Overview
Thelypteris ovata R. St. John or Oval maiden fern is a fern species in the family Thelypteridaceae that is native to the Hawaiian Islands. It is a favorite among gardeners and plant enthusiasts because of its ornamental value and ease of care. This plant's common names include Hawaiian maiden fern, velvet shield fern, and Hawaiian shield fern.
Appearance
The Oval maiden fern can grow up to 4 feet in height but typically reaches only 2 feet tall in the home garden. It is a clumping, evergreen perennial fern that thrives in moist soil and partial shade. The fronds are pinnately compound, with oval to heart-shaped leaflets that can grow up to 6 inches long and 4 inches wide. The fronds are covered with soft, velvety hairs that make it look stunning to the eyes.
Uses
The Oval maiden fern is a low maintenance plant that is not only ornamental but also has a range of medicinal uses. The plant has been traditionally used by the Hawaiian people to treat abdominal pain, high blood pressure, and to improve vision. It is also believed to have antioxidant properties and was used as a food preservative. Additionally, this plant is commonly grown as an ornamental fern in tropical gardens, container gardens, and landscapes.
Care
The Oval maiden fern is a relatively easy plant to care for. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. The plant doesn't tolerate drought, so make sure to keep the soil evenly moist. Overwatering may result in root rot, so ensure that the soil is well-draining. Fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to encourage growth. Pruning the fronds regularly is beneficial to improve air circulation and can help keep the plant healthy.
Light Requirements
Thelypteris ovata R. St. John thrives best in partial to full shade conditions. Exposure to direct sunlight can burn the leaves and lead to stunted growth. It is an ideal plant for gardens under tree canopies or in areas with filtered sunlight.
Temperature Guidelines
Thelypteris ovata R. St. John prefers temperatures ranging from 60-75? (15-24?), making it a suitable plant for warm and moderate climates. Extreme cold or heat can be detrimental to the growth of this species.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers soil that is rich in organic matter, well-draining, and moist. The pH of the soil should be between 5.0-7.5. It can grow in a wide range of soils, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. However, the soil must be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, as waterlogging can lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods
Thelypteris ovata R. St. John, commonly known as the Southern shield fern, is a perennial plant that grows naturally in moist forests, swamps, and wetlands. It is a relatively easy plant to cultivate and care for, making it an excellent choice for novice and experienced gardeners. To grow Thelypteris ovata R. St. John, start by selecting a suitable location with partial shade or dappled sunlight. This fern prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH of between 5.5 to 7.0.
Plant the Southern shield fern in the spring or early fall, as this is when the plant has the most energy for root establishment. Dig a hole that is three times the size of the plant's root ball and fill it with soil, then water thoroughly to help the soil settle and eliminate any air pockets.
Watering needs
Thelypteris ovata R. St. John prefers moist soil that drains well. Watering should be done regularly, especially during extended periods of dry weather. However, be careful not to overwater and waterlogged the plant's roots as this will rot the roots and cause the plant to wither.
Avoid overhead watering, as it can cause fungal diseases such as rust and leaf spot. Instead, use a hose or watering can to water directly at the plant's base. A thick layer of mulch around the plant can help retain moisture in the soil.
Fertilization
Thelypteris ovata R. St. John doesn't require a lot of fertilization. In fact, too much fertilizer can cause the plant to grow too quickly, making it more susceptible to damage and disease.
It is recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer once in the spring to give the plant a boost. Alternatively, you can use an organic fertilizer such as compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. This will improve soil health and provide the plant with the necessary nutrients throughout the growing season.
Pruning
Thelypteris ovata R. St. John's fern does not need pruning unless it has become overgrown. Overgrown foliage can be cut back in the spring to allow new growth. Rotted, yellow or brown fronds should also need to be trimmed away to maintain the plant's appearance.
When pruning, it is essential to use sterile pruning tools to avoid transmitting any diseases from one plant to another. Sterilize your gardening shears with rubbing alcohol before and after use. If you are unsure how to prune properly, it is best to hire a professional gardener to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Thelypteris ovata R. St. John
Thelypteris ovata R. St. John, commonly known as the oval maiden fern, can be propagated through spores or division of clumps.
Propagation through Spores
Propagation through spores can be a time-consuming process as it takes around two years for the ferns to grow from spores to mature plants. To propagate through spores, the sporangia of mature ferns are collected in a paper bag when they turn brown. The ferns can be shaken over a piece of white paper to help release the spores from the sporangia.
A sterile growing medium such as peat moss is used to sow the spores. The medium is sterilized in an oven at 250°F (121°C) for around 30 minutes to kill any bacteria or fungi. The spores are then sprinkled over the surface of the medium and lightly pressed down with a flat object. The container is then covered with a clear plastic lid or plastic wrap to maintain high humidity and kept under bright light but out of direct sunlight. The temperature should be kept between 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C).
After around two to three weeks, germination should occur, and the sporophytes will start to appear as tiny green dots. The lid or plastic wrap can be removed at this point, and the ferns can be transplanted into their individual pots when they reach around one inch (2.5cm) in height. The young ferns can then be grown under suitable conditions until they are mature enough to be planted outdoors.
Propagation through Division
Propagation through division is a quicker method compared to propagation through spores. The best time to divide the ferns is in early spring or fall when they are actively growing, and the soil is moist. The ferns can be dug up, and the root clumps can be divided into smaller sections using a pair of sterile garden shears or a knife.
The sections should have at least one crown (growing point) and a few roots attached. The divided sections can be planted into suitable containers or directly into the garden bed in their preferred growing conditions. Newly divided ferns can be watered well and provided with extra shade for a few weeks until they start growing new fronds.
Propagation of Thelypteris ovata R. St. John through spores or division is a straightforward process, and both methods can result in healthy, new ferns.
Disease and Pest Management for Thelypteris ovata R. St. John
Thelypteris ovata R. St. John is relatively resistant to disease and pests. However, it is still susceptible to several common diseases and pests that can affect its growth and development. Here are some of these diseases and pests and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal leaf diseases: Thelypteris ovata is prone to fungal leaf diseases, such as leaf spot and powdery mildew. The best way to manage these diseases is through cultural practices, such as removing the affected leaves and improving air circulation around the plant. Applying fungicides may also be necessary in severe cases.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange-colored spots on the leaves. It can be managed by removing the affected leaves and applying fungicides.
Pests
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can chew on the leaves of Thelypteris ovata, causing damage to the plant. To manage these pests, manual removal of the caterpillars or the application of biological pesticides can be effective.
Scale insects: Scale insects are tiny creatures that can attach themselves to the stems and leaves of Thelypteris ovata, causing damage to the plant. To manage these pests, it is important to apply insecticides or to remove affected parts of the plant.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can be difficult to detect. They suck on the plant's sap and cause damage to the leaves. To manage this pest, it is important to regularly check the plant for signs of infestation and to apply insecticides or remove affected parts of the plant.
