How to Grow and Care Peacock Fern
Do you have any ideas about Peacock fern? Well, these ferns are neither true ferns nor true moss. Still, because of their growing patterns and appearances, they are classified as moss ferns.
Their beautiful blue-green colored foliage is a great addition to any garden. If you want to know more about these Peacock ferns, then follow this article.
Here I’ll give you a general idea about these ferns along with their characteristics. Side by side, I’ll share their basic growing requirements and propagating guidelines so that you can easily grow these ferns at your house.
So let’s delve into the topic.
Overview of Peacock Fern
- Botanical name: Selaginella uncinata
- Common name: Peacock fern Rainbow moss, Spikemoss
- Native range: China
- Plant type: moss ferns
- Native habitats: moist wet shady forest,
- Shade requirements: full or partial
- Height: 3 to 5 inches
- Soil pH: acidic, neutral, alkaline
- Temperature: 55°F to 80°F
- Humidity: 55% to 90%
Peacock ferns are beautiful blue-shaded moss ferns that are widely native to China. Their metallic sea green or greenish blue colored foliage takes the eyes off.
They are not fully categorized as ferns or moss. However, because of their growth cycle and appearances they have been classified as moss ferns.
Apart from the common Peacock fern name, these moss ferns have different names like rainbow moss, Spikemoss, or only moss ferns in some areas.
Nonetheless, these plants cannot grow much in height but they can spread their growth widely. It means they can grow horizontally and can fill the whole space within a few weeks.
Because of their growing tendency, they are well-fitted for terrariums. Including terrariums, you can also plant them as indoor plants as a great addition.
Peacock Fern Care and Growing Tips
If you want to grow these moss ferns in your house, then you have to give them their ideal condition. Let’s look at their basic ideal conditions.
Light
In native forests, these moss ferns are usually a low-light plant. Since they are metallic shiny blue-green colored plants, low lighting conditions are the best shaded place to make their colored stay.
So you can place them under a fully shaded place, mostly preferred in low light conditions. there is more chance to have this ferns sunburn due to excessive sun rays.
And because of the excessive sunburn, their beautiful colored foliage will fade away. Usually, North facing windows are best to keep them as indoor plants.
However, if you’re planning to keep them in a terrarium, then you can use artificial LED light inside of the box.
Water
These Peacock ferns are not very fond of drought or dry conditions. They prefer moist and damp conditions in the soil. But that doesn’t mean you will soak the plant into the water.
Although they require more frequent watering than the normal tropical ferns. Still, you need to check the soil conditions before you are about to pour water on it.
If your Peacock ferns are in the terrarium, then you need to be more careful about watering. Just make sure the soil is damp and moist, not too much water. Otherwise, your other tropical plants will suffer.
Soil
Peacock ferns prefer nutrients based soil to thrive. Just make sure the soil is well drained enough so that they can get enough hydration.
For making the high humus soil, you can add coconut coir, perlite, vermiculite, and charcoal in it. All these minerals will increase the soil texture and retain the moisture in the soil as well.
Temperature and humidity
Peacock ferns enjoy 55 to 80°F to thrive. It means they enjoy warmer temperatures rather than cooler ones. Try to hold the temperature at least 50% because they cannot tolerate below this level.
Similarly, these moss ferns also prefer high humidity around themselves. Therefore, 80% humidity is a must for these ferns to grow and thrive.
Discover More About Caring for and Growing Monarch Fern.
Fertilizer
Well, they are not very much needed for fertilizers. However, If you want to use fertilizer, you can use any plant-based fertilizer during spring and summer seasons.
Avoid feeding them in the winter seasons as they don’t require much fertilizer in those times.
Peacock Ferns Propagation: Step-by-Step Guidance
Well, these Peacock ferns mostly have shallow roots. That’s why you can propagate these ferns by both division and stem cutting processes.
Division Process
You can easily grow plenty of new plants by the division of these ferns by their roots.
- During the early springtime, you can dig up the whole plant from the pot.
- For extra protection, just wear a pair of gloves if you’re handling any shovels or scissors.
- Later on, divide the roots from the main plants with any knife or scissors.
- Make sure each side has an equal sort of root.
- Prepare the new potting soil mixture with coco coir, vermiculite, and charcoal. All these will give you well drainage soil.
- Then replant every section into a pot or container.
- Finish the propagation process by giving water to your elegant Peacock ferns.p
Stem Cutting Process
- To use the stem cutting process you need to cut fresh stems of your Peacock fern’s fronds.
- Take a sharp sterilized scissor and cut the fresh healthy fronds of your moss ferns.
- Put the stems in a glass or a jar.
- Pour water into the jar.
- Let the roots grow there for a few days until they grow new roots.
- When they become a little grown up with their new fresh roots, you can plant them in a pot.
- Then follow the normal basic caring routines.
Wrap up
In short, Peacock ferns are the most elegant bluish-green colored ferns that are a great addition to any garden.
You can easily grow and plant these beautiful Peacock moss ferns in your house by providing them with simple basic growing requirements such as lighting, watering, fertilizer, temperature, and humidity.
Similarly, you can also propagate these Peacock ferns by division of the stem-cutting process. Thus, you can grow these charming indoor terrariums in your house very effectively and enhance your garden’s appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ)
- Can these ferns grow outdoors?
-Well, you can grow these Peacock ferns outdoors with a bright indirectly shaded place, adequate temperature, humidity, and watering techniques.
- Can I put these ferns into submerged conditions in an aquarium?
-Well, these Peacock ferns mostly prefer damp, moist conditions. So better you place them in a terrarium. They cannot do well in water.
- Can these ferns tolerate standing water?
-No! They prefer moist and wet soil rather than wet soil conditions.
- Why are my Peacock ferns turning yellow?
-Probably, you’re giving too much water that’s why your fern’s color is fading. Fix your watering technique to give them a thriving life.
