Indoor fern: characteristics of species and rules of care at home

Buzulnik - planting, care and reproduction, general rules

Buzulnik is unpretentious, shade-tolerant and winter-hardy, it grows well and quickly, in one place it perfectly exists for up to 15 years. It can become a bright accent or center of the architectural composition of any flower garden, especially in the vicinity of cultures of contrasting colors (for example, blooming blue and light blue).

The plant prefers moist, nutrient-rich soils, can tolerate temporary flooding, but does not tolerate drying out of soils and constant heat. It develops better in partial shade, although with proper watering (abundant and regular) it will feel good in the sun. Also, for a buzulnik, you need to choose windproof areas without drafts. An excellent choice for this plant is a place in the shade of a house or fence, the coastline of a reservoir.

In the conditions of central Russia, it is winter-hardy without shelter, although preventive cutting to ground level and falling asleep with litter in case of snowless winters is desirable.

Most species of buzulnik are practically not susceptible to diseases, and only sometimes they are damaged by slugs and snails.

Based on the above, it is clear that caring for a plant is simple: it needs to be watered regularly, loosened up the soil and occasionally fed with cow dung infusion (1:10) at the rate of 3 liters per adult bush.

Reproduction of all types of buzulnik is possible both by seeds and by dividing the bush.

Plant seeds are planted in the ground in early spring or autumn. A buzulnik planted in this way will delight with flowering only after 3-4 years.

It is much easier and more reliable to divide the rhizome.

Spring transplant of perennial flowers - when and how to do it right
Have you come up with new flower beds over the winter and decided to change the location of the flower beds? Then it's time to learn how to properly transplant perennials in the spring.

Description, varieties and photos of domestic ferns

All ferns are perennial terrestrial epiphytic plants. They have short rhizomes and pinnately dissected leaves. On the stems covered with leaves, ground loops are also formed, which, when in contact with the ground, quickly give rise to roots. Sporangia are located on the bottom of the leaves of the plant.

More than 10,000 species of aquatic, terrestrial, herbaceous and tree ferns grow in nature. Depending on the division, they can grow in forests, swamps or meadows. Among them there are babies and giants, the length of the leaves of which is more than half a meter. In moisture-loving plants, the leaves are delicate, strongly dissected and have a light green tint. Drought-resistant ferns are characterized by leathery leaves, sometimes with a waxy coating.

Types of indoor ferns

To date, many cultivated species of ferns have been bred, suitable for growing at home. The most popular of them are:

1. Nephrolepis is the most unpretentious and well-known type of house fern. It is distinguished by a spectacular rosette, which is formed by openwork leaves with spores on the inside. The length of each leaf reaches 45-50 cm.
2. Davallia or hare's foot is distinguished by reddish shaggy rhizomes that hang along the edges of hanging pots. The exotic plant is covered with lush green leaves.
3. Platizerium is a plant whose flat leaves grow in different directions and are very similar to antlers. Its middle with brown leaves resembles a head of cabbage.
4. Asplenium or kostenets differs from other fern species in undivided leaves wavy along the edge. He really does not like when his leaves are touched.
5. Blehnum or Derbyanka is similar in structure to a palm tree. In an adult plant, the crown reaches one meter in diameter and consists of hard fronds.
6. Disconia as a houseplant can only be grown at a young age. Over time, it grows into a tall tree, the height of which can reach up to 3–6 m.
7. Polypodium or millipede is distinguished by deeply dissected leaves located on thin stems. The rhizome of the plant crawls and clings to the surface, and the bush itself is able to grow in the air.

Microclimate requirements

Growing a home fern is not difficult. However, in order to grow a lush and healthy plant, certain conditions must be met.

Illumination

The pot with the culture must be placed in the right place - with diffused lighting, it is possible in partial shade. The sill of the north-facing window will be optimal. If this is not possible, it is better to place the indoor fern at a short distance from the window so that it does not suffer from excess light.

Air humidity

This culture prefers rooms with high humidity. Such conditions can be achieved in two ways: plant a plant in a special pot with a double bottom or install a humidifier in the room. It is quite possible to build a double pot yourself, for which you will need another container slightly larger than the one in which the bush is planted.

A larger pot is filled with well-moistened moss, a pot with a planted plant is placed inside, and the top and edges of the pot are covered with the same wet moss. The latter should be regularly moistened every few days.

If you prefer the humidifier option, it is better to install it near the plant. Or you can simply spray the fern from a spray bottle, but not more often than once every few days.

