Santa Rosa Tropicals Fern Growing Notes


'Autumn Fern' Dryopteris erythrosora
Hardy fern that gets its common name from the very striking 'Autumn' color of the new growth that comes in the spring. Used primarily in the landscape but is also very good as a 6" pot plant. From Japan and can take full winter conditions. Does well in full morning sun.
Culture for best commercial production: Light: 1200 fc to 2000+ fc. Temperature: 60º to 85º F. Survives temperatures above and below but growth slows. Feed: 100 to 150 ppm on feed (15-5-15) alternating each watering with fresh Water: more ferns are harmed by overwatering than holding back on the water. Water well then allow to almost dry before watering again. Potting Mix: this is often dictated by what is available locally. The key elements are low salts and excellent drainage. Some peat helps to retain fertilizer salts and keep water available to the root hairs. Pest Control: this fern is generally quite pest free. Container: usually grown as a 6" table fern or one gallon container plant. Schedule: (starting with a Santa Rosa Tropicals plug) 4" starter pot - 8 to 12 weeks 6" pot - 12 to 16 weeks from a 4" pot one gallon - 14 to 18 weeks from a 4" pot Pot all year on a regular rotation for year round sales.