The habit of many ferns, especially Leucophyllum, is to grow in neat clumps, not to unlike small trees in the forest. Well within this clump in the summer the ferns develop what is known as a rhizome which horizontalises into the ground. Where two or more roots undertake the process of rhizome and foliage, they are known as sympodial plants. Where only one long vertical shoot grows, it is considered a clump forming plant.
The definition of the term sympodial is one that occurs horizontally on a stem. The term is not specific of course, but refers generally to plants that grow on a non-verity tree or shrub and not root below the ground. Sympodial plants do however usually self sow and are very popular in gardens. They are generally much more attractive than clump forming plants and therefore popular choices for this type of gardening.
I will say though, that by choosing a plant that is likely to become a large specimen in the garden, more suitable alternatives are available to the unskilled gardener. One of the many suitable alternatives is the fern. The fern is one of the most popular houseplants and their requirement of constant humidity and very high temperatures, makes them one of the most ideal plants in a tropical garden. They can be provided with a wide range of climatic conditions and require the same kind of care as any other high maintenance houseplant. I say require as much care as any other high maintenance plant because even then they frequently thrive which proves highly unusual given the usual conditions.
The fern is nests of thousands of tiny tracery fiberous roots within the dry plant tissue. These roots form a network that continues over the dry surface of the leaf. Thisanical dampness means that the fern can not tolerate standing water, so as soon as you attempt to water the plant, vast quantities of waterudge the fern from the soil. I say networks because the roots of one fern may be found in a pool of water at the bottom of another very similar fern.
Ferns grown as houseplants or in the garden are quite at home in any climate; the key is moisture. You can not depend upon them to remain perpetually lush. They require the humidity of the sub-tropic to keep their leaves moister than normal, and this is generally a problem in homes as air circulation is restricted, and the pots are then either too wet or too dry.
The leaves of ferns are remarkable in their ability to collect and hold water. When the tree is suspended in a tree, or in a rock garden, you can be sure that plenty of water will be drawn into the roots and foliage of the tree.
Ferns are at their most attractive in shades of red, especially the fan like fungi, and the variegated varieties. They create a wonderful miniature foliage effect that creates a misty, dream like aspect to the tree. And don’t forget the fabulous fallen leaves, fronds, and the fantastic four inch long leaves of the crown and underBrachysettia, and the dozens of tiny bracts, of the Golden Fungus genus.
If you’re growing a fern, then almost anything will do, they are very adaptable. They will, however, be happiest in a fairly moist soil that is also damp. Ferns will not tolerate waterlogged soil or too much moisture on their leaves. They are not particular to what kind of soil you have, but prefer a rich, damp, organic soil that will drain water well. You can buy ferns as young plants in trays, or as mature plants in pots, and by starting with a young plant you can be sure that you will get a fern that is either going to be big, or that you can rely on to be big.
There are ferns for every style that you want in your garden. You can buy them as a carpet, which makes them easier to roll about, and easier to dispose of. You can also grow them as a background plant, which is, of course, what they will do best in. Then, you can choose the best species for your particular garden. There are ferns for all occasions, and they will produce beautiful, year round foliage, and more beautiful blooms. The fern family is huge and there are hundreds of thousands of available fern species that you can grow in your garden. The most popularly grown ferns are English velvet, maidenhair (or maidenhair) ferns, Autumn fern and blood leaf fern.
Maidenhair ferns are ideal ground covers, and are pleasing to the eye.
