Gift that became an obsession — Ostrich Fern

Someone gave me Ostrich Fern as a birthday gift and I barely knew what it was. Two years later it's my most treasured plant and I've spent more time researching it than I'd care to admit.

The key discovery was misting the fronds in dry centrally heated rooms — once that clicked, the plant transformed. exceptional ability to thrive in deep shade is what gets mentioned every time anyone visits. I keep it in a fern wall or vertical garden in a shaded courtyard which works perfectly. spectacular new crozier unfurling in spring is when I understand why this plant has such devoted followers. frond browning and crisp tips in dry air is the one ongoing challenge but it's worth the effort.