Also known as Bamboo Fern · 27 gardener saves
Coniogramme: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Coniogramme, the genus most gardeners know as bamboo fern. We track 6 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 6 most-saved Coniogramme varieties
Of 6 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedJapanese Fern
Coniogramme gracilis
#2 most savedJapanese Variegated Fern
Coniogramme japonica 'Variegata'
#3 most savedJapanese Bamboo Fern
Coniogramme japonica 'Johnson Form'
Japanese Bamboo Fern
Coniogramme japonica
Coniogramme affinis Ping Wu
Coniogramme affinis 'Ping Wu'
Golden Zebra Fern
Coniogramme emeiensis 'Golden Zebra'
How to grow Coniogramme
What the Coniogramme varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Coniogramme year
- MulchMarch, April and October100% of varieties
Apply a layer of leaf mold or compost to retain moisture.
- Spring CleanupFebruary100% of varieties
Remove old, brown, or damaged fronds before new growth begins.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October67% of varieties
Plant or transplant in spring after frost or in early fall.
- DivideMarch and September67% of varieties
Divide large, crowded clumps every 3-5 years.
- FertilizeMarch and April50% of varieties
Apply a light, slow-release fertilizer only if soil is poor
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune dead fronds in early spring
- Provide shade during hottest part of day
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
Avoid
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch fronds ❌
- Refrain from over-fertilizing
- Never disturb roots unnecessarily
What goes wrong with Coniogramme
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Curling or yellowing fronds | Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Scale insects | Sticky residue on fronds | Use organic insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting, browning roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Leaf spot | Brown or black spots on fronds | Remove affected leaves and avoid overhead watering |
| Fungal leaf spot | Brown spots on fronds | Apply copper-based fungicide and improve air circulation |
Making more Coniogramme
Division
- Dig up mature plant in early spring
- Separate clumps with a sharp knife
- Replant divisions in shaded, moist soil
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Allow 6 weeks for establishment
Spores
- Collect mature spores from undersides of fronds in late summer.
- Tuck spores into moist soil surface in a shaded container.
- Keep soil moist and cover lightly with plastic.
- Maintain high humidity for 6 weeks until spores germinate.
Coniogramme questions
How many types of Coniogramme are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Coniogramme varieties. The most popular — ranked by 27 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Coniogramme grow in?
Across its varieties, Coniogramme covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Coniogramme bloom?
Most Coniogramme varieties bloom in early spring, mid-summer, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Coniogramme should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Coniogramme shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Coniogramme in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
