Green WaveTM is probably the most exciting new fern to enter the foliage ...Read Moremarket in years. Supported by heavy rhizomal growth, this upright Polypodium grows as vigorously as a Nephrolepis and produces a full pot of beautiful wavering fronds. The foliage is dark green, tough and has an unmatched appearance that will satisfy every buyer's hunt for the new and unusual. Green Wave™ is good for 6, 8 or 10 inch pot production. From very mature stock plants, several cut foliage growers are having success providing Green Wave fronds as cut foliage. Catch the Wave!
Soil
Use a well-drained potting mix such as peat, perlite and bark or other similar ingredients. Add dolomite to adjust pH to 5.0 to 6.0.
Light
Green Wave™ will grow well in a broad range of light levels. Maximum shade should be no more than 70%, or about 2000 – 3000 fc (21.0-32.0 klux). Plants will be tall and somewhat soft. At 30% shade levels, i.e., up to 7000 - 8000 fc 75.0-86.0 klux), plants will be compact and hard. The most attractive growth will be achieved at 50 to 60% shade, or 4000 to 6000 fc (43.0-65.0 klux).
Nutrition
Ferns require less nutrients than typical foliage plants and may burn or develop spots if given too much fertilizer. After planting 100 ppm N liquid feed and extra Magnesium should be ample to grow ‘Green Wave’. Use caution with trace elements. In the winter, reduce the rate of N to 50 ppm and apply only once or twice a month. When temperature drops below 70o F (21o C) during the winter, spray plants with calcium nitrate 1-1.5 lb/100 gallons, use less ammonia and urea forms of N. Do not over-fertilize when the plants develop dense foliage.
Diseases
Watch for Botrytis in very moist, cool conditions and Rhizoctonia in the Summer.
Pests
Chewing insects, aphids, scale and mealybugs.
Other
Protect from cooler weather. Keep above 40o F. Do not over water. Excessive moisture can cause the foliage to turn black, a physiological disorder called edema. To avoid this, use very well drained mix and keep humidity below 80%. Use fertilizers with extra Calcium. A foliar spray of Calcium nitrate at 1.5 pounds per 100 gallons can help prevent edema.
Revised 10/05
This fern has the added bonus of a lovely scent that is best detected in the early morning and late evening hours.
A common name for this plant is the Twister Fern
Green WaveTM is probably the most exciting new fern to enter the foliage ...Read More