Asplenium

The genus, which includes Asplenium (Asplenium nidus), unites about herbaceous ground, rock or epiphytic ferns. They are characterized by feathery or forked leaves, short vertical or creeping rhizomes with roots that form a kind of nest (nest epiphytes). In the conditions of direct growth, these are large epiphytic plants that, without parasitizing, use other plants only as a support; their leaves reach two meters in length. This genus includes Asplenium antiquum, a species characterized by long (up to 70 cm) narrow leathery leaves. In Asplenium nesting (A. nidus), the lanceolate leaves are collected in a kind of rosette-funnel, where water accumulates. This species is most suitable for growing in indoor conditions.

The genus, which includes Asplenium (Asplenium nidus), unites about herbaceous ground, rock or epiphytic ferns. They are characterized by feathery or forked leaves, short vertical or creeping rhizomes with roots that form a kind of nest (nest epiphytes). In the conditions of direct growth, these are large epiphytic plants that, without parasitizing, use other plants only as a support; their leaves reach two meters in length. This genus includes Asplenium antiquum, a species characterized by long (up to 70 cm) narrow leathery leaves.

In Asplenium nesting (A. nidus), the lanceolate leaves are collected in a kind of rosette-funnel, where water accumulates. This species is most suitable for growing in indoor conditions.

Cultivation

Asplenium nesting is grown most often in pots at home as an ornamental. In the warm season, it can be exposed to the open air, as long as there is a shaded place and moderate humidity environment, without wind. In the fall, the pots are brought back into the room. A soil mixture consisting of two parts of fibrous peat, one part of fibrous humus, and one part of sand is required.

Location

Like other ferns of the genus Asplenium, this species requires a place from light to semi-shady, it is necessary to avoid direct sun.

Temperature

The air temperature is the usual room temperature-20-25 °C. In winter - slightly cooler - not lower than 18 °C.

Watering

During the period of active development, Asplenium nesting requires abundant watering, and in the winter months it is watered very rarely: only when the soil is almost completely dry. It is recommended to keep the air humidity at least 60% at all times.

Transplant

Transplanting into a new spacious pot is carried out in spring or summer once a year.

Reproduction

Propagate by spores without much difficulty. Sowing is carried out in the middle of summer in peaty soil, which is maintained in a moist state in the future. The optimal temperature for spore germination is 22 °C. When the seedlings can be picked up, they are transplanted into containers filled with the same seed soil, and as soon as the young plants grow up, they are planted singly.

Diseases

The occurrence of the most common diseases, such as gray rot and leaf bacteriosis, which lead to their drying out, can be prevented by limiting watering. The appearance of spots that occur due to the defeat of Phylosticta and taphina, you can get rid of with the help of fungicides based on tsineba and maneba. Leaf spotting can be associated with improper use of fertilizers (exceeding the required dose) or improper soil composition: it should have a low acidity. Brown spots can be a sign of the appearance of a leaf nematode - in this case, the plant should be discarded - it is very difficult to fight the nematode. Damaged leaf edges may indicate unfavorable environmental conditions (dry air, irregular watering, etc.). It is not recommended to apply gloss to the leaves.

The occurrence of the most common diseases, such as gray rot and leaf bacteriosis, which lead to their drying out, can be prevented by limiting watering.

The appearance of spots that occur due to the defeat of Phylosticta and taphina, you can get rid of with the help of fungicides based on tsineba and maneba.

Leaf spotting can be associated with improper use of fertilizers (exceeding the required dose) or improper soil composition: it should have a low acidity. Brown spots can be a sign of the appearance of a leaf nematode - in this case, the plant should be discarded - it is very difficult to fight the nematode. Damaged leaf edges may indicate unfavorable environmental conditions (dry air, irregular watering, etc.). It is not recommended to apply gloss to the leaves.

Acquisition

These plants are easily purchased in gardening centers and nurseries. It is advisable to make sure that the leaves do not have any damage and symptoms of the presence of pests.