Temperature regime

Considering the tropical origin of ferns, they prefer a fairly high air temperature. Of course, we will not be able to create a real tropical climate, but it is necessary to maintain the temperature at +21 ° C. With a prolonged decrease in temperature, the culture feels bad.

The bathroom is an excellent placement option for culture (provided that it has a natural source of light). Here the fern is suitable for both temperature and humidity.

Disease and pest control

Many growers have lost their indoor ferns due to infection with pathogenic microflora or parasitic insects. Diseases and pests appear in a pot for the following reasons:

• violation of conditions of detention. Drafts, improper watering (especially stagnant water in the soil), poorly selected soil;
• infection of the plant from other indoor flowers.

Most often, the appearance of parasites or diseases is caused by regular disturbances in growing conditions. The most common reason is flooding the flower or sprinkling it with cold water, which contains a lot of chlorine.

Among insects, nematodes are frequent parasites of the fern. If present, the leaves turn yellow and dry out, and then fall off. You can save a plant from nematodes only by transplanting it into a new pot with soil free of parasites.

When the air is dry, thrips, scale insects and aphids may appear. To prevent their appearance, you need to spray the flower periodically.

Pathogenic microflora, which can also develop due to violations of the water regime, manifests itself in various types of rot. In this case, parasitic insects are often carriers of harmful microorganisms.

If signs of a flower's disease are detected, as well as the appearance of parasites on it, it is necessary to immediately take measures to combat them. Otherwise, the plant may die completely.

As you can see, it is not so difficult to care for indoor fern at home.You just need to create the right growing conditions and watering, and ultimately you will get a beautiful decorative flower.

Care rules

Caring for indoor fern, although not very laborious, requires compliance with several rules:

• the plant should be grown at home in those places where drafts and sudden changes in temperature will not threaten it;
• remember that ferns are extremely sensitive to air pollution: if your balcony faces a busy street and you like to keep your windows open, you probably won't like your plant.

Watering and feeding

Proper care of a healthy home fern requires abundant and frequent watering. Water it as soon as the top layer of the substrate dries up a little. The frequency of watering directly depends on the air temperature in the room: the hotter it is in the room, the more moisture the culture will need.

Even a few days of drought can be fatal to the fern. Being in dry soil for a long time, the plant may not recover even after watering. Excessive moisture is also unacceptable for the roots: with excess moisture, they begin to hurt, which negatively affects the general condition of the flowerpot.

You need to feed the culture weekly using liquid complex formulations. The exception is the dormant period - the interval between the end of October and the middle of February, at this time feeding should be stopped.

Pruning

If the leaves begin to dry or turn yellow, do not expect them to regain their strength. All damaged aerial parts of the fern should be trimmed immediately.

Transplant and reproduction

Young shoots should be replanted annually, while more mature plants should be replanted as the roots fill the empty space of the pot. A certain difficulty lies in the fact that ferns do not tolerate transplanting well, so if you want to renew a container with a plant, it is better to transfer it by transferring it.

It is advisable to propagate ferns by dividing the overgrown bush, trying to carry out all the manipulations carefully, minimally injuring the root system.

Conditions for indoor nephrolepis

When growing nephrolepis in a room, it is necessary to take into account its natural preferences. Lighting, temperature and humidity are very important points for any plant and disturbances here can lead to sad results.

Lighting

Despite the fact that nephrolepis, like most other ferns, is a shade-tolerant plant, it needs light, especially in indoor conditions. If the windows face south, and the room is bathed in the sun for most of the day, you can place the fern away from the window. The main condition - a lot of light without direct sunlight must be observed.

With a north orientation, nephrolepis will feel good on a windowsill or close to a window. The lack of light affects not only the appearance of the plant, but also the development in general. A loose rosette with rare fronds, pale greens, weak growth are signs of a lack of lighting.

Air temperature and humidity

Comfortable temperature for good growth and development of nephrolepis + 17 ... + 25оС. This plant will withstand short-term decreases and increases in temperature by several degrees, but with adjustments to watering and humidity. The cooler it is in the room, the more careful the watering should be, the hotter, the higher the humidity.

Nephrolepis does not have a pronounced rest period, but for the winter it is advisable to remove the plant away from heating appliances, and if the flower hibernates on the window, insulate the windowsill and make sure that the temperature near the pot does not drop below + 12 ° C.

