What is special about the silver fern?
Symbolism. The silver fern has been accepted as a symbol of New Zealand’s national identity since the 1880s. To Māori, the elegant shape of the fronds stood for strength, stubborn resistance, and enduring power. To Pākehā, the fern symbolised their sense of attachment to their homeland. Kaponga, also known as the Silver fern, silver tree fern, or ponga, is found on the main islands of New Zealand and the Chatham Islands. It absent from the west and south regions of the South Island.The silver fern is an iconic symbol in New Zealand. It is found only within forests in Aotearoa but can also be spotted on our coat of arms, our sports teams, our products, and even our planes. The silver tree fern is a species of medium-sized tree fern, endemic (not found naturally anywhere else) to New Zealand.Fun facts about the silver fern It is widespread and common in the North Island. In the South Island, it occurs in the very north and sparingly along the east coast, but is absent from the west and south. A similar and seemingly closely related species, Cyathea australis, occurs in Australia and Norfolk Island.Alsophila dealbata (synonyms Alsophila tricolor and Cyathea dealbata), commonly known as the silver fern or silver tree-fern, or as ponga /ˈpɒŋə/ or punga /ˈpʌŋə/ (from Māori kaponga or ponga), is a species of medium-sized tree fern, endemic to New Zealand.Alsophila dealbata (synonyms Alsophila tricolor and Cyathea dealbata), commonly known as the silver fern or silver tree-fern, or as ponga /ˈpɒŋə/ or punga /ˈpʌŋə/ (from Māori kaponga or ponga), is a species of medium-sized tree fern, endemic to New Zealand.
What is the silver fern also known as?
Māori name: Ponga, Kaponga, Katote. English name: Silver fern. Scientific name: Cyathea dealbata. NZ Status: Endemic. Cyathea dealbata, also known as the silver tree-fern or silver fern, or as ponga /ˈpɒŋə/ or punga /ˈpʌŋə/ (from Māori kaponga or ponga), is a species of medium-sized tree fern, endemic to New Zealand.Over the last 150 years, the silver fern has evolved from a practical navigational tool for Māori into a recognisable national symbol. Today, it is used in a wide range of contexts, from cultural to military and national sport, to symbolise strength, resilience, and connection to the land.
How to take care of silver fern?
Place your Silver Lace Fern in bright, indirect light, water it once a month with easyplant or let the soil dry between waterings in a regular pot. Keep the environment humid and wipe the fronds regularly to remove dust. Why is my silver lace fern dying? Answer: If your silver lace fern is sad and droopy, it might be getting too much sunlight or too much water. Check if the soil is too wet or if it’s too dry. Move it to a comfy spot with just enough light, and it might perk up!Watering Needs The Silver Lace Fern prefers consistently moist soil. Aim to water the plant when the top layer appears dry but beware of overwatering.Silver Fern Plant Care Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch their delicate fronds. Never move a silver fern from a shaded position to full sun without any acclimation as this can causer serious plant injury. The soil should be consistently moist but well-drained. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.Silver Lady Fern needs 0. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Can you grow a silver fern indoors?
Best Locations For Growing Silver Lace Fern Silver Lace Fern does very well in rooms with medium light and average temperatures of 60° – 75°. These delicate perennials also crave high humidity, 60-90%. A bathroom or kitchen is likely the perfect spot to display this striking evergreen. Frequently Asked Questions about Silver Lace Fern Plant Place your Silver Lace Fern in bright, indirect light, water it once a month with easyplant or let the soil dry between waterings in a regular pot. Keep the environment humid and wipe the fronds regularly to remove dust.Ferns prefer a shaded area and consistently moist soil conditions. Potted ferns will dry out a lot faster in a container versus those planted in the ground. Proper watering is the key to keeping your fern happy and healthy. Too much or too little watering can have adverse effects when it comes to a fern.Ferns are a fantastic choice for indoor plant lovers, thanks to their delicate fronds and the way they bring a touch of the outdoors inside. But as gorgeous as they are, ferns do require some specific care to thrive.Ferns prefer bright, indirect light. A few hours of morning sun or gently filtered light through the cover of trees is the perfect scenario. Avoid direct sunlight that can burn a fern’s more delicate fronds, especially during the hot summer months.
Is the silver fern poisonous?
Traditional uses: The woody fibre of the trunk of silver fern is poisonous, and was used to tip spears (Riley, 1994, Maori Healing and Herbal, Viking Sevenseas). Other parts were used to treat skin problems (Brooker et al. New Zealand Medicinal Plants, Reed). The trunks are useful building material. Pityrogramma calomelanos (L. Link, popularly known as “Silver fern” has significant importance as a medicinal plant used traditionally for its astringent, analgesic, anti-haemorrhagic, anti-hypertensive, anti-pyretic and anthelminthic properties.