Origin and Common Names
Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. copelandii (C.C. Hall) R. Tryon is a plant species that belongs to the family Pteridaceae. It is known by different common names such as the rock cloak fern, Copeland’s lip fern, and lace fern. It is indigenous to North America, specifically in southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas), Mexico, and south to Guatemala.
Appearance
The Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. copelandii (C.C. Hall) R. Tryon is a small, evergreen fern, growing up to 15 cm tall, including the leaves. It has a basal rosette of leaves that emerges from a central point. The leaves or fronds are about 3-10 cm long, triangular to lance-shaped, and divided into small, overlapping segments. The color of the leaves ranges from pale to dark green, and the undersides are covered in small, white hairs, giving a lace-like appearance.
Uses
Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. copelandii (C.C. Hall) R. Tryon has various medicinal uses among different indigenous communities in North America. It has been used as a traditional remedy for fever, diarrhea, and to stop bleeding. Some people also make tea from its leaves to treat respiratory issues, such as coughs and colds.
Additionally, the plant has ornamental uses because of its unique appearance. This fern is a perfect addition to rock gardens and outdoor containers because of its attractive, lacy appearance and its ability to grow well in dry, rocky locations. However, it is important to note that this plant is vulnerable to deer and rabbit grazing, so appropriate measures must be taken to ensure that it is not damaged.
Light Conditions
Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. copelandii (C.C. Hall) R. Tryon typically grows in bright, indirect sunlight. This plant prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun if it is not too hot.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species prefers warm temperatures and is often found in tropical and sub-tropical regions. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C but prefers temperatures between 20-35°C.
Soil Requirements
Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. copelandii (C.C. Hall) R. Tryon prefers well-draining soil with a pH level that is slightly acidic to neutral. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good drainage to prevent waterlogging. This plant species can grow in rocky, sandy soils, and can tolerate a range of soil types as long as they meet the basic criteria for good drainage and nutrient availability.
Cultivation of Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. copelandii (C.C. Hall) R. Tryon
Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. copelandii (C.C. Hall) R. Tryon is a type of fern that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It thrives in areas with high humidity and moderate temperatures ranging from 60-75°F. It needs partial shade, and direct sunlight should be avoided, especially during the hottest part of the day.
If grown indoors, it requires a well-draining potting mix, preferably with a high proportion of organic matter. You can mix peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand in a 1:1:1 ratio to create a suitable growing medium. If grown outdoors, make sure the soil is well-draining.
Watering Needs of Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. copelandii (C.C. Hall) R. Tryon
Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. copelandii (C.C. Hall) R. Tryon requires consistent moisture, but over-watering should be avoided. Ensure the soil is damp, but not soggy. Check the soil every two weeks, and water if the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
If the fern is planted in a pot, make sure the pot has drainage holes to avoid waterlogging. If the fern is grown outdoors, make sure the soil is well-draining as standing water can cause root rot.
Fertilization of Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. copelandii (C.C. Hall) R. Tryon
Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. copelandii (C.C. Hall) R. Tryon requires regular fertilization to promote its growth. Fertilize it with a balanced liquid fertilizer every month during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer every six months.
Pruning of Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. copelandii (C.C. Hall) R. Tryon
Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. copelandii (C.C. Hall) R. Tryon requires minimal pruning. Prune off any dead or discolored fronds with a sharp pair of scissors to promote new growth. It is best to prune in the spring before new growth appears. Avoid over-pruning as it can harm the plant.
Propagation of Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. copelandii (C.C. Hall) R. Tryon
Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. copelandii (C.C. Hall) R. Tryon is a fern that belongs to the family Pteridaceae. This fern is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. Propagation of this fern is done through spores or vegetative propagation.
Propagation by Spores
Spore propagation is the most common method of propagating Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. copelandii (C.C. Hall) R. Tryon. The spores are collected from mature fronds and sown on a suitable substrate. A suitable substrate for spore germination should be well-draining and rich in nutrients. The spores should be sown thinly on the substrate and kept moist until they germinate. Once the spores have germinated, the young plants can be transplanted into individual pots until they are large enough to be planted in the ground.
Propagation by Vegetative Propagation
Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. copelandii (C.C. Hall) R. Tryon can also be propagated vegetatively. Vegetative propagation involves taking a small part of the fern and planting it in the soil until it develops roots. This method is typically used when a grower wants to produce a new fern that is genetically identical to the parent plant.
One common way to do this is by taking a piece of the fern's rhizome and planting it in moist soil. Another method is by taking a small plantlet that has grown at the base of the parent plant and planting it in moist soil. The parent plant should be healthy and disease-free before propagating through vegetative propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. copelandii (C.C. Hall) R. Tryon
Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. copelandii (C.C. Hall) R. Tryon, commonly known as Rock cloak fern, is a tropical fern belonging to the family Pteridaceae. While it is generally a hardy plant, it can fall prey to several diseases and pests that can damage or kill the plant. Here is some information on the common diseases and pests that can affect Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. copelandii (C.C. Hall) R. Tryon and some strategies to manage them:
Common Diseases
Fusarium wilt: This fungal disease is caused by Fusarium oxysporum and can cause the fern to wilt and eventually die. The disease is usually spread through contaminated soil or plant debris.
Management: To prevent Fusarium wilt, avoid overwatering the plant, and ensure proper drainage. Remove any affected plant parts and dispose of them to prevent the spread of the disease. Consider treating the plant with fungicides containing chlorothalonil.
Leaf spot: Several fungal species can cause leaf spots on Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. copelandii (C.C. Hall) R. Tryon. The affected leaves develop small, round to irregular brown spots that may coalesce, and eventually, the leaves yellow and drop off.
Management: Remove any affected leaves and dispose of them. Consider applying copper-based fungicides, which are effective against leaf spot diseases.
Common Pests
Scale insects: These sap-sucking pests attach themselves to the fronds of the fern and can cause stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting of the leaves.
Management: For small infestations, prune or rub off the affected leaves and dispose of them. You can also use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove scale insects from the fronds. Consider treating the plant with a horticultural oil spray to control scale insects.
Caterpillars: Several species of caterpillars can cause damage to the fronds of the fern by consuming them, resulting in ragged and tattered foliage.
Management: Pick off the caterpillars by hand and dispose of them. You can also use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a naturally occurring soil bacterium that is toxic to caterpillars.
By following the above-mentioned strategies, you can effectively manage the diseases and pests that can affect your Notholaena candida (Mart. & Gal.) Hook. var. copelandii (C.C. Hall) R. Tryon plant and help it thrive.
