Giant Chain Fern is the Raid Boss Fern for North America. It’s the biggest in our country, so of course, I had to plant one. Giant Chain Fern seems to be slow growing but I have faith in it. New fronds are delicate and richly textured with a bright green hue, while older ones are a dark green that add a sense of mystery to a place. I like to use these a lot in ‘Secret Garden’ concepts. Grows well in deep shade which is wonderful since I seem to have plenty of that. Takes a good amount of water to get to its full size so I have to hand water mine a few extra times a month to keep it going, particularly in the hot summer months. If you go to Kuruuvunga Springs you’ll literally see one growing with its roots in the water but its crown above the water level, so definitely give it moisture.

Seems to be vulnerable to thrips which cause sections of the fronds to silver and then die back. Treat with horticultural soap or a strong jet of water to remove the thrips.

Calscape