Lygodium

Family. Schizaeaceae.

Origin. Asia and Australia.

Description. The genus "Lygodium" contains about 40 species of plants, which are very attractive ferns. A distinctive feature of this species is that its long leaves are more reminiscent of climbing vines and can twine around a support. The rhizomes are thin and black. The leaf blades are green, 3 - 12 m long, divided into spore-bearing and sterile, and may contain simple oblong-oval segments. Some species have opposite or alternately arranged, deeply dissected pinnate leaves. Sporangia are located on the underside of the spore-bearing leaves.

Height. In indoor conditions, fronds reach a length of 2 m and grow very quickly.

Home care

Temperature conditions

Moderately warm maintenance is suitable at temperatures from 15 to 18 ° C. As the temperature rises, the frequency of watering and air humidity should be increased. 

Lighting

A brightly lit place without direct sunlight.

Care

The main difficulty in growing this fern is its need for a humid atmosphere and low temperature. In the summer, will appreciate being in the fresh air.

Substrate

Well-drained soil containing coarse sand, perlite and small pieces of charcoal with a fairly high content of organic matter in the form of peat, leaf humus, sphagnum moss. 

Feeding

Feed with water-soluble fertilizer once a month from early spring to mid-autumn. 

Purpose

This fern will look great in a hanging basket. Long fronds of lygodium can be provided with support, which they will quickly braid.

Flowering time

Doesn't bloom.

Air humidity

High. Place the plant on a tray of damp pebbles or use a room humidifier. Spray the leaves with soft water at room temperature.

Soil moisture

During the growing season, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. In autumn, reduce the frequency of watering slightly, but do not allow the earthen ball to dry out. In the warm season, you can use bottom watering by immersing the pot in a large container filled with water.

Transfer

Since lygodium grows quickly, it needs an annual spring transplant. For larger plants that are difficult to replant, simply replace the topsoil with fresh soil in the spring.

Reproduction

Spores are sown on the surface of the substrate and covered with glass or a plastic cap to maintain humidity. Seedlings are kept at a temperature of 15 - 20 ° C. Germination occurs within 1 - 1.5 months. 

Pests and diseases

The tips of the leaves turn yellow when the plant is exposed to direct sunlight. Leaves turn yellow and fall off when there is insufficient air humidity.