Most types of nephrolepis prefer high air humidity. They respond well to spraying, and in hot weather they especially need it. If the air in the room is very dry, the ferns are placed in a tray with pebbles, where water is poured.The bottom of the pot should not touch the water - this will help to avoid waterlogging of the soil: evaporating, the water will increase the humidity around the plant. Various humidifiers can be used to increase humidity.

If the windows face south, you can place the fern away from the window. iFuun

Feeding indoor plants with nutrients

Fertilizing indoor plants with nutrients is necessary to maintain a sufficient amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the soil with a small amount of trace elements.

In the garden, fertilizers are usually used to replenish soil nutrients, but even if they are not available, the plant can continue to use nutrients from the soil to spread new roots. Indoors, the situation is completely different. Potted compost contains limited nutrients and is constantly depleted by plant roots and leaching through drainage holes. During the active growth of plants, it is necessary to regularly feed them as soon as the nutrients are depleted. Cacti can survive without feeding for a long time, but vigorous ornamental and flowering plants can be seriously damaged if not fed.

Compost contains sufficient nutrients for about 2 months after transplanting. After that, vegetative plants will need to be fed. Regular feeding is required during the growing and flowering season - from spring to autumn for decorative-leaved and most flowering plants, and in winter for winter flowering species. During the dormant period, feeding should be reduced.

Fertilizers for indoor plants are almost always complex, containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. There are universal feeding, but there are also special preparations for cacti, citrus fruits and ferns. It is better to feed orchids with the preparations recommended for them.

Aptenia care at home

Illumination

This plant loves light. In the summertime, it is recommended to move it outdoors, where it feels great in direct sunlight. If in the summer the flower is in the house, then it must be protected from the direct midday rays of the sun. It is not necessary to shade in autumn and winter.

Temperature regime

In the warm season, it is recommended to keep the air temperature at the level of 22-25 degrees. The flower should overwinter in a cool (from 8 to 10 degrees) place. With a warm winter, the plant will need additional lighting.

Air humidity

Such a plant does not need high humidity, and it feels quite comfortable in the dry air inherent in city apartments. However, in the cold season, it must be kept away from heating appliances.

How to water

In spring and summer, watering such a plant should be moderate. Watering should be done only after the potted substrate has dried to the very bottom. In winter, watering is extremely rare, but at the same time they do not allow wrinkling of the leaf plates.

Top dressing

In spring and summer, the aptenia needs to be fed once every 4 weeks. To do this, use a complex fertilizer for cacti and succulent plants. In winter, fertilizers are not applied to the soil.

Pruning

Such a plant needs formative pruning and is recommended to be carried out in the autumn. The fact is that due to the pruning carried out in the spring, flowering occurs somewhat later.

Transplant features

The transplant is carried out in the spring and only after the root system ceases to be placed in the container. A suitable dredge consists of sand and turf soil (1: 1). Purchased soil for succulent plants and cacti is suitable for planting. Do not forget to make a good drainage layer at the bottom of the container.

Reproduction methods

Can be propagated by seed or cuttings.

Sowing seeds is carried out on top of sand or sand mixed with light soil (do not deepen). The seedlings will appear soon enough.After that, the container with the seedlings is moved to a bright place where the temperature does not drop below 21 degrees. Watering is extremely careful, as the seedlings can easily rot. After 1 month after the emergence of seedlings, the first pick should be carried out. In the process of growth, young plants are transplanted into individual pots with a diameter of 5 to 7 centimeters.

Before planting the cuttings, they are left in a dry, dark place for several hours to dry. For rooting, you can use vermiculite, damp sand, or sand mixed with purchased soil for succulents. A glass of water is also suitable for this purpose, but a small amount of activated carbon should be added to it. After rooting, the plants are transplanted into separate pots with a diameter of 5 to 7 centimeters.

Aptenia. Planting and leaving

Pests and diseases

It is quite resistant to pests and various diseases.

It usually gets sick as a result of improper care:

1. Falling foliage - overdrying of an earthen coma or stagnation of liquid has occurred in the soil. The plant hibernates in the warmth.
2. Lack of flowering - warm wintering, little light.
3. The appearance of rot - overflow, oversaturation of the soil with nitrogen.

Care Tips for Houseplant Lovers: How to Keep Flowers While on Vacation

Stop all types of feeding 2 - 3 weeks before departure. Before leaving, check if the plants are infested with pests and diseases. Treat diseased plants with appropriate preparations.

