Hanging basket ferns

Two of the most popular outdoor hanging basket ferns are Rabbit Foot and Toyo which can be used along the patio. Recently, I saw some hanging baskets of these ferns, which were well grown with luscious green leaves.

Rabbit Foot is the common name for Davallia, which originated in Fiji. It derived its common name from its hairy, creeping rhizomes that resemble rabbits’ feet and because of the

creeping habit of its dark green foliage along the rhizomes.

Rabbit Foot fern is a florist’s favourite and it is often used in fresh floral arrangements.

Breadfruit fern commonly called Toyo originated in tropical America and the Caribbean. Like the Rabbit Foot fern it is best grown in hanging baskets as its hairy rhizomes will often creep down the sides making a ball of green foliage.

These two ferns are very popular in Trinidad and Barbados and can often be seen adorning the ceilings and patios of hotels. Here in Guyana they are also popular and are planted outdoors around houses.

These two ferns are very easy to grow and like to be planted in bright light, but not necessarily direct sunlight, in a mixture of potting soil and coconut fibre dust. Ferns like moisture, so make

sure you give them a good drink of water daily and fertilise with Miracle Gro All Purpose Plant Food once every two weeks. Hanging baskets of ferns often add to your decor.

Meanwhile, Poinsettias are here ushering in the Christmas season.

Until next week, Happy Gardening.