Nephrolepis is an epiphytic or terrestrial fern from the Davallian family. Its homeland is dense tropical forests located in Southeast Asia, Africa and Australia. Among indoor flowers, nephrolepis occupies a leading position in beauty and utility. It quickly forms dense emerald thickets and, under favorable conditions, can grow up to 15% of green mass per month. At the same time, fern is considered a real air purifier, killing pathogens, absorbing harmful impurities from the air and producing a large amount of oxygen.
Plant description
Nephrolepis is a perennial fast-growing fern. It has a superficial thickened rhizome, on which small rounded nodules sometimes form. The tubers are covered with small whitish scales. In the natural environment, the thickets grow in height by 1-3 m, but in room conditions they are limited by dimensions of 45-50 cm.
The vegetation consists of dissected, short-leaved leaves about 70 cm long. They grow vertically or bend in an arc under their own weight. Linear or triangular lobes have corrugated or wavy edges and a shiny surface. The length of an individual segment does not exceed 5 cm. On the reverse side of the leaves, symmetrically from the central vein are kidney-shaped sores, hidden under a yellowish veil. The color of the leaves can be emerald, bluish-green or bluish-green.
Foliage grows in a dense bunch near the ground. Stems in the form of flexible horizontal processes, similar to a mustache of grapes or strawberries, spread along the ground and grow new growth points. From them subsequently develop the same lush bushes.
Types of Nephrolepis
The genus of nephrolepis consists of more than 20 species of plants. All of them are suitable for cultivation as houseplants, but there are varieties and varieties that are most loved by gardeners.
Nephrolepis is elevated. Ground or epiphytic fern with a root extending far into the depths of the soil. He builds up large cirrus-dissected veyi. Light green foliage no longer than 70 cm long consists of lanceolate segments up to 5 cm long. They have serrated edges, a glossy surface and rounded brush marks on the back. Varieties:
- Nephrolepis Smith. A plant with four-pinnate leaves of light green color resembles a lace cascade. It looks great in hanging flowerpots and forms dense, hanging thickets.
- Nephrolepis Green Lady. Low erect leaves of light green color stick out a magnificent spherical bunch. Openwork lobes with wavy edges and a pointed tip are located close to each other and form a real green fountain.
- Nephrolepis Boston. Fern blooms erect vayi up to 1.2 m long with strongly dissected leaves. The edges of the segments are twisted or covered with waves.
- Roosevelt Nephrolepis. Large, vertically growing vaiyas of bright green color consist of wider segments with wavy edges.
- Nephrolepis Tiger. Dark green segments are covered with beautiful light green stripes that extend from the central vein in both directions.
Nephrolepis hearty. Underground shoots are covered with small rounded swellings that resemble tubers. These swellings are wrapped in white or silver small scales. Rigid erect vaji with a reddish petiole and cirrus dissected foliage are highly dense. Wide segments with rounded edges are found on top of each other.
Nephrolepis is xiphoid. A large plant that is more suitable for public buildings, rather than for small living rooms. Its erect or arched vaji grow 1-2.5 m in length. Shiny linear segments of saturated green color have wavy edges.
Spore propagation
Nephrolepis can be propagated by spores and vegetatively. Growing fern from spores is a long and laborious process, therefore it is rarely used. Moreover, many decorative varieties are sterile and do not produce viable offspring. If you engage in sowing a spore, you need to cut off a sheet with mature soruses and clean off a spore with a spoon on paper. They are dried in a dark place at room temperature, and then sown.
It is necessary to organize a small greenhouse in which moist peat that is previously scalded with boiling water is placed. Small spores are placed on the soil with a layer of up to 3 cm. Sprinkle on top is not necessary. The soil is sprayed and kept at a temperature of + 20 ... + 25 ° C and high humidity. Lighting should be dim. After 1-2 weeks, dense green thickets that look like moss will appear. This is only the initial stage of plant development. At high humidity, the seedling will be fertilized and, after another 2 months, young ferns will develop. Only now they can be very carefully transplanted into separate containers of 2-3 plants. Growing is continued in a warm, well-moistened place.
