weird fern growing in my pleuro

[quiltingwacko]

I brought home a Pleurothallis Cordata about a year ago. Another plant started to grow in the same pot. A strange traveling companion I thought. It appears to be a fern of some sort but I cannot find one like it anywhere. I transplanted it out of the pleuro pot and it continues to grow by leaps. Anyone know what it is? Carol

I also have a Maidenhair fern that popped up in a Bulbophyllum Protractum. Bonus plants.

[Tindomul]

Cool!! I think I have the same fern but I don't recall the name. Its a really big fern.

[quiltingwacko]

I knew someone on the board would know what it is, even if you cannot remember! It is going to be huge I think. Carol

[SOS]

I think that is the scourge of all nurserys. Im constantly trying to wrestle these out of pots. Watch out, if that thing spores around the rest of your plants youre not going to think its too neat anymore.

[Craig Gibbon]

Hi everyone,
Your mystery fern is called Polypodium aureum or teddy bear foot fern. It becomes large and can become a pest in orchid collections, popping up all over the place. But it can become a very impressive speciman when well grown.

Regards,

Craig Gibbon

Johannesburg, South Africa

[trdyl]

Thanks Craig! I was thinking it was a Polypodium but I could not remember which one.

[Duane McDowell]

Polypodium aureum is a truly noxious weed in an orchid collection. It does not tolerate any competition in its pot, including orchids... As lovely as it is, I'd recommend getting it away from your orchids. SOS is exactly right. When it spores, you've got trouble.

[quiltingwacko]

I shall move it away from the orchids. Far away. It has been living with my masdies, restrepias, and pleuros. Thanks so much. Hmmmm, a fern from The Little House Of Horrors. Such an interesting form too, a shame. Carol

[Tindomul]

Polypodium! Ofcourse, yes. That is the exact same one I have. Mine has not spored in many an age though. But its about 4 feet wide and 5 feet tall. Very big indeed.

[Paul]

The Poly I have has been amazingly durable -- the extremely dry air in my apt has not caused it any problem at all.