Plant Description
Pellaea glabella Mett. ex Kuhn var. missouriensis Gastony is a species of fern that belongs to the Pteridaceae family. The plant is native to North America, and particularly to the central and eastern parts of the United States.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Smooth Cliffbrake or Missouri Cliffbrake. The common names reflect the plant's habitat as it prefers crevices and rocky areas and is commonly found growing on cliffs, rocky bluffs, and ledges.
Uses
Pellaea glabella Mett. ex Kuhn var. missouriensis Gastony has various traditional uses as a medicinal plant. The Cherokee Indians used the plant as a poultice for insect bites, and the Navajo Indian tribe drank an infusion of the plant to treat diarrhea. Some contemporary herbalists use the plant as an expectorant and to reduce fever.
General Appearance
Pellaea glabella Mett. ex Kuhn var. missouriensis Gastony is a small, perennial fern that grows up to 12 inches tall and 12 inches wide. The plant has graceful fronds, which are leathery, green, and may droop or stand erect. The smooth, hairless fronds have a triangular-shaped blade with a glossy surface. The fronds are attached to the rhizome, which is brown and scaly. The plant produces spores in the spring, which are located on the undersides of the fronds.
Light Requirements:
Pellaea glabella var. missouriensis prefers partial to full shade. Direct sunlight may damage its fronds and stunt its growth. Therefore, it is best to plant it under the partial canopies of trees or alongside tall shrubs.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant is native to the United States and is adapted to grow in hot summers and cold winters. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9, where the average annual temperatures range from -20°F to 20°F in winter and 60°F to 90°F in summer. In general, it can withstand temperature fluctuations but cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold.
Soil Requirements:
Pellaea glabella var. missouriensis prefers well-drained, moist, and slightly acidic soils. It thrives in soils that are rich in organic matter, such as leaf litter or decayed wood. It can tolerate different soil textures, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils, but may not grow well in heavy clay soils. Additionally, it is essential to avoid overwatering, as standing water can cause root rot.
Cultivation
Pellaea glabella Mett. ex Kuhn var. missouriensis Gastony, commonly known as smooth cliffbrake, prefers partial shade and well-draining soil. It is native to rocky cliffs and slopes, so it can tolerate dry conditions and shallow soil.
Propagation can be done through spores, which are released from the underside of mature fronds in the summer. The spores can be collected and sown in a mixture of peat moss and sand, kept moist, and placed under grow lights or in a greenhouse until they develop into young plants.
If buying established plants, make sure they are healthy and free from pests or diseases. Transplant into a larger container or into the ground with a spacing of at least 18 inches between plants.
Watering Needs
Smooth cliffbrake does not tolerate soggy soil, but it also does not like to completely dry out. Water regularly and deeply, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. As the plant establishes, it will become more tolerant of dry conditions.
Avoid getting water on the fronds, as this can lead to fungal infections. Water at the base of the plant instead.
Fertilization
Smooth cliffbrake does not require frequent fertilization, but it can benefit from a yearly application of a balanced fertilizer. Use a slow-release fertilizer in the early spring when new growth begins.
Avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to excessive growth and a weaker plant.
Pruning
Dead or damaged fronds can be removed throughout the year. In the early spring, before new growth begins, prune away any old fronds that have been damaged by winter weather.
Do not cut back living fronds, as this can harm the plant and reduce its ability to photosynthesize.
Propagation of Pellaea glabella Mett. ex Kuhn var. missouriensis Gastony
Pellaea glabella Mett. ex Kuhn var. missouriensis Gastony, also known as the smooth cliff brake, is a fern species that is native to the western United States. It can be propagated in a few different ways, including spores, stolons, and division.
Propagation by spores
Propagation by spores is the most common method of propagating Pellaea glabella. Spores are collected from mature fronds and sown into a sterile growing medium. The spores should be sown thinly and covered with a layer of vermiculite. The growing medium should be kept moist and warm, with temperatures ranging between 65-75°F. Germination should occur within 3-4 weeks, and the resulting plants should be transplanted into individual containers once they are large enough to handle.
Propagation by stolons
Propagation by stolons is another method that can be used to propagate Pellaea glabella. Stolons are horizontal stems that grow along the ground and produce new plantlets at their nodes. To propagate using stolons, carefully cut off a section of the stolon with a couple of plantlets attached. Plant the stolon section in a pot with a mixture of peat moss and perlite. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, brightly lit area. New growth should appear in a few weeks.
Propagation by division
Propagation by division is a method that involves dividing an established Pellaea glabella plant into smaller sections. This method is typically used for older plants that have become root-bound or are too large for their current pot. To propagate by division, carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the roots into smaller sections. Each section should have its own roots and fronds. Plant each section into its own container with a mixture of peat moss and perlite. Water the new plants thoroughly and place them in a warm, well-lit area.
Disease Management
Pellaea glabella var. missouriensis is susceptible to various fungal diseases that can affect its growth and health. One common fungal disease that affects this plant is black spot disease, which appears as black spots on the fronds of the plant. To manage this disease, remove and discard all infected leaves and avoid overhead watering, which can spread the disease. Applying a fungicide can also be beneficial in preventing the spread of the disease.
Another fungal disease that affects this plant is rust, which shows up as orange or brown-colored spores on the fronds of the plant. To manage this disease, remove any infected leaves and avoid watering the plant from above. Applying a fungicide can also help prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Pellaea glabella var. missouriensis might come under attack from different kinds of pests that can affect its growth and health. One common pest that affects this plant is spider mites, which appear as tiny, moving dots on the plant's leaves. To manage a spider mite infestation, increase humidity levels around the plant and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the leaves.
Another common pest that affects this plant is scale insects, which appear as small, round or oval bumps on the plant's leaves. To manage a scale infestation, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the scales from the plant's leaves. You can also apply an insecticidal spray to the leaves, making sure to cover all infested areas.
Mealybugs are another pest that can attack Pellaea glabella var. missouriensis. They appear as white, waxy spots on the plant, usually near the stem or where the leaves meet the stem. To manage a mealybug infestation, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap to remove the mealybugs from the plant's leaves and stem. Repeat this process regularly until there are no more visible mealybugs.
