Origin
Astrolepis cochisensis (Goodding) Benham & Windham ssp. arizonica Benham, commonly known as Cochise rockbrake, is a rare fern native to the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona and New Mexico. It belongs to the family Pteridaceae.
Common Names
The common names of Astrolepis cochisensis (Goodding) Benham & Windham ssp. arizonica Benham include Cochise rockbrake, Arizona cliffbrake, and Goodding's cliffbrake.
Uses
Astrolepis cochisensis (Goodding) Benham & Windham ssp. arizonica Benham has no known medicinal or economic uses. However, it is an exceptional ornamental plant that provides a unique aesthetic appeal to gardens, rockeries and botanical parks.
General Appearance
Astrolepis cochisensis (Goodding) Benham & Windham ssp. arizonica Benham is a small-size fern, which can grow up to 15-30 cm in height and 5-10 cm in width. Its fronds are evergreen, compact, and clustered in neat rosettes that emerge from the base of the plant. The leaves of the Cochise rockbrake are narrow with two distinct forms that alternate. They have a shiny, dark green color, smooth texture, and scalloped margins. In the spring and summer season, this plant produces round sori with a reddish-brown hue on the undersides of its fronds, which contain spores for reproduction.
Light Requirements:
Astrolepis cochisensis ssp. arizonica prefers bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade, making it an ideal houseplant. Direct sunlight can cause damage to the leaves, whereas too little light will cause the plant to grow weak and spindly.
Temperature Requirements:
Astrolepis cochisensis ssp. arizonica prefers warm temperatures between 60-85°F (15-30°C). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but exposure to frost or temperatures below 45°F (7°C) can harm the plant.
Soil and Water Requirements:
Astrolepis cochisensis ssp. arizonica grows best in well-draining, sandy or rocky soils with a pH range of 6.1-7.5. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is best to water the plant once a week during the growing season, reducing watering frequency in winter. The plant's fronds should be misted frequently to increase the humidity levels around the leaves.
Fertilizer Requirements:
Astrolepis cochisensis ssp. arizonica requires regular fertilization during the growth season to encourage its growth and maintain its frond health. Apply a balanced, slow-released fertilizer once every two months, mixing the fertilizer into the top inch of soil around the plant's base.
Cultivation Methods
The Astrolepis cochisensis (Goodding) Benham & Windham ssp. arizonica Benham plant is native to the Sonoran Desert of the United States and is well suited to desert cultivation. It can be grown outdoors in full sun or partial shade, and if kept indoors, it requires bright sunlight or artificial light. The plant prefers well-draining soil and is tolerant of rocky or sandy soils.
Watering Needs
The plant is drought-resistant and can withstand long periods of dryness. However, during the summer growing season, it requires regular watering. Water the plant deeply, but do not let the water accumulate in the pot or soil. Allow the soil to dry between waterings. During winter, reduce watering and only water the plant when the soil is completely dry.
Fertilization
During the growing season, fertilize the plant monthly with a balanced fertilizer or one that is designed for cacti and succulents. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging, and do not fertilize in the winter when the plant is dormant. Too much fertilizer can damage the plant, so use a light hand when applying.
Pruning
The Astrolepis cochisensis (Goodding) Benham & Windham ssp. arizonica Benham plant does not require extensive pruning. However, removing dead, yellow, or damaged leaves can help keep the plant healthy and promote new growth. Use sterilized pruning shears, and make clean cuts at the base of the leaf stem. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant's leaves at a time, as this can lead to stress and damage the plant.
Propagation of Astrolepis Cochisensis ssp. Arizonica
Astrolepis cochisensis (Goodding) Benham & Windham ssp. arizonica Benham, commonly known as Arizona scaly cloak fern, is a perennial fern that belongs to the family Pteridaceae. This fern is native to the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona and New Mexico.
Propagation of Astrolepis cochisensis ssp. arizonica can be achieved through various methods, including spore propagation, division, and clump division. These methods are generally easy to carry out and do not require elaborate procedures or special equipment.
Spore Propagation
Spore propagation is one of the most common methods used to propagate Astrolepis cochisensis ssp. arizonica. Spores are usually found on the underside of mature fronds and can be collected by cutting the frond and placing it in a paper bag. Once collected, the spores can be sown in a sterile potting mix. It is advisable to keep the potting mix moist, but not too wet, to promote optimal growth. Germination usually occurs within a few weeks to several months, depending on the temperature and humidity.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another effective method to propagate Astrolepis cochisensis ssp. arizonica. This method involves dividing mature plants into smaller sections and planting them separately. To perform division propagation, the fern should be dug up, and the rhizomes carefully separated using a clean and sharp knife. Each division should have several fronds and healthy roots. The new sections can then be planted in a well-draining potting mix, and kept moist until new growth appears.
Clump Division Propagation
Clump division is similar to division propagation, but involves separating the plant into several clumps instead of individual sections. This method is ideal for larger ferns that have developed several clusters of fronds. To perform clump division propagation, the fern should be dug up, and the clumps separated by gently pulling them apart. The new clumps can then be potted in a well-draining potting mix, and kept moist until new growth appears.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that may affect Astrolepis cochisensis ssp. arizonica is fungal leaf spot, which is caused by several species of fungi. This disease is characterized by small, circular spots on the leaves that appear yellow or brown, with a dark border around the edges. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and destroy infected leaves and avoid overhead watering to prevent moisture buildup. Fungicides may also be used to control the spread of fungal leaf spot.
Another fungal disease that may affect this plant is rust, which is caused by the fungus Puccinia horiana. This disease is characterized by small, yellow-orange pustules on the undersides of the leaves. It can be managed by removing and destroying infected leaves, practicing good sanitation, and using fungicides.
Pest Management
Aphids are one of the common pests that may affect Astrolepis cochisensis ssp. arizonica. These small insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing distorted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphid infestations, it may be helpful to introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings, which feed on aphids. Insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils may also be used to control aphids.
Spider mites may also be a problem for this plant. These tiny pests feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing and stippling. To manage spider mites, it is important to increase humidity around the plant with regular misting, prune heavily infested leaves, and use miticides or insecticidal soaps. It is also helpful to encourage natural predators such as ladybugs, predatory mites, and lacewings.
