The Breadfruit fern commonly called the Toyo fern originates in the tropical Americas and the Caribbean, and belongs to the Polypodiaceae family. It has creeping rhizomes with brown hairy scales and stalks with shiny dark green foilage that resembles the shape of breadfruit leaves ‒ hence the name. Like the Rabbit Foot fern, it is better to grow the Breadfruit fern in hanging baskets or large plant pots as the hairy rhizome will often creep down the sides making a ball of green foilage.
The Breadfruit fern grows well in Guyana, the Caribbean and Florida. It is very popular in Barbados and can be seen adorning the ceilings of hotels and the roofs of patios, giving them the tropical look.
These ferns are easy to grow and like to be planted in bright, indirect sunlight or under a shade tree in a mixture of potting soil and coconut fibre dust. Water the fern thoroughly as it likes to be moist. Fertilize with Miracle Gro Plant Food once every fortnight.
Maybe you would like to grow your own hanging basket with this fern. How about trying it? Until next week, happy gardening!
