Overview
Pityrogramma pallida, also known as Weatherby's golden back fern, is a species of fern belonging to the family Pteridaceae. The plant is native to Mexico, but it is widely distributed throughout Central and South America and parts of the southern United States. The plant is named after American botanist, Charles Alfred Weatherby who first described it in 1907.
Appearance
The plant is a small sized fern and can grow up to 30 cm tall and 60 cm wide. The leaves of the fern are densely packed and are tri-pinnatei.e., each primary pinna (leaflet) is subdivided into secondary pinnae, which are further subdivided into tertiary pinnae. The leaves are a bright green to yellow-green color, with a golden-yellow underside, hence the common name.
Uses
Pityrogramma pallida is a popular ornamental plant and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. The plant prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It is an excellent choice for landscaping and can be grown in containers, beds, rock gardens, and borders. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments such as cough, fever, bronchitis, and gastroenteritis. The leaves of the fern are used to prepare a tea, which is consumed as an anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal agent.
Cultivation
Pityrogramma pallida is a relatively easy plant to grow and can be propagated through spores or division of the clumps. The plant prefers a warm and humid climate and can tolerate mild frost. It is a fast-growing fern and requires regular watering and fertilization. However, care should be taken not to overwater the plant, as it is susceptible to root rot. The plant should be grown in well-draining soil, and it is recommended to repot it every two to three years.
Conclusion
Pityrogramma pallida is a beautiful and versatile plant, which is valued for its ornamental, medicinal, and environmental benefits. It is a useful addition to any garden or landscape and is well-suited to both indoor and outdoor cultivation. With proper care and maintenance, this fern can thrive and provide a stunning display of golden green foliage.
Light Requirements
Pityrogramma pallida grows best in areas with partial shade to full shade. It can also tolerate some direct sunlight, but exposure to too much can lead to leaf scorching and stunted growth. For optimal growth, it is recommended to provide the plant with filtered sunlight or indirect light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Pityrogramma pallida is between 70°F and 80°F during the day and 60°F to 65°F at night. The plant can tolerate temperatures outside of this range, but extreme temperatures can negatively impact its growth and health. When the temperature drops below 50°F, the plant goes into dormancy, which can lead to stunted growth and leaf loss.
Soil Requirements
Pityrogramma pallida prefers well-draining, moist soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a range between 5.5 and 7.0. The plant can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and loamy soil. However, the soil must be well-aerated and have good drainage to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Pityrogramma pallida, commonly known as Canary Island lace fern, is a tropical plant that can be grown outdoors in warm climates or indoors as a houseplant.
If growing outdoors, choose a spot with partial shade and well-drained soil. For indoor cultivation, use a pot with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix that holds moisture but does not become waterlogged.
Canary Island lace fern thrives in humid conditions and should be kept away from direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds.
Watering Needs
As a tropical fern, Pityrogramma pallida requires consistent moisture levels. Make sure the soil or potting mix is consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Water the plant frequently during the growing season and reduce watering during dormant periods. To avoid overwatering, allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
Avoid watering the foliage directly, which can promote fungal growth. Instead, water at soil level and mist the air around the plant to increase humidity.
Fertilization
Pityrogramma pallida benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced liquid or water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season.
Do not fertilize during the dormant season, and reduce fertilizer application during periods of low light or high humidity, which can affect the plant's nutrient uptake.
Be sure not to over-fertilize, which can cause the fern fronds to become burnt, curled, or stunted.
Pruning
While Pityrogramma pallida does not require regular pruning, it may benefit from occasional trimming to remove dead or yellowed fronds.
Using a clean, sharp pair of scissors, cut the frond at the base of the stem, being careful not to damage any new growth.
Regular pruning can also help the plant maintain a pleasing shape and prevent overcrowding.
Propagation of Pityrogramma pallida
Pityrogramma pallida is a fern species that is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It can be easily propagated through two methods:
Spore Propagation
The first method for propagating Pityrogramma pallida is through spore propagation. Spores are small, dust-like cells that are produced by the reproductive structures of ferns. To propagate Pityrogramma pallida through spores, follow these steps:
- Collect mature fronds of Pityrogramma pallida in the fall or early winter. Mature fronds are those that have produced spores.
- Cut the frond at its base and lay it on a piece of paper or plastic to catch the spores as they fall.
- Place the frond in a paper bag and label it with the date of collection and the fern species.
- Store the bag in a cool, dry place until the spores have fallen from the frond. This can take several weeks to a month.
- Sow the spores on a soil-less mixture or sterilized soil in a shallow tray or pot. Cover the tray or pot with a clear plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect.
- Keep the soil and spores moist by spraying them with water regularly.
- Place the tray or pot in a bright, but not direct, sunlight location.
- After several weeks to a month, small green fronds should emerge from the soil. These are the young ferns.
- Once the young ferns have grown to several inches tall, transplant them to individual pots or into your garden or landscape.
Division Propagation
The second method for propagating Pityrogramma pallida is through division propagation. This method is typically used for mature plants that have formed dense clusters of foliage.
- Choose a mature Pityrogramma pallida plant that has several clusters of foliage.
- Carefully dig up the plant and remove it from the soil.
- Separate the clusters of foliage by cutting them apart at the base of the plant.
- Plant the separated clusters of foliage in individual pots or in your garden or landscape.
- Water the newly planted ferns and keep the soil moist until they are established.
Disease Management
Pityrogramma pallida is generally a hardy plant that can resist offensive diseases quite well. However, some diseases might affect this plant at one point in time or the other. Here are some common diseases that might affect Pityrogramma pallida and ways to manage them:
1. Black spot disease
This disease is caused by fungus. You might notice black spots on the leaves of your Pityrogramma pallida plant. The spots might coalesce, causing the leaf to dry out and eventually fall off. To manage this disease, you need to prune and dispose of all infected parts. Do not compost the infected parts. Also, avoid planting your Pityrogramma pallida plant in areas where air circulation is poor. Use a fungicide to manage the disease.
2. Leaf spot disease
This disease is caused by fungus. It starts with yellow spots on the leaf of the plant and eventually develops into brown circular spots with reddish-brown rings. To manage this disease, you need to remove infected plant parts and avoid overhead irrigation. Apply a fungicide to manage the disease.
Pest Management
Another issue that Pityrogramma pallida plant growers might face is pests. Here are some common pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
1. Spider mites
These pests are tiny, and they might be challenging to identify. When you notice webs on your plant, it might be an indication of a spider mite infestation. You might also notice discoloration or yellowing of the plant. To manage this pest, you need to increase humidity levels around the plant. Use insecticidal soap to spray the plant, paying attention to the underside of leaves.
2. Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from your plant. You might notice a sticky residue on the plant as a sign of aphid infestation. To manage this pest, use a strong stream of water to wash the plant. You may also use an insecticidal soap to manage the pest.
3. Snails and slugs
These pests might eat through the leaves of your Pityrogramma pallida plant, leaving ragged edges. To manage them, you can pick them manually and dispose of them. You may also use a slug and snail bait.
