Overview
Lomaria spicant is a species of fern in the family Blechnaceae. It is commonly known as the northern twayblade, British twayblade, creeping-rooted orchid, common twayblade or lesser twayblade. Lomaria spicant is native to Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Appearance
Lomaria spicant is a small to medium-sized evergreen fern with a creeping, subterranean rhizome. The fronds, which grow up to 60 cm long, are erect or arching, and pinnate, with pinnatifid pinnae. The pinnae are ovate or lanceolate and are about 3-10cm long and 1-3.5cm wide. The fronds are leathery, glossy and dark green in color, with two rows of pinnae on either side of the stem and two to four vein pairs on each pinna.
Uses
Lomaria spicant has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The leaves and rhizome contain several active compounds including tannins, saponins, and flavonoids, which are believed to provide a range of medicinal benefits. For example, it has been used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, throat infections, and fever. It has also been applied topically to treat skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. Additionally, Lomaria spicant is used in landscaping and gardening as an ornamental plant.
Cultivation
Lomaria spicant grows best in cool to temperate climates and can be propagated by division in late winter or early spring. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and shaded positions. It is suited to acidic, neutral, or slightly alkaline soils and can also be grown in containers. In gardens, it can be grown along shady borders, under trees, or in woodland gardens.
Light Requirements:
Lomaria spicant grows well in partial to full shade conditions. It can also tolerate some direct sunlight, although too much light can cause the plant to wilt or become stunted. Therefore, it is best to grow this plant in a spot where it can receive dappled shade or filtered light.
Temperature Requirements:
The ideal temperature range for Lomaria spicant is between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). It can tolerate slightly higher temperatures, but hot and dry conditions can cause the plant to wilt. On the other hand, exposure to frost can also damage the plant, so it is important to protect it during winter months in colder regions.
Soil Requirements:
Lomaria spicant prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, from sandy loam to heavy clay soils. The pH range for this plant is between 5.0 to 7.0, which means it can grow in slightly acidic to neutral soils. However, it is important to avoid soils that are too alkaline as this can lead to nutrient deficiencies.
Cultivation Methods
Lomaria spicant, also known as deer fern, is a native of Europe, Asia, and North America. This plant thrives in temperate climates, in areas of high humidity and moderate temperatures. It can grow in any type of soil but prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH level. This plant prefers partial to full shade but can tolerate some sun exposure. Lomaria spicant can be propagated by spores, which can be sown in a mixture of peat and sand and kept moist until germination.
Watering Needs
Lomaria spicant requires consistent, moderate watering to thrive. During the growing season, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. In the winter, reduce watering, but do not let the soil dry out completely. This plant is sensitive to water quality, and it is recommended to use distilled or rainwater for irrigation. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause the plant to dry out and die.
Fertilization
Lomaria spicant does not require frequent fertilization, but it can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer once or twice a year. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid fertilizing in the winter, as the plant is in a dormant state and does not require additional nutrients. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced overall plant health.
Pruning
Lomaria spicant does not require frequent pruning, but it can benefit from occasional trimming to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged fronds. Prune the plant in the spring before new growth appears. Use sharp shears and cut close to the base of the frond. Pruning can stimulate new growth and improve the overall appearance of the plant.
Propagation of Lomaria spicant
Lomaria spicant is commonly known as the "deer fern" is a fern species that is widely distributed in the temperate regions of the world. It is an excellent ornamental plant used in landscaping and gardening, especially in moist, shady areas. There are two primary methods of propagating Lomaria spicant – spore propagation and vegetative propagation.
Spore Propagation
Spore propagation is the most common method of propagating ferns. Spores are produced on the underside of the fern fronds, usually in sori (clusters). To successfully propagate Lomaria spicant from spores, the following steps should be followed:
- Collect spores from mature fern fronds
- Sterilize the container, potting soil, and all other equipment.
- Fill a small container with moistened, sterilized potting soil.
- Sow the spores on the soil surface.
- Cover the container with a plastic bag or lid to maintain humidity.
- Place the container in an area with bright but indirect light.
- Transplant the fernlets to individual pots when they are large enough to handle.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is the method of reproducing ferns using vegetative parts such as rhizomes, stolons, and offsets. To successfully propagate Lomaria spicant vegetatively, the following steps should be followed:
- Choose a healthy and mature Lomaria spicant plant.
- Select a portion of the rhizome with several fronds attached.
- Remove the selected portion from the main plant using a sharp, sterile knife.
- Plant the rhizome section in a container filled with moistened, well-draining potting soil.
- Place the container in a warm, bright, and humid environment.
- Water the container regularly to maintain soil moisture.
- Transplant the fernlet to individual pots when it is large enough to handle.
With proper care and maintenance, Lomaria spicant propagated using any of the above methods can grow into healthy and attractive ferns.
Disease Management
Lomaria spicant is generally a hardy plant and not prone to many diseases. However, it can be susceptible to certain fungal diseases such as rust and leaf spot. These diseases can be managed by taking the following measures:
- Prune infected leaves and stems immediately and dispose of them properly.
- Avoid overhead watering, as wet leaves can contribute to the development and spread of fungal diseases.
- Keep the area around the plant clean and free of debris to reduce the risk of infection.
- Fungicides can be used as a last resort if other control methods fail. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Pest Management
Lomaria spicant can be susceptible to a few pests that can cause damage to the foliage and even kill the plant. Common pests include:
- Scale insects - these small, flat insects can clump together on the leaves and stems, piercing the plant tissue and sucking out the sap. Use an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to suffocate them.
- Leaf miners - these pests feed on the internal leaf tissue, leaving tunnels that can disfigure the leaves and stunt the growth of the plant. Remove affected leaves and dispose of them promptly. Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides as they can kill beneficial insects that help control leaf miners.
- Mealybugs - these soft-bodied pests can cover the plant in a waxy substance and weaken the plant by sucking out the sap. Use an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to suffocate them.
Regular inspection and monitoring of the plants are the key to successful pest management. Early detection and intervention can prevent further damage to the plant and reduce the risk of spreading to other plants. Always follow the instructions carefully when using any pesticide and wear protective clothing and equipment when necessary.
