Origin and Common Names
Dryopteris resinifera (Desv.) Weatherby, commonly known as the resin fern, is a species of fern that belongs to the family Dryopteridaceae. It is native to China, Japan, and Korea and has become naturalized in Europe, including the United Kingdom.
Appearance
The resin fern is a deciduous, evergreen plant that grows up to 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. It has strong, erect fronds that grow in an upward direction and are dark green in color. The fronds have a leathery texture with serrated leaves that taper to a point creating a triangular shape. The underside of the fronds is covered in a yellow-green hue with a wax-like coating that gives it a shiny appearance.
Uses
The resin fern has a variety of uses. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes for its attractive foliage. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine, where the roots and leaves are boiled and consumed as a tea to treat fever, coughs, and flu-like symptoms. The resin fern is also used in the horticultural industry as a source of genetic material for breeding disease-resistant ferns.
Light Requirements
Dryopteris resinifera prefers partial to full shade and can grow well under the canopy of other trees or in areas with dappled sunlight. Direct sunlight can be too intense and may cause leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Dryopteris resinifera is between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The plant can withstand some frost, but extended periods of freezing can damage the fern. In areas with high temperatures, the plant may go dormant in the summer heat.
Soil Requirements
Dryopteris resinifera prefers well-draining, moist, and acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The fern can tolerate some dryness, but constant moisture is essential for optimal growth. The soil should be rich and filled with organic matter to provide the nutrients necessary for fern growth. The plant can also grow in rocky or sandy soil as long as it is irrigated properly.
Cultivation methods
Dryopteris resinifera requires a well-draining soil mix with good aeration. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, from acid to alkaline.
It is important to plant the fern in a shady location that receives filtered sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the delicate fronds and cause leaf burn.
The plant can be propagated by spores or division. Division should be done during the growing season, and care should be taken to disturb the root system as little as possible.
Watering needs
Dryopteris resinifera requires consistent soil moisture to thrive. It is recommended to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
The plant should be watered deeply once a week or more frequently, depending on the humidity levels and soil drainage in its growing environment. During the winter months, watering should be reduced.
Fertilization
Dryopteris resinifera does not require frequent fertilization. A slow-release granular fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio can be applied once a year during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
Additionally, a liquid fertilizer can be applied every 2-4 weeks during the growing season to provide additional nutrients to the plant.
Pruning
Dryopteris resinifera requires minimal pruning. Dead or yellowing fronds can be removed at the base of the stem to improve the plant's appearance.
If the plant becomes too large for its growing space, it can be divided and transplanted to a larger pot or a new location in the garden.
Care should be taken not to over-prune the fern, as it can cause stress to the plant and hinder its growth.
Propagation of Dryopteris Resinifera
Dryopteris resinifera (Desv.) Weatherby, commonly known as Resinous Wood Fern, is a deciduous, clump-forming fern native to the eastern United States. Dryopteris resinifera can propagate either via spores or through division.
Propagation via Spores
Dryopteris resinifera can reproduce via spores. Sori, which are clusters of sporangia, will grow on the undersides of the fronds on mature plants. When the spores are mature, the sori will break open to release them, and they disperse through the air to land and grow into new plants. To propagate this plant via spores, the spores need to be collected and sowed onto a soil mixture of perlite, peat, and sand. The mixture should be kept moist and covered with plastic or a glass lid to maintain high humidity levels. After a few weeks to months, the spores will germinate to become tiny green structures called prothallia, which will mature into small ferns.
Propagation through Division
Another method of propagating Dryopteris resinifera involves the use of its underground rhizomes. To do this, an established plant will need to be carefully dug up, and the rhizomes are separated using a sharp and clean tool. The division should have roots and fronds intact. After separation, these divisions can be immediately replanted into new pots or gardens with nutrient-rich soil and kept moist until they establish roots, at which point they can be watered per typical for ferns.
Disease Management
Dryopteris resinifera (Desv.) Weatherby is generally a healthy plant, but it can sometimes be affected by various fungal diseases. The most common diseases affecting the plant include:
- Rust: This disease causes orange-yellow spots on the leaves. The spots may become larger and merge, causing the leaves to curl and drop prematurely.
- Leaf spot: This disease appears as small, brown or black spots on the leaves. The spots may expand and merge, causing the leaves to turn brown and dry up.
- Blister blight: This disease appears as yellowish green spots on the leaves. The spots may become raised and blister-like with a brownish margin. The infected leaves may turn brown and wilt.
To manage these fungal diseases, it is important to keep the plant healthy and stress-free. This involves proper watering, fertilization, and pruning. It is also recommended to keep the plant in a well-ventilated area to prevent the growth of fungal spores. In severe cases, fungicides can be used to control the disease. However, it is important to follow the instructions on the label carefully to avoid damage to the plant.
Pest Management
Dryopteris resinifera (Desv.) Weatherby is generally not affected by pests. However, there are a few pests that can infest the plant. These include:
- Scale insects: These insects appear as small, spherical bumps on the leaves and stems of the plant. They feed on the plant sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and wilt.
- Mites: These tiny pests are usually found on the underside of the leaves. They feed on the plant sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and become distorted.
To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for any signs of infestation. If caught early, scale insects and mites can be removed manually by wiping the leaves with a soft cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol. In severe cases, insecticides or miticides can be used to control the infestation. However, it is important to follow the instructions on the label carefully to avoid damage to the plant and to avoid any potential harm to the environment.
