Keep in mind that plants can often adapt to less than ideal conditions. For instance, most ferns will tolerate more sun when they are kept evenly moist. The leaves of ferns are called fronds. The tightly rolled buds that emerge from the ground and unfold are called fiddleheads. Deciduous or Evergreen Ferns that die back to the ground at the end of each season are called deciduous.
Evergreen ferns keep their fronds from year to year.
Fertile Blades Some ferns will send up a brown encrusted spike called a fertile blade. This frond is part of the fern's reproductive effort, like seeds on other plants. They are often used in dried arrangements, though they can be removed if you find them unattractive. Acid Humus Humus is soil with lots of organic matter, usually decaying plant material. Acid is a measure of the soil pH. Neutral soil has a pH of around 7.