Cheilanthes cultivation

[Lawrence]

Had a fabulous day at Sumdays AGS show at Bakewell, and was very impressed with the standard of the exhibits, and thought the ferns looked particularly good. Aberconwy had a very good selection for sale, so treated myself to some Cheilanthes, having never grown them before could someone suggest a good growing medium

[Tim Ingram]

I've grown these in the past in a mix of ericaceous compost and sand, about equal parts. The sand aids the wetting of the compost and the nutrition levels are low. This worked well for C. eatonii given care with the watering (less rather than more!). They come quite well from spores. Beautiful ferns! Would like to know what success some people have with them outdoors in the garden?

[Robert]

I am having a good degree of success growing California dryland ferns in a very gritty soil mix; about 70% volcanic grit, 20% sand, 10% organic matter. This includes Cheilanthus gracillima, as well as various Pellaea species, Pentagramma triangularis, and Aspidotis densum. In general, I do not let them go dormant in the pots during the summer - so I keep them watered. I also do water them a bit the first year in the ground. Once they are established they are 100% xeric and need no irrigation at all, however they do go dormant during the summer and disappear - except for the Pellaea and Cheilanthus. The Pellaea are tough growing in full sun and taking much drought and heat during the summer.