Indoor plants have gained immense popularity in recent years, not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for the numerous health benefits they provide. If you’re looking to add a touch of freshness to your home or office, consider growing the delightful and easy-to-care-for Pako Fern (also known as the Edible Fern or Vegetable Fern).
With its lacy fronds and vibrant green foliage, this fern is not only visually appealing but also edible, making it a versatile addition to any plant lover’s collection. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps of growing and caring for Pako Fern, allowing you to enjoy the beauty and taste of this remarkable plant.
Contents
What is Pako fern?
Pako ferns are a type of fern that originated near New Zealand some 200 million years ago. To survive in their environment they had to develop a unique ability to extract nitrogen from the air and make it their nutrient. Ever since these plants have been referred to as “self-fertilizing” plants because they use nutrients from the air for their benefit rather than drawing them from the soil.
For this reason, they are also referred to as Pako fern, air potato, and water fern. The name “Pakos” comes from the New Zealand Polynesian name for the plant, which translates to “air potato”. Pako ferns are the perfect plants for people who love gardening but just don’t have enough space or time to grow their food. They are low-maintenance plants that don’t require a lot of work to grow properly.
Understanding Pako Fern
The Pako Fern (Diplazium esculentum) is a popular choice among plant enthusiasts due to its unique features and adaptability. Native to Southeast Asia, this perennial fern thrives in tropical and subtropical regions but can also be grown indoors in cooler climates.
It is widely cultivated for its young fronds, which are harvested and consumed as a vegetable in many Asian cuisines. Pako Ferns are also appreciated for their air-purifying qualities, making them an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality.
Choosing the Right Location
Pako Ferns prefer bright, indirect light, making them suitable for locations near windows or areas with filtered sunlight. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as it can scorch their delicate fronds. When growing Pako Ferns indoors, select a spot that mimics their natural habitat with high humidity levels, such as a bathroom or kitchen.
Potting and Soil
Select a pot that has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, as Pako Ferns thrive in moist but well-draining soil. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil works well for these ferns. The ideal soil pH for Pako Ferns ranges from slightly acidic to neutral (around 6.0-7.0).
Watering and Humidity
Maintaining adequate moisture is crucial for the growth of Pako Ferns. Water the plant regularly, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mist the fronds regularly to enhance humidity levels, especially in drier environments or during the winter months when indoor heating can cause the air to become dry.
Temperature and Environment
Pako Ferns thrive in temperatures between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C), making them adaptable to most indoor environments. They can tolerate slightly lower temperatures for short periods, but prolonged exposure to cold drafts or freezing temperatures can harm the plant. If you’re growing Pako Ferns outdoors, choose a shaded area protected from strong winds.
Fertilization
Feed your Pako Fern with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging, as over-fertilization can damage the plant. During the dormant period (fall and winter), reduce or halt fertilization.
Watering Pako ferns properly
Watering Pako ferns regularly is not particularly difficult but it can be tedious. It is best to water the plant near the top of the soil, approximately 2 inches down. This will allow the water to soak into the soil while minimizing the amount of water that flows out through the bottom. Be sure to water the leaves thoroughly, as they act as a natural water filtration system.
It is best to place the Pako fronds in one area and let them wilt then move them out of the way so that they can dry out and then return them to their original spot. This will provide adequate light for them to begin photosynthesis again and ensure that they are healthy.
Pruning and Propagation
To maintain the attractive appearance of your Pako Fern, regularly remove any damaged or discolored fronds. Pruning also helps promote new growth. The plant can be propagated through spores or division. Spores require careful handling and specific conditions for successful germination.
Division is a more straightforward method where the fern clump is carefully separated into smaller sections, each with its own set of roots.
Nutrition of Pako ferns for human health
Pako leaves, Pako vegetables or Pako ferns are nutritious, low-calorie plants that can help facilitate a healthy lifestyle. They contain more vitamins and minerals than most vegetables and have a high content of fiber. This fiber acts as a natural cleaning agent for our bodies, helping to regulate the bowels, digestive system, and immune system
Poko fern contains toxic compounds, such as pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA), which can cause liver damage and have been implicated in acute renal failure. The fern is used for several medicinal purposes. The leaves are consumed to treat diseases like jaundice, acne, and cataracts.
Pakos are also one of the few plants that have been used to treat diabetes as it lowers insulin resistance. It is used in the treatment of diarrhea, asthma, tuberculosis, and intestinal gas as well. In addition to their medicinal purposes, they are also high in protein and make a wonderful addition to any meal. They can be served with just about any type of meat or fish; however, they are particularly popular in Asian cuisine.
Best 8 nutretions of pako fern
- Pako fern is a type of plant which you can grow in water.
- It is low in calories but contains high levels of vitamin c, so it’s good for people who are dieting
- This type of plant grows fast because the roots have access to plenty of nutrients and oxygen from the water
- The Pako fern isn’t a fern, it’s a shrub
- It is also known as the dragon tongue plant because of its long roots that resemble tongues
- The fruit of this plant can also be eaten apart from being cooked and used as a substitute for meat because of its protein value
- The leaves contain oxalic acid which helps grow healthy nails, teeth, and bones
- The leaf extract is sometimes used to treat infections on the skin
Conclusion
Pako Fern, also known as the Filleting Palm, is a versatile palm whose core purpose is to produce edible Pako ferns. It’s one of the easiest palms to grow and maintain. The fruits are highly prized in many parts of East Asia and can be enjoyed fresh or dried for culinary use.
In this article, we will examine how to propagate Pako ferns indoors, how they need to be cared for when growing them outside, as well as some of their nutritional benefits. The Pako fern is a great houseplant, not only because it’s easy to grow but also because it can change your life.
If you choose to grow this plant and look after it properly, you will be helping to promote better health and wellness in your home and body. As the old saying goes: “Healthy plants equal healthy people”, so go forth and grow some Pako ferns today!
