Family: Gleicheniaceae
Common Name: Fan or Umbrella Fern

This genus consists of about 100 species of ferns from tropical and southern temperate regions of the world. They have fine, creeping, slender rhizomes, stiff, upright stems and regularly branched fronds, which form a shape like the frame of an umbrella. The simple or lance-shaped leaflets are pale green through to deep green, producing a pretty growth pattern due to the regular branching of the fronds. In frost-prone climates, these ferns are grown in an intermediate greenhouse or conservatory.

Species

S. flabellatus, shiny fan fern, is a native of eastern Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea. The rhizomes are covered in brown scales and the long stems are dark brown to black. the fronds are 1.5 m (5 ft) long and the leaflets are a glossy, dark green on top, paler on the undersides, and have finely serrated margins. This species prefers to be grown in the ground, provided it has ample moisture. It is slow to recover after transplanting.

S. lobatus, spreading fan fern, from the east coast of Australia, has firm rhizomes covered in brown scales. The sturdy stems are glossy brown and the fronds, to 2 m (6 ft) long, are dull green, with paler undersides.

S. tener, silky fan fern, from eastern Australia has a very long, wiry, brown-scaled rhizome and sturdy stems growing to 2 m (6 ft).

Cultivation

Generally grown in pots, these ferns need a large one to allow the long, creeping rhizomes room to spread. Use a fibrous peat mixed with coarse sand and well-rotted leaf mould that drains well. Water regularly, but do not fertilize. As these ferns grow naturally in and along creek beds, they will grow well in the ground provided they are positioned in a damp situation with protection above. Propagation from spores is slow, as is the initial growth rate. However, they can he grown from a length of rhizome containing a few small, young fronds, during the growth period.

Climate

Zone 10.