Currently on the hunt for an Australian tree fern, I’m also enjoying the unfurling of these ostrich ferns, reaching out from their fiddlehead origins to release their feathery carriage in full effect. Backed by the brilliance of the spring sun, these are just ending the reign of their fiddlehead phase and entering the start of their imperial ostrich stance. If given enough light, water and nutrients, they will reach four to five feet in statuesque height. In full-sun, the water requirements are high if you want them to last beyond July, so I’ve updated our soaker hose set-up to provide ample moisture. Fingers are crossed.
As for that elusive Australian tree fern, I’m starting to see several sites that supposedly supply them, but they are in the $30-60 range for a small specimen. I don’t mind beginning with a small size, and it’s actually better for moving purposes as younger plants are typically more adaptable to older ones who may have become too cozy in their climate-controlled hot-houses. That price tag is up there, though, particularly given that I’m not sure our living room will provide hospitable habitat. I’d rather take the risk with a lower price point, but as these things usually go I will likely bite the bullet and plunk the green stuff down now for the promise and hope of greener stuff to come.
