Origin and Common Names
Polypodium vulgare L. var. commune Milde, commonly known as the Common Polypody or Rock Polypody, is a fern species that belongs to the Polypodiaceae family. The plant is native to Europe, Asia, and North America.
General Appearance
The Common Polypody has a unique appearance, with fronds that can grow up to 40cm long. The plant is known for its distinctive green color, with the fronds having a leathery texture and a glossy surface. The fronds grow in an irregular pattern and have a broad, triangular shape. The plant also has a dark, scaly rhizome that grows along the ground and helps it to anchor to rocks and other surfaces.
Uses
Polypodium vulgare L. var. commune Milde has several medicinal and culinary uses. The plant is believed to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It is used to treat respiratory problems, skin conditions, and stomach ailments. In traditional Chinese medicine, the plant is used to enhance fertility and treat infertility. The roots have a sweet and bitter taste and can be used to make a tea that is consumed as a digestive aid or a general tonic.
Light Requirements
Polypodium vulgare L. var. commune Milde typically grows in areas where it can receive partial to full shade. It thrives well in understory conditions, where it can receive dappled light that is not too intense.
Temperature Requirements
The plant has a preference for cool and damp environments. The ideal temperature for growth is between 10 and 24°C. In hot and dry conditions, the plant will go dormant to conserve energy until the favorable conditions return.
Soil Requirements
Polypodium vulgare L. var. commune Milde grows well in a variety of soil types. However, it prefers soils that are rich in nutrients and have good drainage. It can tolerate acidic to neutral soils, but it will not do well in highly alkaline soils. To ensure optimal growth, it's advisable to maintain the soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0
Cultivation of Polypodium vulgare L. var. commune Milde
Polypodium vulgare L. var. commune Milde can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It prefers a shady to partially shady location and well-draining soil. If planting outdoors, it is best to choose a spot with high humidity, or you can create a microclimate by planting it in the shade of other plants.
The optimal pH range for the soil is between 5.5 to 7.5. It is best to add organic amendments to the soil, such as compost or peat moss, before planting. The plants should be spaced around 30cm apart from each other when planting.
Watering Needs of Polypodium vulgare L. var. commune Milde
The watering needs of Polypodium vulgare L. var. commune Milde are moderate. It prefers consistently moist soil, but not waterlogged soil that can lead to root rot. Water the plant deeply, and ensure the water has drained well before the next watering. During the winter, you can reduce the frequency of watering and allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to avoid overwatering.
Fertilization of Polypodium vulgare L. var. commune Milde
Fertilizing Polypodium vulgare L. var. commune Milde is not required, but it can benefit from a small amount of slow-release fertilizer once a year in the spring. Be careful not to over-fertilize the plant as this can damage the sensitive root system.
Pruning of Polypodium vulgare L. var. commune Milde
Polypodium vulgare L. var. commune Milde does not require regular pruning. However, you may remove dry or dead fronds to maintain the appearance of the plant. Do not cut the fronds too close to the base of the plant as this can cause damage.
In conclusion, Polypodium vulgare L. var. commune Milde is a relatively low-maintenance plant that requires moderate watering and minimal fertilizer. Providing proper planting techniques and care will ensure a healthy and thriving plant.
Propagation of Polypodium vulgare L. var. commune Milde
Polypodium vulgare L. var. commune Milde, commonly known as common polypody, is a widespread fern found in wooded areas, on rocky outcrops and walls. Propagation of this plant can be done through spores, division, and tissue culture.
Propagation by Spores
Spores are small units of reproduction that can be found in the sori of the plant. The sori, which are the brownish-black bumps found on the underside of the fronds, develop during the summer and fall. Collect the spores when the sori turn brown and begin to dry out. The spores should be carefully collected on a paper or in a small container. The collected spores can be sown on a potting mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand and water carefully with a mist bottle or a spray. Maintain a humid environment around the pot by covering it with a clear plastic bag or glass lid. Over time, gametophyte will emerge, which can then be transplanted into individual pots in a moss-based potting medium.
Propagation by Division
Division is another propagation method that commonly involves physically dividing a mature plant into two or more pieces. Polypody develops a thick rhizome that can be cut into several sections, each with at least one healthy frond and roots. The segments can then be transplanted to their new locations, be sure to keep the soil moist and out of direct sunlight. Once the plant has established itself, it will grow and eventually produce its frond again.
Propagation by Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is the process of cloning plants on a laboratory. Tissue cultures are taken from a sample of the plant's tissue and are placed in sterile conditions on a growing medium. The plant tissue will continue to divide and grow until it forms a new plant that can then be transferred into soil. Tissue culture is a challenging and time-consuming process, but it allows propagating large amounts of plant material in a small amount of space.
Disease Management
Polypodium vulgare L. var. commune Milde, or the common polypody, is a relatively resilient plant and resistant to most diseases. However, it can be affected by fungal and bacterial infections in certain conditions. Here are some tips to manage common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Leaf spot: This is one of the most common diseases that can affect the common polypody. It is caused by several fungal pathogens. To manage it, remove the infected leaves and avoid watering the plant from the top. Use fungicides as a last resort.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by fungi that thrive in excessively damp soil. To prevent root rot, make sure the plant has well-draining soil and avoid overwatering it. Remove any infected plants and disinfect the soil with a fungicide.
- Bacterial leaf blight: This disease is caused by a bacterium that infects the leaves of the plant, turning them brown and black. To control it, remove the infected leaves and use copper-based fungicides.
Pest Management
The common polypody is not commonly affected by pests, but it can still be attacked by some insects. Here are some tips to manage common pests that might affect the plant:
- Scale insects: These insects are small and tend to attach to the undersides of the leaves. They suck the sap of the plant and can cause it to appear yellow and weak. To control them, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These tiny insects appear as small red dots on leaves and weave webs on the plant. They suck the sap of the plant and cause it to appear yellow and weak. To control them, wash the plant with water to remove the webs and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Snails and slugs: These pests can cause severe damage to the plant by eating its leaves. To control them, handpick them and remove them, and use baits such as beer or copper tape around the plant.