Place all large plants away from windows on the floor in metal or plastic containers. Pour gravel, perlite, vermiculite or expanded clay there and pour water.

There are also special installations and devices on sale that help plants to be without watering for a certain time.

So, good growth, abundant and prolonged flowering, the delicate aroma of indoor plants largely depend on proper care: regular watering, timely transplanting and pruning, necessary dressing, protection from pests and diseases.

Soil preparation

The soil for indoor fern should be loose, air and water permeable. Stagnant moisture causes root rot. It is desirable that there are many rotted leaves in the soil, slightly less needles and peat.

Fern needs a soil with slightly increased acidity (pH is 5.0-6.6). The parameter is easily set using a litmus test. The soil (2 g) must be mixed with distilled water (10 ml). The mixture is shaken, and let it stand a little. Then in the liquid above the sediment, you need to lower the litmus paper. At pH = 5 it will be yellow, and at 6 it will be greenish-yellow.

Distribution of ferns in nature

Having appeared on the planet more than 400 million years ago, these higher plants have survived the appearance and disappearance of dinosaurs, the change of historical periods, eras and eras, climate change, geography and geology of the continents, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Some plants replaced others, as more prepared for changing conditions, but only the ferns did not leave the stage.

Each time, adjusting and adapting to the environment, they managed not only to survive, but also to preserve the intraspecific diversity, thanks to which we can largely imagine the flora of the ancient world.

Despite all the diversity, often all species are called with one word - ferns. Meanwhile, this is one of the most numerous groups of spore plants, including 48 families and more than 10 thousand fern species, among which there are both herbaceous and tree-like forms.

The variety of ferns is manifested not only in external differences - sizes from miniature to gigantic, the structure of leaves, which are called frond in ferns, but the conditions for their growth are also very different.

Epiphytic ferns can be found in the forest, where they grow on the branches and trunks of trees, in rock crevices, along roadsides and even on the walls of houses. For many of these plants, the main conditions are warm and damp, so most species prefer the humid tropics and subtropics.

The geography of distribution of ferns is very extensive. Various species were able to adapt to the most difficult conditions, so they can be found not only in the jungle, but also in the coniferous forests of Siberia, Bashkiria and the Far East. In Central Russia, about 20 species of ferns grow.

Reproduction

This relict plant in nature reproduces by spores that form on the back of the leaves in sporangia.

In indoor conditions, ferns reproduce in the following ways:

• using a dispute;

• dividing the bush.

Reproduction by spores

Sporangia are dark spots or stripes from the inside of the leaf, in which spores mature. The spores are very fine and dust-like.

A mixture of sand and peat is poured into a shallow box, slightly crushed and moistened. Then spores are laid out on top (they do not fall asleep with earth). To maintain constant humidity, the drawer is covered with glass and placed in a warm place.

After a while (weeks and even months), sprouts (protallia) appear - tiny leaves lying on the ground. They require special and stable conditions for several months. You cannot transplant them.

Small ferns grow on the protallia. They can be transplanted into separate containers with soil only when they grow up to 5-6 cm. It is necessary to carefully monitor the humidity, which should remain elevated. Usually, the plants are covered with jars and then gradually accustomed to room air.

The method is complex and troublesome, requires a lot of patience and absolute sterility. Only very experienced specialists undertake it.

Reproduction by dividing the bush

Most ferns reproduce easily vegetatively. With a spring transplant, you should carefully consider the rhizome. You can see small separate sockets-children in it.

They are carefully separated and transplanted separately. Care is the same as for adult plants, subject to high humidity

In some species, small ferns form directly on the leaves (fronds). They can also be detached and placed on a damp substrate. They take root quite quickly and well. If the plant has a large creeping rhizome, then it can be propagated by simply cutting it into pieces.

Domestic ferns are not particularly susceptible to disease and pest attacks. The appearance of the plant can be spoiled by insects such as scale insects, nematodes or aphids. Their detection requires immediate intervention (insecticide treatment).

By yellowing the leaves, the plant signals that it is not comfortable. This could be for the following reasons:

• water for irrigation with a high chlorine content;

• too cold water;

• the room is cold;

• direct sunlight falls;

• too dry and warm;

• draft.

Watch your plants carefully. They talk to us in their own way and make it clear if something is wrong with them. In poor looking plants, the roots and leaves should be examined to determine the cause and to treat the plant with a suitable preparation in time.

sadovod.guru