Marattia

Family. Marathiaceae.

Origin. New Zealand, South Africa.

Description. Marattia is one of the oldest ferns, a large and attractive plant with long, usually triangular, fronds on which are located elongated green shiny leaves. The rhizomes are thick, powerful, creeping or located vertically in the ground. Sporangia are located in 2 rows on the underside of the frond. Young fronds unfold from the base and are covered with attractive pubescence. With age, it can form a short, erect trunk.

Height. Up to 150 – 250 cm, fronds reach a length of 5 m.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Temperate all year round - warm content at temperatures from 18 to 24° C. 

Lighting

Like most ferns, does not tolerate direct sunlight and thrives when grown in partial shade.

Care

Marattia requires warm conditions and high humidity. 

Substrate

Easily grown in slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. A mixture of equal parts of garden soil and peat with the addition of coarse river sand to improve drainage is suitable. 

Feeding

During the growth period, feed every 2 weeks with water-soluble fertilizers. The plant loves organic fertilizers.

Purpose

A very impressive fern, however, it requires a significant area for growth.

Flowering time

Doesn't bloom. 

Air humidity

High. Spray the leaves of the plant with soft water at room temperature or place the pot on a tray with damp pebbles. To increase humidity, you can surround the marattia with a layer of damp sphagnum moss or use a room humidifier. 

Soil moisture

Needs a lot of water during the growing season. Reduce watering slightly in winter, depending on the temperature, but do not dry out the earthen ball under any circumstances - the soil should remain evenly moist all year round.

Transfer

In spring, as it grows or if the soil needs to be changed. Adult specimens develop quite slowly and need to be replanted every 2-3 years.

Reproduction

Marattia spores are sown in the spring on the surface of the soil, lightly pressing with your fingers. Seedlings are covered with glass or a transparent plastic cap to maintain uniform humidity. Shoots appear quickly - within a few days. Vegetative propagation is possible.