As of last year, this fern had cracked its pot, so I knew I'd have to do something with it before the unfurling of the fronds this spring (in-ground Woodwardias are already unfurling!). A few weeks ago, I picked up a small half-barrel, and yesterday I had the chance to mix up a batch of potting medium. My mix was made from pine bark mulch, large-sized perlite, screened pine/fir bark fines, pumice, and some charcoal. Because this is a gritty mix, I added the screened pine/fir bark fines for moisture retention (instead of peat-moss). I also added a small amount of Osmocote fertilizer. Then I watered and rinsed the mix in the sun, and allowed it to sit overnight.

This morning, I removed the fern from its pot and evaluated the roots.
Back when I first potted the fern, I was working under the false assumption that large rocks in the bottom of the container would increase drainage. I had also incorporated "packing peanuts" to lighten the container. Anyhow, I removed the rocks, then I sliced away the bottom of the root-ball. I trimmed up the sides of the root-ball, too, then I centered the fern in its planter and added in the new mix.

On with the pictorial –
Here are various shots of the fern, the crown, the new mix and barrel, the re-potted fern in my wheelbarrow, and the fern back on the front deck (where it spends the year). I don’t plan on keeping the fern in this barrel for more than two years, but I still lined the barrel with plastic to keep the roots moist and to keep the barrel from collapsing prematurely. I hope these pics are helpful and enjoyable!

Josh

Nice tutorial, thanks for posting!

I was really impressed by the roots, as well. No wonder the pot had cracked.

You're quite welcome, sluice! Thanks for responding. I'll post recovery
pics as soon as the fronds have sufficiently unfurled.

Josh

Pic from this morning -

Lainey

Enjoy!

Josh

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