Nephrolepis - home care, types of ferns, and why do leaves dry out?

Nephrolepis is a perennial evergreen fern belonging to the Davalliaceae family. This plant is very popular among gardeners. It is distinguished by its exotic appearance and rapid growth: it can double its foliage in a year.

Numerous positive signs and superstitions are associated with the cultivation of nephrolepis, most of which revolve around the beneficial effects of the fern on its owner. However, most folk beliefs that mention the fern's blooming are questionable, as it has been proven that this plant never blooms.

Caring for nephrolepis is very simple and, even at home, is completely effortless. Unlike many other houseplants, nephrolepis is completely non-toxic. Therefore, even children can safely care for this fern.

Characteristics and species diversity of Nephrolepis

The fern has a well-developed root system. The roots are shortened and superficial. The leaves form a basal rosette, attached to the bush by shortened petioles. The leaves are lanceolate and segmented. The edges of the segments can be smooth or serrated, depending on the species.

The leaf length reaches 70 cm, with segments up to 5 cm. The leaf color is bright green, predominantly with light green hues. The Variegated Nephrolepis variety has a combination of light green and yellow leaf coloring.

In addition to leaves, bare, scaly shoots extend from the rhizome. These are used for vegetative propagation of the fern.

Green Lady

The variety got its name for its delicate and feminine appearance. Green Lady cultivars are often called "green fountains" or "fireworks." The delicate fronds cascade downwards like streams. The leaves grow very densely, creating a lush bush.

They are bright green, slightly curled, with pointed tips. The segments are lacy. The flowers are grown as hanging plants. Due to their undemanding lighting conditions, they can be placed anywhere in the room.

Exalted

This variety is considered the most common Nephrolepis. Moreover, it is the progenitor of most indoor fern hybrids.

The leaves of the exalted Nephrolepis are very long and erect, and can rise above the bush or hang down from it under their weight in lush arches. The fronds are single-pinnate, but contain about fifty segments. The leaf blades are light green.

This variety is considered the most unpretentious, as it is the most resistant to unfavorable environmental conditions.

Curly

Nephrolepis Curly, or Curly, is a hybrid of the Sublime variety. This fern gets its name from the combination of curled segments and wavy edges on a single blade, creating a curled effect. It is grown as a trailing plant.

The leaves are a rich green and drooping. The curly hybrid has another distinctive feature: it's short, so it fits easily even on a cramped shelf.

Sonata

Nephrolepis Sonata is a dwarf fern with small leaves. This variety grows in a spherical cluster, making it popular for growing on windowsills or small stands. The leaves are a vibrant light green.

This Nephrolepis variety is undemanding in terms of light, growing well even in shade.

Tiger

The Tiger fern is also known as Nephrolepis Variegata. It is a compact fern ideal for growing in floor containers.

The Tiger variety is distinguished by its erect fronds, which reach half a meter. The fronds are segmented and covered with a marbled pattern that combines yellow and light green tones. The pattern resembles the stripes of a tiger.

Caring for Nephrolepis at Home

Nephrolepis is very easy to care for. Growing the fern indoors is not particularly challenging for gardeners.

Soil and pot for planting

The flower prefers light, loose soil. It's best to purchase a special substrate for ferns. If this isn't available, you can prepare your own soil by mixing the following ingredients in equal proportions:

• leaf soil;
• peat;
• sand;
• humus soil.

Before planting a fern, be sure to prepare drainage. Medium-sized drainage materials, such as expanded clay, pebbles, and the like, work well.

When choosing a pot, keep in mind that Nephrolepis has a shallow root system. The plant will thrive in a shallow but wide pot.

Location and lighting

Since the fern naturally grows in wooded areas under the shade of trees, it is considered a shade-loving plant. Naturally, it requires light to thrive, preferably 14-16 hours a day, but the light should be diffused.

Nephrolepis is usually placed on the floor, cabinets, or shelves. A north-facing windowsill is acceptable for the plant. On east-facing windowsills, the plant should be shaded with a curtain in the morning. South- and west-facing windows are not suitable for growing the fern.

Temperature

The optimal temperature for the active growth period is considered to be between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius. If the room temperature is higher, the plant should be misted additionally to ensure it feels comfortable.

During this period, it is recommended to gradually lower the temperature to 15 degrees Celsius. If this is not possible, continue to maintain the plant as usual with additional misting. Failure to maintain the correct temperature during the dormant period will inhibit the plant's development and growth.

Watering and air humidity

All tropical plants prefer consistent, moderate humidity, and nephrolepis is no exception. During the warmer months, it should be watered at least 2-3 times a week. If the room temperature fluctuates between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius during cold weather, the plant should be watered weekly.

To do this, place the flowerpot in a container of water for a while, ensuring the water doesn't reach the top. This watering method prevents overwatering, which can be detrimental to the fern.

The plant requires regular misting. It is recommended to use softened water for irrigation and misting. The water temperature should match the room temperature.

Ferns require high humidity. If you don't have a humidifier, you can place the pot on a tray filled with wet pebbles or expanded clay. Keep the fern away from heating devices, as they significantly dry out the air.

Fertilizers and feeding

To promote growth and vibrant foliage, the plant needs to be fertilized. Provided the plant is dormant, fertilize every two weeks from March to September, and stop fertilizing the rest of the year. If the dormant period isn't observed, continue fertilizing during the winter, but reduce the frequency by half.

