Santa Rosa Tropicals Fern Growing Notes


'Holly Fern ' Cyrtomium falcatum
'Holly Fern' is semi-hardy and will withstand light frosts. This fern is used primarily as a landscape fern and is grown almost exclusively in one gallon cans for this purpose. It is quite attractive in a garden setting and can be used where the ground is kept moist. It will survive mild drought conditions but will show severe edge burn on the leaves.
Culture for best commercial production: Light: Okay at low light levels - 750 to 1500 foot candles (65% shade). Will take morning or late afternoon sun in the garden. Temperature: Should be grown between 55º and 80º when possible. It will be ok above 80º but will not look as lush. Survives light garden frost. Feed: Steady, light feed like 100 ppm nitrogen from a slightly acid fertilizer similar to Excel 15-5-15. Very little feed needed when planted in the ground. Water & Potting Mix: Moist not soggy in a well draining mix with some peat. Will not be happy if planted in an area that is continually wet. Pest Control: Relatively pest free! (Does spore somewhat when relatively young. Spores on the underside of the leaves are often mistaken for pests of some kind!) Schedule: Growing times for a one gallon, 22 weeks winter & 16 weeks summer - starting with a Santa Rosa Tropicals plug.