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Leather fern is grouped into the Polypodiaceae family, the genus classified by the Italian, Giuseppe Raddi, who specialized in the flora of Brazil. All species are native to the southern hemisphere. Like so many other ferns it has been repeatedly regrouped due to the fact that these plants, as with all ferns, do not flower and therefore lack the reproductive structures upon which nomenclature and classification system is based. This fern’s common name, leather leaf, refers to its ability to resist wilting, which has made it a valuable commodity among commercial florists.
Leather ferns are excellent combinations for shade gardens to cover up the legs of upright Elegans Splendor Camellia, or mixed with the lighter variegated clusters of contrasting sedges: Fox Red Curly Sedge and Variegated Japanese Sedge. Also stunning with Black Bamboo and Jack Spratt New Zealand Flax.
Leatherleaf fern is a common green in floral arrangements because of its fine foliage, easy availability in all seasons, and long-lived lush look in a vase. It is also an excellent plant to grow as a specimen, border or ground cover plant, particularly in the shady areas of your landscape. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, a leather leaf fern can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide. You can plant this fern any time of year.
How to Care for Leatherleaf fern
Like other foliage, leatherleaf fern needs minimal care
- Does not need to be refrigerated.
- Recut at least 1 cm off each stem and place in water immediately.
- A preservative is optional.
- Replace vase water with fresh water every second day.
Caring for cut leather fern doesn’t that much work like the flowers, you can read more of how to care for cut foliage and cut flowers here
How to plant Leatherleaf fern
1. Locate a good area to plant a leatherleaf fern. It grows well in the shade, though dappled light or some morning sun is OK. Avoid areas with sea spray, because it does not tolerate salt. Provide each fern with at least 18 to 24 inches of space to grow.
2. Work the soil with a tiller, garden fork or spade, turning it approximately 8 to 12 inches deep in an area that is about 12 inches in diameter.
3. Incorporate 3 or 4 inches of leaf mold, created by decaying leaves, into the soil, working the organic matter into the soil with a trowel or garden fork. Leatherleaf ferns prefer soil that contains leaf mold, according to the University of Florida, although other organic matter such as compost could be used instead. Otherwise, the plant tolerates most types of soil.
4. Dig a hole in the amended soil that will allow you to plant the fern at the same depth at which it is planted in its nursery container.
5. Take the leatherleaf fern out of its pot, slicing the nursery container with a knife or squeezing it out. Place the fern into the prepared hole, backfilling it with the removed amended soil until it is at the same depth as it was planted in the pot. Water the fern with 1 inch of water after planting.
The great value of this Fern is its ability to hold its deep green color and frond integrity under less-than-ideal circumstances. Works great as a cover-up for slab foundations or under low windows. Combine with annual flowers and group under clusters of Palm or beneath overhead shade structures, atriums and even in baskets. Best in north exposures inland but does stand up well to heat.
