Content
- The optimal care for a moss fern
- How often should a moss fern be poured?
- What should be considered when repotting a moss fern?
- When and how can the moss fern be cut?
- Which pests can attack a moss fern?
- Is the moss fern prone to disease?
- Should a moss fern be fertilized regularly?
- How should a moss fern be overwintered?
- Tips
Moss fern is neither moss nor fern
The optimal care for a moss fern
The plants of the moss fern family (Selaginellaceae), which are called moss fern or moss fern, look like a mixture of fern and moss, but are not really related to them. However, when it comes to care, the decorative moss ferns have similar needs as many indoor ferns.
How often should a moss fern be poured?
The pase moisture balance is a central criterion in the culture of moss ferns: this may like it on the one hand constantly slightly damp, but waterlogging leaves the roots easy to rot. Therefore, waterlogging should be avoided at all costs, but very often and very little each time. Locations at the window (and over radiators) are generally less suitable for moss ferns. On the other hand, they thrive better if they are cultivated in a discarded aquarium, terrarium or as a plant in the so-called bottle garden. Preferably, spray moss ferns with room-warm water and ensure that the humidity is high when using nearby water bowls or spraying the plant.
What should be considered when repotting a moss fern?
The moss fern does not necessarily grow rapidly, but it should be repotted as soon as its previous plant pot is completely rooted. It should be tolerated a nutrient-rich substrate with good ability to store water. Peat parts in the substrate are generally well tolerated by the moss fern. However, in the lower part of the new plant pot, first fill a drainage layer of gravel or similar materials to avoid dangerous waterlogging at the roots.
When and how can the moss fern be cut?
Due to the stubby habit, pruning is not really necessary. Dried plant parts can easily be cut out at any time. In addition, aerial roots often form on the plant, so that parts of it can be separated particularly easily as an offshoot.
Which pests can attack a moss fern?
If moss ferns are cultivated in the greenhouse, it is not uncommon to see increased snail-eating. This problem can be prevented by a correspondingly increased or otherwise difficult to reach by snails.
Is the moss fern prone to disease?
Although the moss fern is not particularly susceptible to disease, it reacts sensitively to care mistakes. The chosen location should therefore be neither too sunny nor too dark. Due to the high moisture requirement, mold can sometimes form on the surface of the potting soil in the pot.
Should a moss fern be fertilized regularly?
A weakly dosed fertilization can be done with the moss ferns with liquid fertilizer in the irrigation water. But do not overdo it with the fertilizer, as moss ferns can easily easily enter.
How should a moss fern be overwintered?
Moss ferns are not hardy, so they can only be used in summer as a decorative plant in the field. The bright winter quarters should not last as long as possible colder than about 16 degrees Celsius.
Tips
The moss fern is often sold as a so-called "lucky moss" and given away as a lucky charm on New Year's Eve. If he is not protected from the cold in the open air, any attempt of another culture in the house can be doomed to failure right from the start.