Osmunda regalis aka Royal Fern

Taxonomy

Osmunda regalis, also known as the royal fern or flowering fern, is a tall, deciduous species native to Europe, Africa, and Asia as well as Missouri in the United States. It typically grows in woodland bogs, on the banks of streams, and along moist bluffs and ledges. This fern is known for its fertile fronds, which give it the nickname of flowering fern. It thrives in medium to wet soils and prefers rich, humusy, and acidic soil types, along with cool summer climates.

Common names

Royal Fern, Flowering Fern, Regal Fern

How to care for Royal Fern

Difficulty

Caring for Royal Fern is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Royal Fern should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Royal Fern loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Royal Fern prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Royal Fern to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Royal Fern should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Royal Fern as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Royal Fern’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Africa, Asia, N. and S. America.


More info:
Wikipedia