The Chicken Fern, a captivating houseplant, brings a touch of lush, tropical beauty to any indoor space. Its relatively manageable care makes it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts.
Understanding the Chicken Fern
The plant known as the “Chicken Fern” is scientifically Microsorum scolopendria, also called Wart Fern or Monarch Fern. It earns its common name from its creeping, brownish-black, scaly rhizomes that resemble chicken feet as they grow along the soil surface or climb. This fern displays broad, flat, leathery fronds that are light to dark green and deeply lobed, reaching lengths of 10 to 40 cm and widths up to 35 cm.
Microsorum scolopendria is a rhizomatous perennial fern that can grow as an epiphyte (on other plants) or lithophyte (on rocks) in its natural environment. Its native habitats span tropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, and Polynesia. This fern has a moderate growth rate and can spread indefinitely where conditions are favorable.
Caring for Chicken Ferns
Chicken Ferns thrive in bright, indirect light or partial shade. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the fronds. An eastern or northern-facing window is ideal, providing gentle morning light. Insufficient light can result in slowed growth and mold development on the soil surface.
Consistent moisture is key for this fern; water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering causes root rot, while underwatering leads to crispy or browning foliage. The plant prefers well-draining soil that retains some moisture, such as a mix rich in organic matter, peat moss, perlite, and pine bark.
High humidity levels are preferred by Chicken Ferns. Misting the fronds occasionally or placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water helps increase ambient humidity. The plant thrives in temperatures between 18°C to 28°C (64.5°F to 82.4°F).
During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize the fern every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Newly repotted plants do not require fertilizer for about six months. Repotting is needed every 1-2 years, or when the plant has outgrown its container, moving to a pot that is only slightly larger.
Propagating Chicken Ferns
Propagating Chicken Ferns is done through rhizome division. This involves carefully separating a section of rhizome, ensuring each piece has a few fronds and a portion of the root system attached. The ideal time for division is during the plant’s active growing season, in spring or early summer.
After dividing, plant the rhizome sections into individual pots filled with a fresh, moist, well-draining potting mix. Ensure the rhizome is placed just below the soil surface, with about half a centimeter of soil covering it to retain moisture. New growth should emerge within several weeks.
Addressing Common Chicken Fern Issues
Browning or crispy leaves on a Chicken Fern indicate insufficient humidity or lack of water. Increasing misting frequency, using a pebble tray, or adjusting watering habits to ensure consistent soil moisture helps. If the plant experiences severe dehydration, its fronds may brown and crisp, but established specimens can recover with consistent moisture and indirect light.
Yellowing leaves signal either overwatering or a nutrient deficiency. Overwatering leads to root issues, while a lack of nutrients like nitrogen, iron, or magnesium causes chlorosis. Adjusting watering schedules to allow the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings and providing a balanced fertilizer addresses these concerns.
Chicken Ferns are resilient to pests and diseases. However, they may encounter common issues such as spider mites or mealybugs. Inspecting the plant regularly aids early detection, and organic treatment methods like insecticidal soap can be applied. Stunted growth may result from inadequate light or insufficient nutrients, both resolved by adjusting care practices.