Tassel Ferns - rare and coveted.

A couple of weeks ago we had a call from one of Jamie Durie's team members who had been ringing all over Melbourne trying to get a particular plant to use in their display at Design Expo. She had almost given up trying but apparently Jamie had insisted that he "had to have them" for the display. That's when we got the the call, and just by fluke, we had got our annual delivery in just 3 days before ! The plants are called Tassel Ferns and not only are they rare, they are extrordinarily beautiful.

Tassel ferns date back millions of years according to fossil records. They belong to the Family Lycopodiacae in which  there are only 200 species worldwide. Some of those belong to the genus Huperzia which comprises terrestrial species and a unique group of epiphytes that are known as Tassel Ferns. The exact number of Australian species is difficult to determine as little research has been carried out but there are about 17.

An epiphyte is a plant that grows above the ground, supported nonparasitically by another plant or object, and deriving its nutrients and water from rain, the air, dust, etc.

These ferns grow on trees or rocks and are found mostly in rainforest or in moist situations in other forests. Many occur at high altitudes on trees covered with mosses and other epiphytes such as basket and bird's nest ferns.

Tassel ferns make great hanging basket plants and are ideal for greenhouses. In northern Australia the hardier varieties can be grown in outdoor tropical gardens under suitable conditions if their natural growing environment is copied. In Melbourne they would be need to be treated as an indoor or warm greenhouse plant. They need air movement, humidity and light for growth but should be protected from wind and direct sunlight or they will scorch.

The ferns will not survive in soil and suitable potting mixes must be chunky and be very free draining. The water almost come out the bottom of the pot as soon as you start watering. You need lots of aeration around the roots yet retain some moisture for the plants use. A mixture of blonde peat, various grades of treated pine bark (which is what is in many potting mixes) and charcoal of has been found suitable. Granulated styrene can also be included for aeration, and dolomite lime may be added to adjust the pH to around 6.5.

Watering should not be overdone as they like to be kept on the dry side of moist but not wet. Obviously they need more water in summer than winter. Water in the morning so growing medium can dry out before nightfall as this will reduce the incidence of stem and root rot. If rot does occur, a systemic spray can be used.

Other problems that can occur include snails and slugs eating tips of young shoots (probably possums too). Another insect called fern scale do also do damage and will eventually kill the plant if not eradicated. These little fellas look like desiccated coconut scattered on the stems and fronds, causing yellowing of the stem around where they are feeding. You need to control these as soon as possible by removing badly affected stems and binning or burning them (not putting in compost). Then treat the plant with the appropriate pesticide every 10 days until the pest is eradicated. Painting neem oil on with a brush may be a more natural alternative. Even when the pest is destroyed, the scale covering can sometimes remain visible on the stem.

Fertilise at regular intervals during spring and summer with half strength applications of liquid fertiliser such as fish emulsion and seaweed extract and soluable fertilsers that do not have a really high nitrogen content. Slow release fertilisers with trace elements can also be included in the feed program.

Like all things hard to find, you will pay a fair bit more for a tassel fern, but I guess that's why weeds are free. Propagation is not always easy, and very few growers are producing these wonderful and historically significant plants. We have plants ranging from $45 up to $140. I know that seems a lot, but do keep in mind that the smallest ones have taken the grower over 4 years to grow.

Comments

[Paul Hangartner]

That sounds like a really nice plant.

Can it be grown in Auckland and do you know where I could buy it ?

Thanks

[James]

Paul, you will need to contact a fern specialist as they are the most likely to be growing them. If you give them the right conditions, I see no reason why they shouldn't be able to be grown in NZ.

[R.Statton]

Thanks for a wonderfully informative site. I wish I had found you years ago. A friend grew a massive tassel fern at the entrance to her home and used old cattle dung for fertilizer. Mine died. I recently purchased two Tassel ferns and want them to thrive (but will leave the dung out,)thanks again

Granny Grey

[angela frizzell]

I recently bought a tassel fern at Robina on the Gold Coast QLD for just under $25.It has 9 short stems and 9 longer stems over 60cms. The long stems have started to (plait) if that is what its called. The tag states that it was propagated in Mackay in 2006. Cheers Angie