Origin
The Pentagramma triangularis (Kaulfuss) Yatskievych, Windham & Wollenweber ssp. viscosa (D.C. Eat.) Yatskievych, Windham & Wollenweber, commonly known as Sierra gold fern or Sticky lip fern, is a plant species that is native to North and South America, specifically in the western parts of the United States and the Andes Mountains of South America.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including Sierra gold fern, Five-finger fern, Goldenback fern, Mountain fern, California lace fern, and Sticky lip fern. These names describe the plant's characteristics, habitat, and appearance.
Uses
The Pentagramma triangularis ssp. viscosa is primarily used for ornamental purposes, often grown as an indoor plant due to its compact size and attractive foliage. Some Native American tribes also used the plant for medicinal purposes to treat coughs, colds, and various respiratory issues.
General Appearance
The Sierra gold fern or Sticky lip fern is a small perennial fern that typically grows up to 30 centimeters tall. The plant has fronds that are triangular to shield-shaped, 4-12 centimeters long and 4-20 centimeters wide, and have five to seven pairs of leaflets. The leaves are dark green and glossy, while the undersides are yellowish-green with hairy spots. The fronds of the plant grow in clusters, forming a rosette-like shape that can spread up to 60 centimeters. The plant gets its common name "sticky lip" due to the glandular hairs that are found on the leaf stalk, giving them a sticky texture.
Typical Growth Conditions for Pentagramma triangularis ssp. viscosa
Pentagramma triangularis ssp. viscosa, commonly known as sticky five-fingered fern, is a species of fern native to the southwestern region of the United States and northern Mexico. The fern thrives in specific growth conditions, which include the following:
Light
The fern is adapted to grow in bright light conditions but can also tolerate some shade. Thus, it is best to grow the fern in areas that receive partial sun or filtered light. When exposed to full sun, the fern can experience leaf scorching, which can damage the plant.
Temperature
The fern prefers warm temperatures and thrives in a range of 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can also survive in freezing temperatures around 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The fern can also tolerate extreme heat conditions but requires sufficient moisture and shade to prevent the plant from drying out.
Soil
The fern requires well-draining, high-quality soil to support its growth. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils, which can lead to root rot and disease. Ideally, the soil pH should be on the acidic side, ranging between 5.5 to 6.5 for optimal growth. Adding organic matter to the soil can help improve the soil quality and provide essential nutrients for the fern.
In summary, to grow Pentagramma triangularis ssp. viscosa successfully, one must provide bright but filtered light, maintain warm temperatures, and use well-draining, high-quality soil.
Cultivation
Pentagramma triangularis ssp. viscosa, commonly known as sticky lip fern, is a native fern of western North America. When planting this fern, it is essential to choose a location with well-draining soil and partial shade. It is recommended to plant them in a soil mix combined with compost or other organic matter to enhance their growth.Watering Needs
Watering is a crucial aspect of the care and maintenance of these ferns. As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. To prevent overwatering, allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again. During the summer, when the temperature rises, the frequency of watering may need to be increased.Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for Pentagramma triangularis ssp. viscosa, but it can enhance their growth if you wish to do so. The application of a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, is recommended during the growing season. Follow the instructions on the package for the correct application rate.Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for this species of fern. However, dead or damaged fronds can be removed to maintain the plant's aesthetic appearance. It is best to use sharp and clean pruning tools to avoid causing damage to the healthy fronds.Propagation of Pentagramma triangularis (Kaulfuss) Yatskievych, Windham & Wollenweber ssp. viscosa (D.C. Eat.) Yatskievych, Windham & Wollenweber
Pentagramma triangularis (Kaulfuss) Yatskievych, Windham & Wollenweber ssp. viscosa (D.C. Eat.) Yatskievych, Windham & Wollenweber can be propagated through spores and rhizome division. Both methods require careful attention to detail in order to ensure success.
Propagation by Spores
Propagation by spores involves collecting mature fronds and harvesting the spores to grow into new plants. This method is ideal for propagating large numbers of plants but requires more time and patience than other methods.
The first step in propagating by spores is to collect mature fronds from a healthy plant. These fronds should be collected in the morning when they are fully hydrated as this will increase the chances of success. The fronds should be placed in a paper bag to dry, and shaken gently to release the spores.
The next step is to prepare the growing medium. A mixture of peat moss and perlite is ideal for growing Pentagramma triangularis (Kaulfuss) Yatskievych, Windham & Wollenweber ssp. viscosa (D.C. Eat.) Yatskievych, Windham & Wollenweber from spores. The spores should be sown on the surface of the growing medium and covered lightly with a layer of vermiculite.
The growing medium should be kept moist but not wet and placed in a warm, humid environment. The ideal temperature for spore germination is between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Germination can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, and the young plants should be transplanted to individual pots once they have developed sufficient roots.
Propagation by Rhizome Division
Rhizome division is a quicker method of propagating Pentagramma triangularis (Kaulfuss) Yatskievych, Windham & Wollenweber ssp. viscosa (D.C. Eat.) Yatskievych, Windham & Wollenweber. It involves dividing the rhizome of a mature plant into smaller sections and replanting them as individual plants.
The first step in rhizome division is to dig up the mature plant and gently separate the rhizomes into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one growing tip and a healthy root system.
The divided sections should be planted in a growing medium made up of peat moss and perlite. The growing medium should be kept moist but not wet and placed in a warm, humid environment. The new plants should start to grow within a few weeks and can be transplanted to individual pots once they have developed sufficient roots.
In conclusion, Pentagramma triangularis (Kaulfuss) Yatskievych, Windham & Wollenweber ssp. viscosa (D.C. Eat.) Yatskievych, Windham & Wollenweber can be propagated through spores and rhizome division. Both methods can be successful with proper care and attention to detail.
Disease Management
Pentagramma triangularis (Kaulfuss) Yatskievych, Windham & Wollenweber ssp. viscosa (D.C. Eat.) Yatskievych, Windham & Wollenweber is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it may still be infected by some fungal diseases such as rust and leaf spot.
One way to manage rust is by removing infected leaves as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the disease. Applying fungicide can also be effective in controlling rust and leaf spot.
Pest Management
Common pests that may attack Pentagramma triangularis (Kaulfuss) Yatskievych, Windham & Wollenweber ssp. viscosa (D.C. Eat.) Yatskievych, Windham & Wollenweber include spider mites and scale insects.
For spider mites, spraying the plant with a strong stream of water can help remove them. Insecticidal soap can also be applied to control spider mites and scale insects.
Regular inspection of the plant and maintaining a clean and healthy environment can prevent infestation of pests and reduce the risk of diseases.
