Overview
Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh. ssp. dickieana (Sim) Hyl. is a small fern species belonging to the family Cystopteridaceae. It is commonly known as fragile fern or brittle bladder fern and it is native to North America.
Appearance
The fragile fern has a delicate appearance, with a height ranging from 15 to 30 cm. It has a dark brown, thin, and elongated, creeping rhizome. The fronds are triangular-shaped and are twice or thrice divided, with the ultimate segments being oblong or kidney-shaped. The upper part of the fronds is bright green while the lower part is paler. The stem is glossy and black, which contrasts nicely with the green foliage. The plant produces small bulbils near the base of the fronds that aid in its propagation.
Uses
Indigenous people have been using the delicate leaves and fronds of fragile fern for centuries for medicinal purposes. They used it as a natural diuretic, to relieve stomach pains, and to reduce inflammation. The fern also produces chemicals that can be used in cancer research. Moreover, it is used as a decorative plant in rockeries and small gardens.
Cultivation
Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh. ssp. dickieana (Sim) Hyl. prefer moist soil and shady areas. They can grow in any type of soil but prefer acidic soils. They are easy to cultivate, and the plant can propagate from its small bulbils. It grows very well when planted in a rock garden or a landscape that mimics its natural growing conditions.
Light Requirements
Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh. ssp. dickieana (Sim) Hyl. prefers to grow in partial to full shade. Direct sunlight can damage the delicate fronds of the plant. It is best to place the plant in a location where it receives indirect sunlight for a few hours a day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in cool and moist environments. It grows best in temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C. Temperatures above 20°C can cause the plant to dry out and die. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the plant in a cool and humid location indoors or outdoors.
Soil Requirements
Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh. ssp. dickieana (Sim) Hyl. requires well-draining soil that is consistently moist. The soil should be rich in organic matter to provide the necessary nutrients for the plant's growth. The soil pH should be around neutral, ranging from 6 to 7.5. The plant can grow in a variety of soils including sandy, clayey, or loamy soils.
Cultivation methods
Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh. ssp. dickieana (Sim) Hyl. is a delicate and small fern, which requires specific care to grow successfully. The plant is mainly grown in gardens in shady locations, such as under trees or in shaded rock gardens. Gardeners should plant the ferns in moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Watering needs
The plant requires soil that is continuously moist to grow well, but it does not like waterlogged soil. Gardeners must monitor the soil moisture level and water the plant when the surface starts to dry, providing enough water to saturate the soil. However, over-watering can cause the plant's roots to rot, and hence, the soil should not stay wet for an extended period.
Fertilization
Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh. ssp. dickieana (Sim) Hyl. does not require much fertilization, mainly when grown in rich soil. However, the plant will benefit from a fertilizer application in the spring. Gardeners can use a slow-release fertilizer, diluted to half strength, for feeding. Too much fertilizer application may lead to lush, soft growth, which is susceptible to damage from pest and diseases.
Pruning
The plant has a delicate structure, and pruning requires care and attention to avoid damaging the fern's fronds. Gardeners mainly need to remove dead or damaged fronds throughout the growing season to keep the plant looking neat. Moreover, spent fronds should be trimmed off to help the plant focus its energy on new growth. When pruning, gardeners should use sharp pruning shears that have been sterilized to avoid spreading diseases to healthy parts of the fern.
Propagation of Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh. ssp. dickieana (Sim) Hyl.
Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh. ssp. dickieana (Sim) Hyl., also known as Dickie's bladder fern, is a fragile, small fern that is native to North America and is commonly found in wet, rocky environments. It is an attractive plant with delicate foliage that is light green in color and triangular in shape.
Propagation of Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh. ssp. dickieana (Sim) Hyl. can be done through spores or division.
Propagation through Spores
The most common method of propagation for ferns is through spores. Spores are small, dust-like particles that are produced by the fern's fronds and are released into the wind. They can be collected and sown to grow new ferns.
To propagate Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh. ssp. dickieana (Sim) Hyl. through spores, you will need to collect the spores when they are mature. These spores can be collected by cutting off a mature frond and placing it in a paper bag. Shake the bag gently to release the spores. Alternatively, you can place the frond in a plastic bag and leave it for a few days to let the spores fall. Once you have collected the spores, you can sow them on a mixture of peat moss and sand or perlite.
Cover the spores with a thin layer of soil and keep the soil moist. The spores will germinate after a few weeks, and new ferns will begin to grow. Once the ferns have grown large enough, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Propagation through Division
Another method of propagating Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh. ssp. dickieana (Sim) Hyl. is through division. This method involves dividing an established plant into smaller sections, each of which can grow into a new plant.
To propagate Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh. ssp. dickieana (Sim) Hyl. through division, you will need to dig up the plant and carefully separate the rhizomes. Make sure that each new section has its own roots and foliage. Then, replant each section in a suitable location with well-drained soil and ample moisture.
Division is usually done in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant, and care must be taken not to damage the roots or foliage during the process.
Disease Management
Cystopteris fragilis ssp. dickieana is generally resilient to diseases but can be susceptible to some fungal infections.
Black Spot - This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum spp. and appears as black spots on the fronds. To manage this disease, remove any infected fronds and dispose of them. Avoid overhead watering to reduce high humidity around the plant, which can promote fungal growth.
Rust - Caused by the fungus Puccinia spp., this disease appears as orange or reddish-brown spots on the fronds. Remove any infected fronds and dispose of them. If the infection is severe, apply fungicides according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management
Although not prone to many pests, Cystopteris fragilis ssp. dickieana can occasionally be affected by the following:
Caterpillars - Caterpillars can eat the fronds of the plant, causing significant damage. To manage caterpillars, inspect the plant regularly and remove any caterpillars by hand. If the infestation is severe, use insecticides according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Slugs and Snails - Slugs and snails can also feed on the fronds of the plant. To manage these pests, use physical barriers such as copper tapes or mesh around the plant's base. You can also remove them by hand, especially during the night when they are most active. If necessary, use baits or traps according to the manufacturer's instructions.
