Origin
Notholaena jonesii Maxon is a fern species that is native to the southwestern region of the United States, particularly found in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as the Jones' cloak fern, as it was named after the American botanist and explorer Marcus E. Jones who discovered it in 1883. Other names that this plant goes by include black spleenwort and matricary spleenwort.
General Appearance
The Notholaena jonesii Maxon has unique characteristics that make it easy to identify. The fronds of the fern are generally leathery, and they arise from short, blackish rootstocks. The fronds are pinnately compound, meaning that they have several leaflets or segments that are attached to the central rachis. The rachis is rigid and roughly hairy, with brown chaffy scales at the base. The fern’s leaves are oblong, with deep lobes and pointed tips. The fern's color ranges from a light greenish-gray to a dark olive-green shade.
Uses
This plant has various medicinal uses; it is used as an astringent, febrifuge, and a treatment for wounds and diarrhea. The fern was also used in Native American cultures for preparing dye and its leaves were chewed for medicinal purposes. Additionally, this plant is an ornamental plant, and it can be grown as an indoor plant or in a greenhouse setting.
Light Requirements
The Notholaena jonesii Maxon plant requires a high level of sunlight exposure for proper growth. It grows best in full sunlight or partial shade. This plant can tolerate some shade as long as it still receives enough light for photosynthesis. However, too much shade can result in slow growth and poor development of fronds.
Temperature Requirements
The Notholaena jonesii Maxon plant prefers moderate temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C). It cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and will die if exposed to them for extended periods. In the hottest parts of its native habitat, it can survive temperatures up to 110°F (43°C). However, in areas with high humidity, it can thrive at even higher temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The Notholaena jonesii Maxon plant requires well-draining soils with good water retention capacity. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including rocky and sandy soils, but it prefers soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5). In areas with heavy clay soils, it is advisable to add compost or other organic matter to improve soil drainage. This fern does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils.
Cultivation methods
Notholaena jonesii Maxon is a drought-resistant plant and can grow in various soil types. However, it needs well-draining soil as it does not flourish in waterlogged soil. The plant grows best when it is exposed to full sunlight and can tolerate both shaded and partially shaded areas.
The propagation of Notholaena jonesii Maxon can be done either through spores or division. When propagating through spores, sow them on the soil surface and don't cover them with soil as they require light to germinate.
Watering needs
Watering Notholaena jonesii Maxon requires caution. The plant does not need frequent watering as it can tolerate drought conditions. Watering should only occur whenever the soil is completely dry and should be deep enough to allow the roots to absorb the water. Overwatering leads to root rot, which poses a significant threat to the plant's health.
Fertilization
Notholaena jonesii Maxon does not require regular fertilization. However, if you need to fertilize the plant, do so during its growing season, which is usually in the spring or summer. Use a balanced fertilizer, and follow the instructions on the package carefully. Over-fertilizing the plant leads to reduced growth and may damage the plant's roots.
Pruning
Pruning Notholaena jonesii Maxon is optional since the plant grows slowly and requires minimal maintenance. However, if pruning is necessary, it should be done during the active growth seasons of the plant. Prune the plant using clean and sharp pruning shears, and cut the affected or damaged fronds as close to the base as possible. Pruning the plant helps control its growth and prevent overcrowding in the planting area.
Propagation of Notholaena jonesii Maxon
Notholaena jonesii Maxon, commonly known as Jones' cloakfern or Jones' cliffbrake, is a small fern native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Propagation of this plant can be done through spores or division of the rhizomes.
Propagation by Spores
Propagation through spores is a common method for propagating ferns like Notholaena jonesii. Spores are typically found on the underside of mature fronds and can be collected when they are mature and brown in color. To collect the spores, place a sheet of white paper under a frond and gently shake the plant to release the spores.
Once collected, spores can be sown on a sterile growing medium such as peat moss or vermiculite. The medium should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and covered with a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity. Place the container in a bright, indirect light and maintain a temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit to encourage spore germination.
Seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots once they have developed several fronds and are large enough to handle.
Propagation by Division
Division of the rhizomes is another method for propagating Notholaena jonesii. To do this, carefully remove the plant from its container or dig up the rhizomes from the garden bed. Use a sharp knife or trowel to divide the plant into several sections, making sure each section has several fronds and a healthy root system.
Transplant each section into a container or garden bed filled with well-draining soil, and water thoroughly. Keep the newly divided plants in a bright, indirect light with a temperature range between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit to encourage growth.
It is important to note that Notholaena jonesii is a slow-growing plant and may take several years to reach maturity from either propagation method.
Disease Management
Notholaena jonesii Maxon is known to be quite resistant to diseases and does not usually suffer from any major disease problems. However, as with any plant, there is always a risk of infection by fungal, bacterial, or viral pathogens.
Symptoms of disease in Notholaena jonesii Maxon include leaf spots, wilting, yellowing of leaves and blackening of stems. To manage diseases in Notholaena jonesii Maxon, it is recommended to practice good plant hygiene, such as removing diseased plant debris and avoiding overcrowding to increase air circulation.
If symptoms appear, it is advisable to apply a suitable fungicide, bactericide, or virucide to the affected plants as directed by the manufacturer.
Pest Management
Notholaena jonesii Maxon is not usually affected by pests, but given the right conditions, the plant may be attacked by different types of pests, including mites, mealybugs, and aphids.
Infected plants may display signs such as yellowing and stunted growth. It is important to identify the type of infestation present before taking appropriate measures to control it. One option to manage pests is to use an insecticidal soap or oil spray. These products are generally safe for the plant and can help to control pests by smothering and suffocating them. It is also worth considering natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to help control the pests. Another method is to prune out the affected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly.
Preventative measures such as maintaining proper soil moisture and avoiding over-fertilization can also help to avoid pest problems. Regularly inspecting the plant can also help detect any pest problems before they become severe.
