Phyllitis Scolopendrium (L.) Newman var. americana Fern. - Plant Description
Phyllitis scolopendrium (L.) Newman var. americana Fern. is a fern species of the family Aspleniaceae and is commonly referred to as American hart's-tongue fern or simply, Hart's tongue. It is a native to North America, specifically the eastern region, including Nova Scotia, down to Miami in Florida.
Appearance
The American Hart's tongue fern has a long elliptical-shaped frond blade that can grow up to 2 feet tall and 4 inches wide. Its color is usually a deep green, and the blade is smooth and leathery in texture with a slightly ruffled edge. The rhizomes are long and creeping, which are produced underground and can spread to form large, dense clumps.
Uses
Phyllitis scolopendrium (L.) Newman var. americana Fern. is commonly used in landscaping to add texture and depth to a garden. They can be grown in containers or in large groups. Some cultivars of the plant are suitable for indoor growing as well. Some native American Indian tribes in the eastern United States have used the plant as a medicinal herb to treat various ailments. It was also once used as a heart and lung tonic.
Overall, the American Hart's tongue fern is a valuable addition to any garden or collection. Its unique appearance and ease of care make it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts and landscapers alike.
Light Requirements
Phyllitis scolopendrium (L.) Newman var. americana Fern prefers partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but excessive exposure to the sun can result in leaf scorch and stunted growth. It is recommended to grow this plant under the canopy of taller trees or in areas where it can receive filtered light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Phyllitis scolopendrium (L.) Newman var. americana Fern growth is between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as -5°C (23°F) and as high as 25°C (77°F), but these extreme temperatures can affect the plant's growth rate, resulting in slow growth and poor overall health.
Soil Requirements
This plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil containing high organic matter content. The ideal soil pH range for Phyllitis scolopendrium (L.) Newman var. americana Fern is between 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to promote healthy growth. It is recommended to add organic matter to the soil, such as compost or leaf mold, to improve soil structure and water retention.
Cultivation methods
Phyllitis scolopendrium (L.) Newman var. americana Fern. Is an evergreen fern that requires partial shade, preferably in a damp and shaded environment. The plant usually prefers to grow in areas that receive a combination of sunlight and shade throughout the day. The soil should be acidic, well-draining, and rich in organic matter to promote healthy growth.
When planting the fern, dig a hole two to three times the size of its root ball, place the plant in the hole, and refill with a mixture of soil and compost. The fern should be watered thoroughly after planting.
Watering needs
Phyllitis scolopendrium (L.) Newman var. americana Fern. requires moderate watering, and its soil should not dry out between watering. The fern prefers a consistently moist environment. However, it is susceptible to rot if the soil is soggy, so make sure you don't overwater it if you are planting it in a wet area. Water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is less intense.
Fertilization
Phyllitis scolopendrium (L.) Newman var. americana Fern. is not a heavy feeder, and it does not require frequent fertilization. During the growing season, however, the plant benefits from a low-nitrogen fertilizer application every two to three months. Avoid fertilizers with high nitrogen content, which can burn the roots or encourage leafy growth at the expense of frond production. The fern can also benefit from organic matter-rich soil.
Pruning
Phyllitis scolopendrium (L.) Newman var. americana Fern. usually does not require pruning as it has slow growth. However, removing dead fronds can help improve its appearance. Cut the fronds as close to the base of the plant as possible and avoid damaging the remaining foliage. Pruning should be done in the fall or early winter when the plant becomes dormant.
Propagation of Phyllitis Scolopendrium (L.) Newman var. americana Fern.
Phyllitis scolopendrium (L.) Newman var. americana Fern. can be propagated by spores or division. It can also be propagated by rhizomes or transplanted plantlets.
Propagation by Spores
Propagation by spores is the most common method for propagating Phyllitis scolopendrium (L.) Newman var. americana Fern. Spores can be collected from mature fronds and sown in a sterile growing medium. The growing medium should be kept moist until the spores germinate. Once the spores have germinated, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown until they are large enough to be planted in the ground.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division involves dividing the rhizomes of mature plants into small sections. Each section should have its own set of roots and at least one frond. The new sections can be planted in a suitable growing medium and kept moist until they are established. This method is particularly useful for reviving mature plants that have become dense or overgrown.
Propagation by Rhizomes
Propagation by rhizomes involves taking a portion of the plant's underground stem, with roots and a frond attached, and planting it directly in the ground. This method is most successful when the rhizomes are taken from a healthy parent plant which is actively growing. The newly planted rhizome should be kept moist and in a shaded area until it is established.
Propagation by Transplanted Plantlets
Propagation by transplanted plantlets involves removing the tiny plantlets that sometimes grow on mature fronds and planting them in a suitable growing medium. The plantlets should be kept moist and shaded until they are established.
Disease and Pest Management for Phyllitis Scolopendrium (L.) Newman var. Americana Fern.
Phyllitis scolopendrium (L.) Newman var. americana Fern. is a species of fern that belongs to the family Polypodiaceae. This plant is generally free from major diseases and pests, but certain conditions may make it vulnerable to attacks.
Common Pests
Slugs and snails can feed on the leaves and cause damage. To manage them, handpicking or placing traps around the plant can be effective. Additionally, copper tape can be placed around the plant to create a barrier and ward off the pests.
Spider mites and aphids can also infest the plant and suck the sap, leading to yellowing and distortion of the leaves. Insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays can be used to manage these pests.
Common Diseases
The plant might be susceptible to root rot, especially when grown in poorly drained soil or overwatered. To manage it, ensure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering the plant. If root rot occurs, remove the infected parts, and repot the plant in a clean pot with fresh soil.
Leaf spots can also occur due to fungal attacks. The affected leaves may have brown or grayish spots that can reduce the plant's aesthetic value. To manage this, remove the infected leaves and ensure the plant has adequate spacing for proper air circulation and avoid watering the plant from above to minimize wetting of the leaves, which can facilitate fungal growth.
Scale insects can also attack the plant leading to sooty mold growth on the leaves. Use a soft-bristled brush or cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove the scales from the plant. Avoid overfertilizing the plant, which can promote scale insect attacks.
Conclusion
Phyllitis scolopendrium (L.) Newman var. americana Fern. is generally resistant to major diseases and pests, but certain conditions can make it vulnerable to attacks. By following the management practices listed above, gardeners can limit the potential for damage, ensuring their plants remain healthy and blooming.
