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.. Needs shade. 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
