Overview
Blechnum spicant (L.) Sm. ssp. nipponicum auct. non (Kunze) A.& D. Löve, commonly known as Deer Fern, is a species of fern that belongs to the Blechnaceae family. It is native to Europe, North America, and Northeast Asia. The plant has a unique appearance with upright fronds and distinctive foliage. It is also known for its therapeutic benefits and ornamental value in landscaping projects.
Appearance
Blechnum spicant (L.) Sm. ssp. nipponicum auct. non (Kunze) A.& D. Löve is a small fern that grows up to 20-100 cm in height. Its fronds are narrow, glossy, and can reach up to 30-60 cm in length. The fronds are oblong to lanceolate in shape, with pinnate veins and finely serrated edges. The plant's distinct feature is its two different types of fronds, the sterile and fertile fronds. The sterile fronds grow upright and are shorter, while the fertile fronds arch and produce spores on their undersides.
Uses
Deer Fern has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes by indigenous people in North America. Tribal communities have used the fern to make an infusion that is believed to soothe sore joints, rheumatism, and internal injuries. The plant also has ornamental value and is commonly used in landscaping projects. Its dense foliage provides a natural cover that helps to prevent soil erosion, and also makes an excellent decorative plant for gardens, rockeries, and shady borders.
Moreover, its unique look and accessibility make it ideal for use in floral arrangements. Florists use the fern as a filler in bouquets to add texture and depth to arrangements. Deer Fern has also proved to be a useful plant in the floriculture industry due to its long vase life.
In conclusion, Blechnum spicant (L.) Sm. ssp. nipponicum auct. non (Kunze) A.& D. Löve is a versatile fern that offers great benefits both in terms of medicinal value and ornamental purposes. Its diverse range of uses makes it an ideal plant for various landscaping projects and floriculture.
Light Requirements
Blechnum spicant (L.) Sm. ssp. nipponicum auct. non (Kunze) A.& D. Löve typically grows in partial to full shade conditions. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight and needs a shaded environment to thrive. When exposed to excess light, the leaves of the plant tend to turn yellow and wilt. So, it is advisable to grow the plant under a canopy or in a shaded area.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers cool and moist environments. It thrives in temperate climates and can survive in temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. However, it cannot tolerate extreme cold or hot temperatures. In frosty conditions, the plant may suffer severe damage or even die. Hence, it is crucial to keep the plant in a controlled environment within the said temperature range.
Soil Requirements
The Blechnum spicant (L.) Sm. ssp. nipponicum auct. non (Kunze) A.& D. Löve prefers well-drained, organic-rich, and slightly acidic soils. The soil should have a pH level ranging from 5.0 to 6.5. The plant survives in various types of soil, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils, but needs sufficient moisture for its growth. Soggy or waterlogged soil may lead to the plant's root rot, which stunts its growth and development. Therefore, it is essential to verify the soil's drainage quality before planting the Blechnum spicant (L.) Sm. ssp. nipponicum auct. non (Kunze) A.& D. Löve.
Cultivation of Blechnum spicant (L.) Sm. ssp. nipponicum auct. non (Kunze) A.& D. Löve
Blechnum spicant (L.) Sm. ssp. nipponicum auct. non (Kunze) A.& D. Löve is a hardy fern that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. It grows best in areas that receive partial to full shade, and can tolerate cool temperatures.
Watering Needs of Blechnum spicant (L.) Sm. ssp. nipponicum auct. non (Kunze) A.& D. Löve
It is important to keep the soil of Blechnum spicant (L.) Sm. ssp. nipponicum auct. non (Kunze) A.& D. Löve consistently moist, but not saturated. Over-watering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause the fronds to wilt and turn brown. The best way to water this plant is to use a drip irrigation system, which will provide a consistent supply of moisture without overwhelming the roots.
Fertilization of Blechnum spicant (L.) Sm. ssp. nipponicum auct. non (Kunze) A.& D. Löve
Blechnum spicant (L.) Sm. ssp. nipponicum auct. non (Kunze) A.& D. Löve does not require frequent fertilization, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring to help promote healthy growth. Avoid using fertilizer that contains high levels of nitrogen, as this can cause the fronds to become oversized and prone to damage.
Pruning of Blechnum spicant (L.) Sm. ssp. nipponicum auct. non (Kunze) A.& D. Löve
It is not necessary to prune Blechnum spicant (L.) Sm. ssp. nipponicum auct. non (Kunze) A.& D. Löve, as it has a natural growth habit that allows it to maintain a tidy appearance. However, damaged or discolored fronds can be removed at any time to encourage new growth. It is important to use clean pruning tools to avoid spreading diseases.
Propagation of Blechnum spicant ssp. nipponicum
Blechnum spicant ssp. nipponicum can be propagated through several methods including spores, division, and tissue culture.
Propagation by Spores
Spore propagation is the most common method for propagating Blechnum spicant ssp. nipponicum. One way to propagate through spores is to collect mature spores from the fronds and sow them on a sterile, humus-filled pot. Keep the soil moist and in a shaded area. The spores should germinate within a month. Once the sporelings develop and grow a few fronds, they can be transplanted to larger pots to continue growing.
Propagation by Division
Blechnum spicant ssp. nipponicum can also be propagated through division. This method works best for mature plants that have several crowns. Carefully remove the plant from the soil and divide the crown into several sections, making sure each section has several fronds and roots. Transplant each section into a pot with fresh soil and keep it moist and shaded until it establishes roots.
Propagation by Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a more advanced propagation method. It involves taking a small piece of the plant tissue and placing it in a sterile culture medium with the right nutrients. The plant tissue will then grow into a whole plant. Tissue culture is a useful method for propagating desirable traits in plants, but it requires specialized equipment and techniques.
Disease Management
There are several diseases that can affect Blechnum spicant ssp. nipponicum, including:
- Brown spot: This fungal disease appears as brown or black spots on the fronds. It can be managed by removing infected fronds and improving air circulation around the plant.
- Rust: Caused by a fungal pathogen, rust appears as yellow or orange pustules on the fronds. Remove infected fronds and dispose of them to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides can also be effective in controlling rust.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot fungi cause small, circular lesions on leaves, which may enlarge and merge to form large blotches. The best approach to controlling this disease is to remove infected fronds and improve airflow around the plant.
Pest Management
There are a few pests to watch out for when growing Blechnum spicant ssp. nipponicum:
- Scale insects: These tiny insects attach themselves to the fronds and suck sap. They appear as small bumps on the fronds and can cause the plant to weaken and die. Scale insects can be controlled by removing them with a soft brush or by using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Mealybugs: These white, cottony pests also feed on the sap of the plant, causing wilting and yellowing of the fronds. Similar to scale insects, mealybugs can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, as well as improving air circulation and removing infested fronds.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies and can cause damage by feeding on the fronds. If you spot these pests on your plants, remove them by hand and dispose of them properly. Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) is also an effective biological control for caterpillars.
