Origin
Dicranopteris emarginata (T. Moore) W.J. Robins. var. emarginata, commonly known as the trailing fern, is endemic to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand.
Common Names
The plant is known by various common names in different countries and regions. In Malaysia, it is called 'paku mudah' or 'paku belimbing'. In the Philippines, it is known as 'siik-siikan', while in Thailand, it is called 'phak khom'.
Uses
Traditionally, Dicranopteris emarginata has been used in Southeast Asian medicine to treat various ailments such as asthma, fever, and skin infections. In Malaysia, the leaves and stems are used as a diuretic and to alleviate cough symptoms. The plant, when boiled, is also used as a hair rinse to promote hair growth and eliminate dandruff.
Moreover, Dicranopteris emarginata is used for landscaping purposes as it is commonly grown as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful and lush foliage. The leaves have a unique shape, that of an elongated triangle, and are a vibrant green color, adding a beautiful touch to any garden or home.
General Appearance
Dicranopteris emarginata is a creeping fern that typically grows in moist, shaded areas such as riverbanks, forests, and rocky slopes. The plant has a black, wiry rhizome that can grow up to two meters long and produces fronds that can reach up to two meters in length as well. The fronds have a triangular shape tapered towards the end, with finely-toothed margins that give them a delicate appearance.
The leaves of the plants are relatively thick, and the texture is leathery, making them durable. The color is a bright green, and the fronds have a glossy finish that is particularly beautiful when backlit. The spores are located underneath the fronds in small bumps along the length of the leaf, making it easy to propagate the plant.
Light requirements
Dicranopteris emarginata thrives in environments with partial shade to full sunlight. However, it tends to prefer locations with moderate to high levels of light intensity, making it ideal for planting in areas with broken canopies in tropical rainforests. In areas with full sunlight, this plant can withstand intense radiation, but it prefers light levels that aren't extreme.
Temperature requirements
The optimal temperature range for Dicranopteris emarginata growth is between 21? to 32?. This plant is native to tropical regions, where the temperature remains relatively constant throughout the year. The plant can still thrive in areas with slightly lower temperatures but can suffer stress or even death if exposed to cool temperatures for extended periods.
Soil requirements
Dicranopteris emarginata can grow in various types of soil, but it prefers well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients, usually found in rainforests. The soil should also be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 5.0-6.5. This plant is sensitive to excess moisture, so the soil should never be saturated, especially during the growing season, where frequent watering is necessary to maintain healthy growth. Additionally, the plant can thrive in soils enriched with organic matter such as compost, modulated by some level of sand to allow for drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Dicranopteris emarginata requires a warm and humid environment to grow successfully. It is best grown in zones 9 to 11. This plant thrives in areas with moderate to full shade, as direct sunlight can scorch its fronds. It is typically grown in well-draining soils, though it can also be grown in areas with moderate water retention. This fern is not frost-tolerant, so it should not be grown in areas with temperatures below 50°F.
Watering Needs
Watering Dicranopteris emarginata can be quite tricky, as this fern requires moist soil to grow but does not tolerate standing water. If the soil is too wet, the roots will rot, and the plant will die. On the other hand, if the soil is too dry, the fronds will shrivel and drop. It is best to water this plant lightly and frequently, rather than drenching it all at once. During the summer and spring, water the plant twice a week. During the winter and fall, water it once a week.
Fertilization
Dicranopteris emarginata benefits from occasional fertilization, as this can help promote its growth and keep it healthy. A slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer is best. Mix the fertilizer into the soil around the plant during the growing season, usually from the spring to the summer months. Do not fertilize during periods of dormancy or when the plant is under stress, as this can damage the roots or cause leaf burn.
Pruning
Pruning Dicranopteris emarginata is not necessary. However, removing old, yellow, or damaged fronds can improve the plant's appearance and prevent pests and diseases from spreading. If you decide to remove any fronds, use pruning shears or scissors and make clean cuts close to the base of the plant, taking care not to damage the surrounding foliage.
Propagation of Dicranopteris emarginata var. emarginata
Dicranopteris emarginata var. emarginata, also known as the tufted herringbone fern, can be propagated by spores, division, and tissue culture.
Propagation by spores
Propagation by spores is a natural method of propagation for ferns. Spores are collected by taking a mature frond and placing it in a paper bag to allow the spores to naturally release. The spores can then be sown onto a growing medium, such as a mixture of peat moss and perlite, and kept moist until they germinate. Once the spores have grown into small ferns, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagation by division
Propagation by division involves separating the plant into smaller sections and replanting them. This method is particularly useful for mature plants that have outgrown their space or have become too large to manage. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and separate the roots into smaller sections. Each section should have a good number of fronds and a healthy root system. Replant each section in a prepared bed or potting mix.
Propagation by tissue culture
Tissue culture is a more advanced method of propagation that involves growing plant cells in a laboratory. This method is often used to propagate plants that are difficult to grow by other methods or to produce a large number of identical plants. To propagate by tissue culture, a small sample of the fern is taken and placed in a culture medium containing nutrients, hormones, and other growth regulators. The cells are then encouraged to multiply and differentiate into mature plants, which can be transplanted into soil.
Disease Management
Dicranopteris emarginata is known to be susceptible to pests and diseases that are common to many other fern species. The most prevalent diseases that affect this plant are fungal diseases. Fungi can cause leaf spot, anthracnose, and rust, which can all significantly damage the plant. To control fungal diseases, it is essential to remove and destroy infected foliage regularly. Additionally, improving air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent the spread of fungal spores. If the severity of the infection is high, a fungicide might be necessary.
In addition to fungal diseases, viruses and bacteria can also infect Dicranopteris emarginata. Symptoms of bacterial and viral infections include mottled foliage or stunted growth. Unfortunately, there are no effective treatments for viral diseases, and the only way to control bacterial infections is to remove and destroy the affected parts immediately.
Pest Management
Several insects and mites can infest Dicranopteris emarginata. The most common pests of this plant are spider mites, mealybugs, and scales. Spider mites and mealybugs suck the sap of the plant, which can cause discoloration, wilting, and stunted growth. Scales, on the other hand, pierce the plant's tissue and suck the nutrients, leaving the foliage speckled and discolored. To manage these pests, it is crucial to maintain good plant hygiene by removing fallen leaves and debris, inspecting the plant regularly, and detecting the infestation early.
Control measures for spider mites, mealybugs, and scales include manually wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Pesticides such as insecticidal soap, neem oil or pyrethrin can also be used as a more effective control measure. However, when using pesticides, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and to choose a product that is labelled safe for use on ferns.
Finally, cultural practices can help prevent Dicranopteris emarginata from becoming infested with pests and diseases. The plant prefers a semi-shaded environment with high humidity levels, and placing the plant in such conditions can help create an unfavorable environment for pests and diseases. Moreover, proper watering and fertilization practices can help the plant resist pests and diseases.
