Overview
Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule (Copeland) Anders. & Crosby, also known as the Thick-stipe Elaphoglossum, belongs to the family Dryopteridaceae.
Origin
The plant is commonly found in Indonesia, the Philippines, and nearby areas in southeastern Asia.
Common Names
Along with Thick-stipe Elaphoglossum, it is sometimes called Hare's-foot Fern because of the shape of its rhizomes, which resemble the feet of rabbits or hares.
General Appearance
The Thick-stipe Elaphoglossum is a small to medium-sized fern, growing up to 30 centimeters tall. The fronds are dark green and pinnate, with 6 to 10 pairs of pinnae, each of which has 10 to 15 pairs of pinnules. The stipe, or the stem of the leaf, is thick and short, which serves as an excellent distinguishing characteristic for the fern from others. The rhizomes are brown and hairy, and grow in a creeping fashion, spreading 1-2 meters.
Uses
The Thick-stipe Elaphoglossum is commonly used in horticulture, planted on walls, stones, or trees as an ornamental plant. It does well in damp places and shady areas, making it suitable for terrariums, shady gardens, and indoor landscaping. In some places like the Philippines, it is used in traditional medicine to treat coughs, asthma, and fever.
Light Conditions
The Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule (Copeland) Anders. & Crosby plant requires moderate to bright light for healthy growth. Direct sunlight can harm the plant, so it should be kept in a shaded area or filtered sunlight to prevent scorching of leaves. It is recommended to place the plant in an east-facing window that receives morning sun or a north-facing window where it can receive a bright but indirect light throughout the day.
Temperature Conditions
This plant thrives in a warm and humid environment. The ideal temperature range for Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule (Copeland) Anders. & Crosby is between 18°C to 25°C. It is important to keep the plant away from cold drafts as they can cause damage to the leaves and stunt their growth. Additionally, the plant will benefit from higher humidity levels, which can be achieved by using a humidifier or placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
Soil Requirements
The Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule (Copeland) Anders. & Crosby plant prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic between 5.0 to 6.0. It is recommended to use a potting mix that includes peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Avoid using heavy soils as they can retain excessive moisture and lead to root rot. The plant should be watered regularly, but the soil should not be kept saturated.
Cultivation methods for Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule (Copeland) Anders. & Crosby
Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule (Copeland) Anders. & Crosby is a type of fern and is commonly known as "tongue fern." This species thrives well in humid and shady areas. Here are some cultivation methods that can help your Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule grow better:
- Planting medium: Use well-draining planting medium that is composed of peat, sand, and perlite. The pH of the medium should be between 5.0 to 6.5.
- Light: This fern grows well in moderate to low light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can damage the foliage.
- Temperature: Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule prefers a temperature range of 18-24°C (64-75°F)
Watering needs of Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule
Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule needs to be watered regularly. Watering once a week is sufficient in moderate humidity, and in summer or drier climates, watering twice a week may be necessary. It is important not to let the soil in which your fern is growing to completely dry out, as this can cause it to wilt, turn brown and eventually die. Regular watering increases the humidity in the plant's vicinity, which it favors strongly.
Fertilization of Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule
Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule requires regular fertilization. Fertilize your fern every two weeks using a balanced fertilizer. Make sure that the fertilizer is appropriate for ferns and not too high in nitrogen, as this can damage the foliage.
Pruning of Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule
Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule does not require pruning in the traditional sense. However, removing any old, wilted, or damaged foliage will help your fern flourish because it will focus on growing healthy new foliage. Your Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule fern should be shaped through selective removal of single leaves or sections of leaves. Use clean and sharp scissors to make the cuts.
Propagation Methods for Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule
Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule is a fern that can be propagated through two methods: spores and division.
Propagation by Spores
Propagation by spores is the most common method used to grow Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule. Spores are collected from mature fronds and are sown on sterilized, moist soil or substrate. The spores will germinate and develop into small ferns within a few weeks. It is important to keep the soil moist during the germination process to prevent the spores from drying out. Once the small ferns have developed their first fronds, they can be transplanted into a suitable growing medium.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division involves separating the plant into smaller sections and planting those sections separately. This method is ideal for mature plants that have multiple stems or are too large to divide by spores. To propagate by division, the plant should be carefully removed from its container or growing area. The roots should be gently loosened and separated into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one healthy stem and a sufficient amount of roots. The separated sections should be planted in a suitable growing medium and watered thoroughly.
Overall, both propagation methods can be successful for growing Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule. The germination of spores can take longer, but it is the best option for young plants. Division can be used for larger plants and is a faster way to produce mature ferns.
Disease and Pest Management for Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule (Copeland) Anders. & Crosby
Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule is a fern species native to Asia and is a popular ornamental plant. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pest attacks, which can affect its growth and long-term survival. It is, therefore, important to have proper disease and pest management practices in place to maintain healthy plants.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect ferns, including Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule, is leaf spot. Leaf spot is caused by a fungus that spreads through spores, which can be carried by water and air. The first symptoms of leaf spot are small circular or oval-shaped spots on the leaves, which can be brown, yellow, or black in color. Over time, the spots can grow and merge, causing the leaves to wither and die. Leaf spot can be managed by removing the infected leaves and improving air circulation around the plant. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of leaf spot.
Another common disease that affects ferns is root rot. Root rot is caused by fungi that attack the roots, causing them to rot and die. The first symptoms of root rot are yellowing of the leaves and a wilting appearance. To manage root rot in Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule, it is important to avoid overwatering the plant and ensure proper drainage. Infected plants should be removed to prevent the spread of the disease to other plants.
Common Pests
Aphids are a common pest that can attack ferns, including Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule. These small insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, a simple remedy is to spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap. In severe cases, insecticides may be necessary.
Another common fern pest is mealybugs. These small pests are covered in a white, waxy substance that protects them from insecticides. Mealybugs feed on the sap of the plant and can cause the leaves to yellow and fall off. To manage mealybugs, it is important to monitor the plant regularly and remove any infected areas. A cotton swab soaked in alcohol can also be used to remove the pests.
Conclusion
Proper disease and pest management practices are essential for maintaining healthy Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule plants. Regular monitoring of the plant and prompt action at the first sign of disease or pest infestation is crucial. By following the suggested management practices, you can ensure that your Elaphoglossum alatum Gaud. var. crassicaule plants remain healthy and thrive for years to come.
