Tongue Fern. This genus of ferns is normally epiphytic in the wild, growing on tree trunks or over rocks. When grown in the garden it prefers a uniformly moist, high organic soil. This fern doesn't have the typical fern leaf that all of us are accustomed to. It has a strap-like leaf up to 12" high with no lobes. It runs across the ground with a hairy stolon very shallowly rooted. It likes very good drainage, but consistent moisture. It makes an excellent pot plant, and does superbly in a wire basket with a fiber lining as long as the soil should drain well. Add a little perlite if necessary. It will also make a deep majestic groundcover if allowed to grow unattended, and it thrives best in complete shade to filtered sun. The container picture is courtesy of Jenks Farmer from plants that he purchased from us. The other pic is courtesy of Longwood Gardens.
Zones 7-10
