Tectaria

Family. Polypodiaceae.

Origin. South America.

Description. Tectaria is a delicate perennial fern. The leaves are multiply dissected, green, triangular, 60-80 cm long. Young leaves are erect, adult leaves are gracefully curved. The rhizome is short, covered with black or brown scales. The leaves are divided into sterile and spore-bearing. Some species are viviparous - they form small babies - ferns directly on the leaves.

Height. Up to 80 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

The ideal temperature range is from 15 to 20° C. At higher temperatures, air humidity should be increased and watering should be carried out more often. During the winter months, do not expose the plant to temperatures below 14°C.

Lighting

Does not like direct sunlight and grows well in partial shade. 

Care

Tectaria requires certain care in the form of timely watering, high air humidity and a certain temperature regime.

Substrate

Loose peat-based soil with an acidic pH. Coarse river sand is added to the mixture to improve drainage. 

Feeding

In spring and summer, feed with liquid fertilizer at half strength every 2 weeks.

Purpose

The plant will add a bright green accent to spacious rooms and is suitable for landscaping shaded corners. Tectaria leaves can be used in flower arrangements. 

Flowering time

Doesn't bloom.

Air humidity

High, use a room humidifier or a tray filled with wet pebbles to increase humidity. Spraying can cause rot if there is insufficient air movement. You can surround the fern pot with a layer of damp sphagnum moss. 

Soil moisture

Prefers moist soils that never dry out. Maintain uniform humidity by watering with soft water. In autumn and winter, watering is reduced in accordance with the temperature.

Transfer

Replant annually or once every 2 years, in the spring. 

Reproduction

By rhizome shoots or sowing spores at a soil temperature of 18 - 20 ° C.

Pests and diseases

Root rot can occur in poorly drained soil.  The plant is very resistant to pests; mealybugs appear occasionally.