The Macho Fern (also known as the Giant Sword Fern or Broad Sword Fern) is originally from Australia and is the big brother of the Emarld Queen Fern. It has an upright growth habit and sword-shaped fronds. The Macho Fern works well in a container or as a floor plant. Your customer may like the fact that its leaves will grow large and dominate an indoor space. Macho Ferns are great indoor plants and can live several years if cared for properly.
General Growing Tips For Your Rooted Cutting Liner
For best results with Macho , we recommend using a well-drained loamy, acidic soil with a constant feed program of 150-200 ppm N. Maintain a pH between 5 - 5.5. Keep the soil evenly moist, but don't allow it to be come saturated for a long period of time. Try to water early in the morning as the temperature is still rising. Avoid watering in the middle of the day when the sun is high as this could damage the fronds.
Pinching
Ferns do not require pinching.
Spacing
Space pots as needed to allow air flow and penetration of light between plants.
Height Control
Plant growth regulators are not recommended for Boston Ferns.
Pests
Brown scales, caterpillars, and whiteflies are the biggest pest problems for Macho .
Disease
Ferns are not prone to many diseases, but watch for botrytis while the days are short. This grey rot is usually associated with wet or humid conditions. You can prevent botrytis by allowing the plant to dry out between waterings, allowing for good airflow in your greenhouse, and spacing to allow the sun to penetrate to the soil level. The most common chemicals used to treat botrytis are Medallion and Banrot. Use them as a drench according to each label’s instructions.
Planting Macho Liners
- We recommend planting one plant per 4 inch pot or gallon. Use a well-drained soil in your pots and plant your starter plants deep, allowing the ellepot to be completely covered by the soil. Planting one established 4” pot per larger container should produce a full product in 8-10 weeks.
- Pinching is not necessary.
Rooted Cuttings
Cuttings vary in size between different plant families. These rooted starter plants will arrive ready to be transplanted in to your final container. If they are to be used in a landscape application, you will need to establish them in a 4 inch pot or an 1801 before planting outside.
Fern Macho Fern Quick Reference Guide
| 4 Inch crop time | 6-8 Weeks |
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| 10 Inch crop time | 8-10 Weeks from 4 Inch
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| Habit | Upright |
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| Height | 24-36 Inches |
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| Light | Shade |
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| Minimum Temp | 60 |
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| Perennial Zone | 8b-11 |
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| Water Needs | Moderate |
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