For fertilizer, use mineral complexes for ornamental foliage plants, which can be purchased at a flower shop. These fertilizers should contain a high amount of sodium, which improves foliar health. Many experts recommend alternating mineral fertilizers with organic ones.

High dosages and frequent application of fertilizers can cause burns. Therefore, gardeners recommend reducing the recommended single dose by half or even a quarter. Fertilizer should only be applied to mature plants with fully developed roots.

Trimming

Pruning isn't essential for nephrolepis itself. However, it is essential to maintain its decorative appearance. Without pruning, the plant appears unkempt and neglected.

Flower pruning can be of the following nature:

• sanitary;
• cosmetic.

Sanitary pruning involves removing dead branches and leaves that form during the plant's life cycle. Sanitary pruning also includes removing fern offspring during repotting. Cosmetic pruning involves removing excess leaves to enhance the plant's ornamental value.

Transfer

Proper repotting is one of the key aspects of nephrolepis care. The plant does not tolerate transplanting well. Therefore, even if all recommendations are followed, the gardener may encounter the fern losing several leaves after repotting.

Young nephrolepis are repotted annually, while those already three years old should be repotted every three years. It's crucial to keep the roots at the same level they were in the old pot. Otherwise, there's a high risk of root rot.

Methods of propagating indoor plants

Nephrolepis reproduces in three ways: by runners, division, and spores. Only the first two methods are popular in indoor gardening.

Mustache

Whiskers are specialized shoots that the plant produces directly from the leaf rosette. They appear as bare shoots.

Propagation of ferns by tendrils involves the following steps:

1. An additional pot filled with moist fern substrate is placed next to the mother plant.
2. The mustache is dug into the soil of an additional pot in such a way that its base remains on the mother bush, and the top is in the air.
3. For reliability, the mustache is fixed with a bracket or pin.

The soil in the additional pot should always be kept moist. The area around the cutting is constantly misted, ensuring high humidity. Once the cutting sprouts its leaves, it is separated from the mother plant.

By dividing the bush

Mature Nephrolepis can be propagated by division. Mature plants eventually develop several rosettes of leaves. When replanting, carefully separate the daughter rosettes from the mother plant. It's crucial that each daughter rosette has its own roots and growing point.

If the roots are very tangled and interfere with division, they should be soaked and untangled. The division sites must be treated with an antiseptic. Crushed activated charcoal or charcoal are suitable for this purpose. New ferns are planted like mature plants; they do not require further growing.

Disputes

Propagation by spores is a labor-intensive, yet no less fascinating, process. Fern spores are located on the underside of the leaf and are visible to the naked eye. Propagation of Nephrolepis from spores occurs as follows:

1. The spores are scraped off and dried in the sun for two weeks.
2. Place peat moss in a glass jar. The layer should be 2-3 cm thick.
3. The jar with peat is placed in the oven for sterilization.
4. The peat is moistened and the spores are sprinkled onto it. The jar is closed with a lid.
5. The jar is placed in a warm, brightly lit place. The spores germinate in high humidity. The spores are aired daily.

After all these procedures, the gardener must be patient and wait. After some time, moss will appear on the peat. This is the intermediate stage of nephrolepis development. Only after 8-10 weeks will the young ferns begin to develop. Once they have strengthened a bit, they are planted individually.

It should be noted that not all indoor fern species can reproduce by spores. Some produce non-viable spores.

Why are the leaves of my nephrolepis drying out?

Growing nephrolepis can present challenges. One of the most common problems is leaf blades drying out. Leaf blades can dry out for various reasons, but most often it's due to improper watering and pest and disease infestations.

Optimal hydration

Drying of the fern leaves may be due to a lack of moisture. Insufficient watering or infrequent watering can cause the leaves to dry out completely. Sometimes, before drying out, the fern leaf blades may change their appearance: they may turn brown, curl up, or wilt.

Such changes indicate an imbalance not only in the nephrolepis's water balance but also in its temperature regime. Such changes occur as a result of watering with cold water. If only the tips of the leaves dry out, this indicates low humidity around the plant.

Diseases and treatment

The most common diseases of Nephrolepis are gray rot and root rot. These diseases are dangerous, but can be successfully treated in the early stages.

Gray mold, or botrytis, is a fungal disease that attacks above-ground plant parts. Initially, small brown spots may appear on fern leaves. Over time, these spots grow larger and become more noticeable. A fluffy gray coating then appears over the spots. The affected leaves begin to rapidly wither.

Root rot is caused by overwatering of the soil. The disease is insidious because it develops in the root system, so it initially doesn't show up on the above-ground parts. Only an experienced gardener can suspect something is wrong, noticing the growth stagnation of an otherwise healthy fern. When the rot has thoroughly affected the root system, the nephrolepis leaves dry out.

Rot should be treated with fungicides. All affected plant parts must be removed and destroyed.

Pests and control methods

Nephrolepis leaves can be infested with pests. The following insects are most common:

1. Scale insects. Identified by small, waxy, brown spots that appear on the underside of the leaf.

   

2. Spider mites. You can't see the parasite, but you can see the webbing it leaves on the leaf surface.
3. Thrips are a very dangerous insect that leaves holes in leaves. These holes are used to identify the pest.
4. Mealybug. A mealybug infestation causes the leaf blade to curl into a tube. If you unroll it, you'll see a tiny whitish worm.

Frequently asked questions about growing

Nephrolepis is a highly ornamental indoor fern. It's very popular among gardeners because it's easy and pleasant to care for.