Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Monday - October 05, 2009
From: Bay Point, CA
Region: California
Topic: Ferns
Title: Fertilizer for Maidenhair Fern in Bay Point CA
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Is it possible to feed a Maidenhair Fern the same plant food as a African Violet? I use Schultz African Violet Plus.ANSWER:
Since our specialty is plants native not only to North America but to the area in which they are being grown, we don't know much about African violets, which are native to (of course) Africa. Adiantum capillus-veneris (common maidenhair) is native to California and, in fact, is shown as growing in the vicinity of Contra Costa County by this USDA Plant Profile. Ordinarily, we don't consider it necessary to do much fertilizing of plants native to the area, because they are already accustomed to growing in the climate and soil. However, if you are growing them as container plants, they should probably have a yearly application of a 10-20-10 garden food; that is, 10% nitrogen, 20% phosphorus and 10% potassium. We did check on what was recommended for African violets, and they apparently prefer a 20-20-20 plant food, much more frequently applied. All you have to do is read the label of any commercial fertilizer preparation you pick up, and it will tell you what the proportions are. We doubt that the African violet fertilizer you are using now would hurt the maidenhair fern, but don't overdo it!
From the Image Gallery
More Ferns Questions
Poolside plants for East Texas
June 18, 2015 - What are the best plants, shrubs, ornamental trees, etc. for poolside planting in East Texas?
view the full question and answer
Tropical looking plants for pool area in California
November 14, 2008 - I am looking for small tropical looking plants, groundcover, and 2-small trees for around my pool. They have to be non-toxic to dogs,cats, and people. They can't attract bees/wasps, or have a root ...
view the full question and answer
Plants to grow in shady sand in Florida
March 31, 2013 - We live in central Florida (directly between Orlando and Tampa). Our yard is mostly sand for soil and difficult parts in shade almost all day from large trees. What ground cover (grass) and hedges can...
view the full question and answer
Chemical Weed Control in Lady Ferns in North Carolina
August 12, 2014 - Lady Fern (Athyrium filix femina): What herbicide may I use for weeds in a new bed of Lady fern.
view the full question and answer
Pool-side ornamentals for south Louisiana
May 07, 2012 - We live in south Louisiana and are re-doing the plants around our pool. What are some low maintenance, small shrubs (flowering) or other ornamentals that would be good in this area?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |