Overview
Woodsia glabella R. Br. ex Richards. var. bellii (Lawson) Lawson, also known as Bell's cliff fern, is a small fern species that belongs to the family of Woodsiaceae.
Origin
The Bell's cliff fern is native to North America, specifically to Alaska, Yukon, and British Columbia.
Common Names
Besides its scientific name, the Bell's cliff fern is also known by several common names, such as Bell's wood fern, smooth cliff fern, and Bell's smooth woodsia.
General Appearance
The Bell's cliff fern is characterized by distinct fronds that typically grow up to 15–30 cm long and 1.5–5 cm wide. The fronds are deciduous, meaning they fall off in the winter and start regrowing in the spring. This fern is typically found growing in rocky crevices and cliffs, and its fronds spread out in an ascending pattern. The color of the fronds is a light green or yellow-green hue, which makes it stand out against the darker rocks and soil.
Uses
While the Bell's cliff fern has no significant medicinal value, it is highly valued for its ornamental beauty. It is often used for landscaping purposes in rock gardens or as a ground cover in areas that have little soil and water. Additionally, Bell's cliff fern is an excellent addition to the garden if you want to add a unique and natural texture to any landscape.
Light Requirements
Woodsia glabella var. bellii prefers to grow in partial to full shade and may not tolerate direct sunlight. It can grow under trees or in rocky crevices that provide shading, and it can also be used as an ornamental plant in shaded gardens or rock gardens.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures, from moderately cool to warm. The ideal range for Woodsia glabella var. bellii is between 60-80°F, which is typical of the North American mountainous regions where it is found.
Soil Requirements
Woodsia glabella var. bellii tolerates acidic to neutral soil. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can grow in rocky, sandy, or loamy soils, although rocky soils are more common in its natural habitat. It can also grow in areas with poor soil quality but requires low to moderate soil moisture to thrive.
Cultivation methods for Woodsia glabella R. Br. ex Richards. var. bellii (Lawson) Lawson
Woodsia glabella R. Br. ex Richards. var. bellii (Lawson) Lawson grows naturally in rocky or gravelly soils in high elevation areas. To replicate these conditions, make sure to plant in well-draining soil mixed with gravel or sand to aid drainage. The plant prefers partial to full shade, making it ideal for planting under trees where it can receive some sunlight but not too much. When planting, make sure to leave ample space for the fern to spread out as it grows.
Watering needs for Woodsia glabella R. Br. ex Richards. var. bellii (Lawson) Lawson
Woodsia glabella R. Br. ex Richards. var. bellii (Lawson) Lawson requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During hot and dry spells, you may need to water the plant every two to three days, especially if it is newly planted. Be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Woodsia glabella R. Br. ex Richards. var. bellii (Lawson) Lawson
Woodsia glabella R. Br. ex Richards. var. bellii (Lawson) Lawson is not a heavy feeder and does not require much fertilization. However, during the growing season, you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month to help promote healthy growth. Avoid using too much fertilizer as this can cause the fronds to become brittle and susceptible to breakage.
Pruning Woodsia glabella R. Br. ex Richards. var. bellii (Lawson) Lawson
Woodsia glabella R. Br. ex Richards. var. bellii (Lawson) Lawson does not require much pruning. However, you may need to remove dead or damaged fronds occasionally. When doing so, use pruning shears to make a clean cut and avoid damaging the healthy fronds. You can also divide the plant every few years to control its size and promote healthy growth.
Propagation of Woodsia glabella R. Br. ex Richards. var. bellii (Lawson) Lawson
Woodsia glabella R. Br. ex Richards. var. bellii (Lawson) Lawson, commonly known as Bell's cliff fern, is a small evergreen fern native to the western United States. Propagation of this plant can be done through spores or division.
Propagation through spores:
Propagation through spores is the most common method of propagating Woodsia glabella R. Br. ex Richards. var. bellii (Lawson) Lawson. Spores can be gathered when the fronds have matured and turned brown. These spores can be collected by placing a paper bag over the frond and shaking it gently. The spores will fall into the bag and can be collected for sowing.
The collected spores can be sown onto a sterile, moist growing medium such as peat moss mixed with perlite or vermiculite. The medium should be kept damp and covered with a plastic cover or dome to maintain moisture. It usually takes around 3-6 weeks for the spores to germinate, after which the tiny plants can be transplanted to a potting mix or a suitable location outdoors.
Propagation through division:
Propagation through division involves separating a mature clump of the fern into smaller portions and replanting them. This method is best done in the spring when new growth has appeared. The plant should be carefully dug up, and the root mass should be separated into smaller chunks using a sharp, sterilized knife or garden shears.
Each division should have several fronds and a good portion of the root system. The divisions can be replanted into a suitable location or potted up in a well-draining potting mix. The new plants should be kept moist until they become established.
Disease and Pest Management for Woodsia glabella R. Br. ex Richards. var. bellii (Lawson) Lawson
Woodsia glabella R. Br. ex Richards. var. bellii (Lawson) Lawson is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it may still fall prey to some diseases and pests. Therefore, preventive measures are recommended to keep the plant healthy and disease-free. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect Woodsia glabella R. Br. ex Richards. var. bellii (Lawson) Lawson:
Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spots: These spots are caused by fungi and appear as brown, black, or yellow spots on leaves. They may cause a decrease in plant vigor and affect its aesthetic appearance. To manage fungal leaf spots, remove affected plant parts, and avoid watering the foliage. Apply a fungicide containing copper or sulfur before the plant becomes infected.
Root Rot: This disease is caused by fungi, and it affects the root system of the plant. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing of the foliage, and overall plant decline. To prevent root rot, avoid over-watering the plant, and ensure the soil is well-drained. If the plant is already infected, remove affected roots, and replant in fresh soil. Apply a fungicide to the soil to prevent further infection.
Pests
Spider Mites: These pests are tiny and appear as small reddish-brown dots on the plant. They multiply quickly and suck the sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth, and yellowing leaves. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Apply it to the affected plant parts and repeat after every few days until the infestation subsides.
Slugs and Snails: These pests eat holes into the leaves and leave a slime trail on the plant. To manage slugs and snails, use a slug and snail bait around the base of the plant. You can also handpick them and dispose of them manually.
By implementing these measures, you can manage diseases and pests on Woodsia glabella R. Br. ex Richards. var. bellii (Lawson) Lawson effectively. Ensure to follow the instructions on the labels of the pesticides to avoid any harm to the plant.
