Origin
Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. accessita Jepson, commonly known as Wright's Lipfern, is a species of fern that belongs to the Cheilanthaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found growing in the southwestern United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and California.
Common Names
Wright's Lipfern is also known by other common names such as Wright's Cloak Fern, Cloak Fern, and Rock Lipfern.
Appearance
Wright's Lipfern can be identified by its unique appearance. It has a delicate, feathery texture and grows in a dense clump. The fronds are slender and can grow up to 30 cm long, with a width of about 2 cm. The fronds also have a distinct bluish-green color, which makes them stand out against other ferns.
The plant gets its name from the shape of its fronds, which form a cloak-like covering around the stems. The stems of the plant are thin and black, and grow to a length of about 10 cm. The plant is also characterized by its small, white spores, which are found on the undersurface of the fronds.
Uses
Wright's Lipfern has been traditionally used by Native American tribes for various medicinal purposes. The fern was used to treat respiratory disorders, such as coughs and bronchitis, as well as to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis.
The plant is also used in landscaping and is grown as an ornamental plant due to its unique appearance. It is ideal for use in rock gardens or as a ground cover in dry, rocky areas.
Overall, Wright's Lipfern is a unique and interesting plant that is valued for both its medicinal properties and its ornamental value.
Light Requirements
Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. accessita Jepson prefers partially shaded areas. It can tolerate full sunlight but is most often found growing in mixed or open conifer forest, woodland, and brushland habitats in California.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is found in areas with a Mediterranean climate, meaning it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it thrives in mild temperatures. In areas where it grows, the temperature ranges from cool to warm during the growing season.
Soil Requirements
Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. accessita Jepson grows well in well-drained sandy loam or rocky soils. The plant prefers acidic soils but can also tolerate neutral or slightly alkaline soils. It grows in areas with poor soil conditions such as serpentine soils, volcanic rocks or disturbed areas.
Cultivation
Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. accessita Jepson is a relatively easy fern to cultivate. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH level.
This fern tolerates a range of temperatures but does best in a range of 60-75°F (15-24°C). It can be grown indoors in a pot or outside in a shaded garden.
Watering Needs
It's important not to overwater Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. accessita Jepson as it's prone to root rot. Water the fern sparingly when the soil is dry to the touch. It's better to underwater than overwater this plant.
When watering, it's best to use a watering can and to pour the water directly onto the soil rather than the leaves. This helps prevent fungal diseases and ensures the water gets to the plant's roots.
Fertilization
Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. accessita Jepson doesn't require much fertilization. Once a month, during the growing season, you can add a liquid fertilizer at half strength to the water used for watering the plant.
If the fern is growing in a pot, be sure to flush out any excess fertilizer from the soil every three months by giving it a good watering without any fertilizer added.
Pruning
Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. accessita Jepson doesn't require frequent pruning but removing any yellow or dead fronds is always a good idea as it helps the plant conserve its energy for new growth. You can also trim back any fronds that are getting too long or unruly.
When pruning, use sharp and clean scissors or pruners to avoid damaging the plant. Be sure to prune the fern during the growing season, not in the winter when it goes dormant.
Propagation of Notholaena candida var. accessita
Notholaena candida var. accessita, also known as the Sierra cloak fern, is a fern species that grows in the western United States. Propagation of this plant is typically done by spores or by division.
Propagation by spores
Propagation by spores is the most common method for reproducing ferns. The spores are small, dust-like particles that develop on the underside of the fern frond. To propagate Notholaena candida var. accessita using spores, you must first collect the spores in the fall when they are released from the mature fronds.
The spores can be sprinkled onto a potting mixture that consists of peat moss, perlite, and sand. The mixture should be kept moist and warm, and in a few weeks, the spores will germinate and produce tiny green heart-shaped structures known as prothalli. Allow these structures to grow for several weeks, and then transfer them to individual pots to grow into adult plants.
Propagation by division
Another method of propagating Notholaena candida var. accessita is through division. This is done by separating the individual fronds or rhizomes (underground stems) of a mature plant and planting them in separate containers. Each frond or rhizome should have at least one healthy root attached to it.
The individual pieces should be planted in a potting mixture that consists of peat moss, perlite, and sand, and watered regularly until they take root. This method typically produces faster results than propagation by spores.
Disease Management
Notholaena candida is generally resistant to most diseases. However, it can occasionally fall prey to fungal infections like rust and leaf spots. To manage these diseases, it is crucial to maintain good plant hygiene. Remove all infected plant debris and dispose of it safely to prevent the spread of disease.
Fungicides can also be used to manage fungal infections. However, it is essential to choose a fungicide that is labeled for use on Notholaena candida, and follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the plant.
Pest Management
Like most ferns, Notholaena candida can fall prey to common pests like spider mites and scale insects. These pests can cause yellowing, stunted growth, and distortion of leaves.
One way to manage pest infestations is to prune off infected leaves and dispose of them carefully. Pesticides can be used to control pest infestations, but it is essential to choose a product that is labeled for use on Notholaena candida and follow the instructions carefully.
Another effective way to prevent pest infestations is to maintain good plant hygiene by removing all fallen leaves and debris that can provide hiding places for pests.
