Drynaria bonii / Dwarf Basket Fern

The first six photos are of the plant for sale. Shipped in a 4" pot. The last four photos are of the mother plant, NFS. 

     Basket Ferns get their name from the dried, persistent fronds that the plants make in such a multitude that an old clump resembles a wicker basket. This ‘basket’ is used as a way to catch leaf litter and debris, which then decomposes within the plant itself and provides nutrients to the fern. They grow as epiphytes in nature and reside high in tree canopies along with Staghorn Ferns and orchids. 

     Drynaria bonii is one of the more adorable and elusive basket ferns. While the fertile fronds can reach a foot long, the infertile shield fronds max out at two inches in height. It is quite prolific in producing shield fronds and quickly forms a basket, whether mounted or in a pot.

     This species does go dormant in the colder months and will shed its green fertile fronds. Of course, the shield fronds will persist during that time. At that point it is important to let the plant fully dry out between waterings. When it sends out new fertile fronds in the spring, water and fertilize it regularly to support more growth. It needs good airflow and temperatures over 45F to survive. Overall it is an easy epiphyte with minimal care needed.