Vegetative propagation
On a flexible mustache, tiny shoots with buds that resemble a small bunch of leaflets are constantly formed. Without separating the process from the mother plant, it is dug into the soil to a depth of 5-8 mm. The top with leaves is left on the surface. Rooting takes 1-2 weeks, after which the children are separated and grown on their own.
During the spring transplant, the strongly overgrown strong bushes of nephrolepis can be divided. The plant is completely removed from the pot, freed from part of the earthen coma and cut into pieces with a sharp knife. Each dividend should have 1-3 growth points. Planting is done in separate pots. Plants are grown at high humidity and air temperature + 15 ... + 18 ° C. Delenki develop very slowly, since they first grow roots and only then begin to produce new leaves.
If the species of nephrolepis forms tubers on the roots, they can be used for reproduction. The tuber is separated from the root and planted in moderately moist, loose soil. After a few weeks, a small sprout will appear. Development is slow, but the plant inherits all varietal traits.
Home Care
Nephrolepis, unlike some capricious ferns, is considered a relatively unpretentious and problem-free plant. And yet, so that it grows quickly and delights with lush greens, certain conditions are mandatory.
Lighting. It is best to put the pots away from the window (in partial shade or dimly lit corner). Direct sunlight on the leaves is contraindicated. At the same time, it is necessary to provide daylight hours throughout the year with a duration of 12-16 hours. You can put plants on the windowsills of eastern or northern orientation. In summer, take out the flowers on the balcony.
Temperature. Even in the summer, it is advisable not to raise the air temperature more than + 22 ... + 25 ° C. In winter, ferns are grown at + 14 ... + 15 ° C. The hotter the room, the more humid the air should be.
Humidity. Humidity should not fall below 60%. Nephrolepis should be regularly sprayed and bathed in the shower. If the leaves began to dry around the edges, as a resuscitation, ferns are placed in an empty aquarium or covered with a transparent cap.
Watering. It is impossible to dry the soil, it should always be slightly moistened. On hot days, nephrolepis is watered daily with plenty of well-purified water. Excess liquid is poured from the sump. When cooling, watering is reduced.
Fertilizers Since the fern is growing rapidly, in spring and summer it needs to be fed 3-4 times a month. Use special mineral compounds for ferns or decorative foliage plants. Dosage is reduced by 2-4 times.
Transfer. Nephrolepses are transplanted every 1-3 years. Use wide and not too deep pots. Varieties with flexible leaves are planted in pots. Drainage material is necessarily poured to the bottom of the tank. You can not immediately take a significantly larger pot, otherwise the soil will become acidic or root rot will develop. The soil for planting should have a light structure and high breathability. For its compilation take coniferous soil, pieces of peat and greenhouse land in equal proportions. Plants cannot be planted too deep. The root neck and part of the rhizomes should be on the surface.
Pruning. The emerald crown of nephrolepis is beautiful in itself and does not need molding. In this case, it is necessary to carry out sanitary pruning and remove yellowed and dry wai.
Possible difficulties
Nephrolepis is resistant to plant diseases, but may suffer from parasite invasion. Most often, he is bothered by a spider mite, whitefly or aphid. Indoor ferns are not often parasitized. Pests attack only those plants that stand on the street or near other infected flowers. Hot weather is especially dangerous when the air gets too dry. Rescue nephrolepis helps insecticide treatment according to the instructions for the drug.
A number of problems can be resolved by changing the conditions of detention. Here are the main problems that flower growers are faced with and their solutions:
- the edges of the leaves dry out - plants should be sprayed more often;
- sluggish and drooping waiy indicate insufficient watering;
- leaves lose their saturated color and become translucent - the plant stands in a too bright place;
- brown or yellowing leaves - too high air temperature;
- slowdown or stunting in spring and summer - lack of fertilizer, poor soil or too close a pot.
Fern use
Nefrolepis fern is perfect for landscaping homes, offices and other public institutions. It can grow where many other indoor flowers do not have enough light, and at the same time grow a surprisingly thick and large pile of greenery.
Thanks to the abundant vegetation, nephrolepis perfectly saturates the air with oxygen and purifies it from impurities, absorbing not only carbon dioxide, but also some fumes harmful to humans.
According to popular beliefs, fern should be settled in the house of a shy, insecure person. He will give confidence to the owner and bring success in business, protecting from rash or arrogant actions.
