Experienced grower's notes on Ostrich Fern

I've been growing plants seriously for over fifteen years and Ostrich Fern remains a reliable favourite. For anyone starting out: the most critical thing is misting the fronds in dry centrally heated rooms. Everything else follows from that.

frond browning and crisp tips in dry air is the challenge that trips up most beginners and some experienced growers too. I've been growing mine in a hanging basket in a cool bathroom for three seasons now and the results are consistently good. prehistoric elegance with delicate layered fronds is what makes it worth coming back to year after year. spectacular new crozier unfurling in spring is when I show it off — it earns its place fully then.