Overview
Hymenophyllum polyanthos (Sw.) Sw. var. protrusum (Hook.) Farw., commonly known as Creeping Filmy Fern, is a small and delicate fern species that belongs to the Hymenophyllaceae family. It is a coffee-colored, creeping plant that can grow up to 10 cm in height and 50 cm in length. This fern is a popular choice for terrariums and indoor gardens due to its small size and attractive appearance.
Origin
The Hymenophyllum polyanthos (Sw.) Sw. var. protrusum (Hook.) Farw. is native to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. It is commonly found in humid and shady areas like tropical rainforests, where it grows on rocks and soil.
Common Names
The Hymenophyllum polyanthos (Sw.) Sw. var. protrusum (Hook.) Farw. goes by various common names, including Creeping Filmy Fern, Creeping Fern, and Coffee Fern.
Uses
The Hymenophyllum polyanthos (Sw.) Sw. var. protrusum (Hook.) Farw. is mainly used for ornamental purposes. As a small and delicate fern, it is an excellent choice for terrariums and indoor gardens. The attractive color and shape of this fern species make it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts.
General Appearance
The Hymenophyllum polyanthos (Sw.) Sw. var. protrusum (Hook.) Farw. has thin, delicate leaves that are shaped like fans. The leaves are about 1 cm wide and 3 cm long, and they have a coffee-brown to blackish color. The plant features wiry rhizomes that allow it to spread and cling onto surfaces. The fern prefers humid and shady conditions and requires consistent moisture to thrive.
Light conditions
Hymenophyllum polyanthos (Sw.) Sw. var. protrusum (Hook.) Farw. grows best in partial to full shade conditions.
Temperature requirements
The plant thrives in temperatures that range from 18°C to 22°C.
It can also tolerate lower temperatures of up to 5°C.
Soil requirements
Hymenophyllum polyanthos (Sw.) Sw. var. protrusum (Hook.) Farw. prefers soil that is well aerated and well-draining.
The soil should also be acidic, with a pH range between 4.5 to 6.0
The plant also requires a high moisture content, and therefore, it grows best in wet environments, such as peat bogs and damp forests.
Cultivation of Hymenophyllum polyanthos
Hymenophyllum polyanthos (Sw.) Sw. var. protrusum (Hook.) Farw. is a delicate fern that requires proper attention for its healthy growth. The best way to cultivate this plant is by replicating its natural habitat, which includes moist and shaded areas such as forests, rocks, and cliffs.
You can recreate its natural habitat by growing this fern in a terrarium or a shaded greenhouse. Growing it in a terrarium will help to regulate the humidity levels. You can also grow this fern on a moist rock or in clusters on a hanging basket to replicate its natural environment.
Watering needs
Watering is a critical part of taking care of Hymenophyllum polyanthos (Sw.) Sw. var. protrusum (Hook.) Farw. This plant is very sensitive to overwatering and underwatering. As a general rule, you should keep the soil evenly moist and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water. Water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. The frequency of watering will depend on the humidity levels and temperature of the surrounding environment.
Fertilization
Hymenophyllum polyanthos does not require much fertilization, but you can use a balanced, diluted fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Fertilizing this plant too frequently or with too much fertilizer can damage its delicate roots. It is important to avoid getting any fertilizer on the leaves or fronds, as this can also cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Hymenophyllum polyanthos is not necessary, as it will naturally shed its older fronds. However, you can trim any dead or yellowing fronds to maintain the plant's appearance. When trimming the fronds, use clean, sharp scissors to avoid damaging the plant. Be sure to sterilize the scissors with rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of disease or pests.
Propagation of Hymenophyllum polyanthos var. protrusum
The Hymenophyllum polyanthos var. protrusum, also known as the creeping filmy fern, can be propagated through spores or division.
Propagation through Spores
The spores of the filmy fern are found on the underside of mature fronds. Collect the fronds that have mature spores and put them on a paper bag to capture the spores. When the spores are already in the bag, put them in a container with moist peat moss and keep them in a humid area. After a few weeks, the spores will germinate and develop into small, green heart-shaped gametophytes. Transfer the gametophytes to a pot with a mixture of soil and peat moss or sphagnum moss. Keep the soil moist and the pot in a humid area until the fronds start to appear.
Propagation through Division
The creeping filmy fern can also be propagated through division during the growing season. The best time to divide the fern is when it has an established root system. Carefully lift the fern from the soil and gently separate the crowns with a sharp and sterile knife. Each division should have a portion of roots and a few fronds. Plant each division in a pot with a mixture of soil and peat moss. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a humid area to help the division establish itself.
Disease and Pest Management for Hymenophyllum polyanthos var. protrusum
Like all living organisms, Hymenophyllum polyanthos var. protrusum is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common issues that may affect this plant, and some ways to manage them.
Diseases
One common disease that may affect H. polyanthos var. protrusum is leaf spot. This fungal disease is characterized by circular or irregularly shaped brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove and destroy any affected leaves as soon as they are noticed. It is also helpful to provide good air circulation around the plant, and to avoid getting water on the leaves. Finally, avoid overhead watering, as moisture on the leaves can encourage the growth of the fungus.
Another disease that may affect H. polyanthos var. protrusum is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white or gray powder on the leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to remove and destroy any affected leaves or stems. You may also choose to use a fungicide to help control the disease, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully and apply the fungicide as directed.
Pests
One common pest that may affect H. polyanthos var. protrusum is spider mites. These tiny pests can be difficult to see but can cause significant damage to the plant. To manage spider mites, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation, such as fine webbing or speckling on the leaves. You may also choose to use a miticide to help control the pests, but again, it is important to follow the instructions carefully.
Another pest that may affect H. polyanthos var. protrusum is scale insects. These pests appear as small, raised bumps on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage scale insects, it is important to remove and destroy any affected leaves or stems. You may also choose to use an insecticide to help control the pests, but it is important to choose a product that is labeled for use on this specific plant, and to follow the instructions carefully.
By being vigilant and taking proactive steps to manage any potential issues, you can help keep your Hymenophyllum polyanthos var. protrusum healthy and thriving.
