Ferns differ from seed plants in reproducing by spores. However they also differ from spore-producing bryophytes in that, like seed plants, they are Polysporangiophytes, their sporophytes branching and producing many sporangia.

The key difference between bryophytes and ferns is that the bryophytes are nonvascular plants while ferns are vascular plants. In simple words, bryophytes lack xylem and phloem while xylem and phloem are present in ferns. Furthermore, bryophytes do not have true leaves while ferns have true leaves.

Bryophytes lack true roots, stems, and leaves. �� They have single celled root-like structures called rhizoids, and have leaf-like appendages that are capable of photosynthesis. �� Bryophytes are non-vascular plants because they lack true water and nutrient-conducting tissue (xylem and phloem).

16 Fabulous Indoor and Outdoor Ferns

• Boston Fern. Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata), with their arching branches, are perfect for hanging baskets on porches.
• Maidenhair Fern.
• Silver Brake Fern.
• Lemon Button Fern.
• Ostrich Fern.
• Japanese Painted Fern.
• Cinnamon Fern.
• Kimberly Queen Fern.

Lifespan of fern depends on the species. Some types of ferns can live up to 100 years.

Ferns are unique in land plants in having two separate living structures, so the ferny plant that we see out in the bush produces spores, and those spores, when they are released, don’t grow straight back into a new ferny plant. They grow into a little tiny plant that we call a gametophyte.

Ferns are perennial plants, those that live for many years. Annual plants are the ones you have to replant every year.

Sunlight. A limited number of ferns tolerate full sunlight; however, frequent watering and consistently moist soil is critical. Sun-tolerant ferns include cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) which reaches heights of 24 to 36 inches and grows in USDA zones 2 through 10.

The Eight Most Sun Tolerant Types of Ferns

• Osmunda Ferns. There are three species of ferns within the genus Osmunda.
• Athyrium Ferns. Within the Athyrium genus you will find the Lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina).
• Ostrich Fern.
• Dryopteris Ferns.
• Florida Shield Fern.
• Desert Setting Ferns.

Most ferns grow best in full or dappled shade. Adequate shade will produce lush, dark green foliage. We recommend 65% to 75% shade, depending on your location.

They not only tolerate sun but can easily cope with high heat and humidity. This slow to moderate running fern is deciduous, disappearing in winter.

Ferns like moist soil, but not wet or soggy. Dry soil can cause wilting and eventual drying out, while wet soil causes yellowing and may result in root rot. When temperatures are above 75 degrees Fahrenheit you may have to water frequently to keep the soil moist to touch.

Light. Although most ferns grow in moist, shady places like forest floors, this does not mean that they need no light. Give your ferns a position near a window that gets morning or late afternoon sun, and keep the ferns away from strong sunlight, especially during the summer.

Most ferns spread quickly, and some grow quite large. Know their habits, sizes, and spreads before planting. Ferns generally require rich, moist soil with extra organic matter, but some prefer drier, less fertile soil.

He refers to these plants with the capability to wage chemical warfare as “natural killers.” Walnut trees, pine trees, ferns and sunflowers are among the plants that release harmful chemicals to prevent other plants from growing too close to them. “The roots exude a toxin that kills native plants.”

The most effective way to kill ferns is to remove them — and their spores — to the city compost heap. Cut them back as they begin growing to short-stop spore production. The cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, raises one central, cinnamon-colored frond full of spores.

Roundup which is more commonly known as Glyphosate is an herbicide used to treat invasive plants. These kill the rhizomes as well as the fronds of invasive ferns in turn getting rid of them.

Most ferns like an evenly moist soil with regular waterings. Allowing the soil to dry out between waterings stresses these plants. Bushy ferns can be difficult to water. Try using a watering can with a long spout to direct the water to the center of the plant.

Most ferns like to be potbound. Ferns have shallow roots, so a shallow pot is preferred. Most ferns should be kept moist but none should be allowed to stand in water or to endure soggy soil. Supply enough water to thoroughly penetrate the soil and allow the excess to drain away.

Container grown ferns can be planted throughout the year, with the optimum time being spring or early autumn. Autumn is a particular good time to plant ferns into soil which is likely to get dry in the summer. Plant to the same level of soil as in the pot. Many crown-forming ferns do not like to be planted too deeply.

Heucheras, hellebores and pachysandra are a few plants that keep their color and shape throughout the year. One of the favorite shade loving perennials is ferns. Ferns come in all sizes from the royal fern with its grand height to the arborvitae fern creeping along the ground.

When transplanting ferns, be sure to dig up the entire clump, getting as much soil with it as possible. Spring is also the ideal time to divide any large clumps of fern that you might have in the garden. After digging up the clump, cut the root ball or pull apart the fibrous roots and then replant elsewhere.