidic soil for macho ferns; avoid heavy soil for this fern.
• Keep soil consistently moist and do not underwater the macho fern.

Warning

The macho fern is a protected species in Florida and it is illegal to harvest these ferns from the wild. Always ensure that you are getting your macho fern from a reputable dealer.

Light

When grown outdoors, macho ferns should be placed in a shady or partly shaded location. They are frequently grown in large planters under covered porches or in the shade of an outdoor patio. Avoid placing these ferns in spots that receive direct sunlight throughout the day, especially the intense afternoon sun, as the delicate fronds burn easily.

Indoors, macho ferns do best in medium to bright indirect light but also tolerate low-light locations. Use a sheer curtain to diffuse harsh sunlight and protect your macho fern from any direct sunlight in your home.

Soil

Macho ferns require moist but well-draining soil that is airy, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic. These ferns are epiphytic, so avoiding heavy soil that will compact around the roots of the plant is extremely important. Consider that macho ferns are often found growing natively near wetlands and swamps when you are picking out the soil for your fern. A mixture of regular potting soil, peat moss or coco coir, perlite, and orchid bark is a good homemade soil mix for macho ferns.

Water

Ensure that the soil around your macho fern stays consistently moist, but not wet. Macho ferns are not drought tolerant so the soil should never be allowed to dry out completely. When grown indoors, macho ferns may need to be watered once or twice a week depending on the temperature.

Temperature and Humidity

Macho ferns grow year-round in USDA zones 9 and 10. They enjoy warm, humid conditions. As other tropical ferns, macho ferns are not frost-tolerant and need to be moved indoors or grown as a houseplant in regions with cold winters.

Fertilizer

Young plants require frequent fertilization and should be fertilized with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once every six weeks throughout the spring and summer. Mature and established macho ferns don’t need to be fertilized as often, and do well with an application of balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once every six months.

Pruning

Gently prune a macho fern when it appears that many fronds are dropping. Cut all fronds back by 2 inches for a refresh and to shape the plant.

Propagating Macho Ferns

Healthy, mature macho ferns are best propagated by division in the spring. To divide a macho fern, take these simple steps:

1. Dig up the plant to expose the rhizomes and roots.
2. Choose a section of the rhizomes and separate them from the main plant. Depending on the rhizome system, you may need to use a sharp knife to cut through some of the rhizomes.
3. Plant the divided clumps in separate containers or at the same depth as the original fern in other locations in your garden. Water thoroughly immediately after planting.

Potting and Repotting Macho Ferns

If you are growing your macho fern in a pot or container, you should be prepared to repot this fern every year or two years depending on its growth rate. Macho ferns tolerate being moderately root-bound but appreciate regular repotting to provide them with extra space. Only move up one pot size every time that you repot your macho fern, and be careful not to break too many of the delicate roots during repotting.

Overwintering

Below USDA zone 9, the fern needs to be overwintered indoors. Any time you are bringing outdoor plants indoors apply a precautionary pest treatment to avoid bringing pests inside. If possible, it is also a good idea to quarantine the plant for at least one to two weeks in an isolated room so that if pests are present they do not spread to any of your other indoor plants.

The fern goes into dormancy during the winter. As it won’t actively grow, it will require less water. Adjust the watering frequency but make sure the soil never dries out.

Common Pests

Ferns grown outdoors are more likely to develop pests or diseases than ferns grown indoors, however, macho ferns are generally pest and disease-free plants. Keep an eye out for some common pests such as mealybugs, scale, aphids, and fern mites. Treat affected plants with rubbing alcohol or insecticide to clear up any infestations.

Common Problems With Macho Ferns

Macho ferns will let you know their state of health by the way their leaves look. Take note of the following signs.

Browning and Crispy Tips

If your plant's frond tips are turning brown and crispy, it usually means the humidity level is too low for the fern. This is common for houseplants during the winter when humidity is low. Mist the plant or place it near a plant humidifier to boost humidity levels.

Yellowing Leaves

Your fern may be overwatered if it is showing yellowing leaves. Overwatered ferns tend to shed their leaves, as well.

Dropping Leaves

The macho fern is notorious for heavy leaf drop. This is normal but it requires constant clean-up. However, the fern may be dropping leaves due to inadequate light or watering.

From: thespruce