Several weeks ago, I bought a couple of pitiful looking kangaroo paw ferns off the clearance rack. They were three bucks each, marked down from either $15 or $20, I don't remember. They both had plenty of healthy looking rhizomes, but each one only had two or three leaves that looked like this large one:
I watered them daily, but they showed no sign of improving.
The label identified them as "Microsorum diversifolium", which, although a synonym and not the accepted scientific name, reminded me of the Java fern (Microsorum pteropus) in my aquariums (which will grow very well emersed), plus the rhizomes appear similar, so I decided to "keep their feet wet" by putting their pots in deep saucers kept filled with water. That's when they really took off, sprouting numerous leaves all over!
Now I read, according to the information on this site, the potting mix should be "well drained" to prevent root rot. Really?
They seem to love being kept in water and are doing so much better, but should I take them out now that they've been "jump-started"? Had I not read the "well drained" bit, I wouldn't be concerned since they're doing so well. Maybe they like a wet season, when they grow profusely, then like to be drained for a rest period? Does anyone have experience and/or know a lot about this fern? Some help, here, please.
Radly
