Nefrolepis belongs to the class of ferns, and it received its botanical name from the Greek “nephros” - “kidney” and “lepis” - “scales”. Its aerial part is by no means leaves, but vayas — leaf-like organs, they are also called “platypeworks,” or “run-rails”. Once again, the “hatching” vaya is like a comma, or a snail, it has a seal at the end, which, as it grows, unfolds, turning into a twig dotted with small leaves. The fern plant owes this structural feature to its ancient ancestors from the world of flora!
Nephrolepis refers to epiphytes - plants that use other larger species, usually trees, as a “place of residence”. Growing in the dense tropics of Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia, ferns tend to be closer to the light, because they are light-loving, but also moisture-loving flowers.
There are not so many varieties of fern, only about 40, they differ in the shape of the leaf plate. But, given that each species has subspecies, you can list endlessly! Read also about the next of kin - the leaflet. The most popular and unpretentious form is elevated nephrolepis. The vaya forming a large rosette can reach 70 cm in length, they grow in an arcuate fashion: young vaya grow upward, and already grown up fall to the ground.
Heart-shaped nephrolepis is distinguished by the original shape of the leaves, sometimes overlapping each other along the entire length of the vaya, as well as by the presence of tuberous formations on the root system. By the way, unlike the previous species, its vayi grow almost vertically.
The Green Lady variety is more miniature in size, the vayi grow about 40 cm in height, usually forming a fluffy green bush.
Vayi of nephrolepis Korditas also do not wilt, they are directed upwards, and fluffy leaves allow this species to be attributed to terry ferns.
Obvious nephrolepis is one of the largest in the fern class, its vayas reach a length of 3-4 meters and grow quite slowly.
Boston nephrolepis is the closest relative of the sublime, it is artificially bred. Its leaves can be thrice, or even four times cirrus-dissected.
Another characteristic feature of domestic ferns, which makes them similar to other epiphytes - mosses and algae, is the presence of soruses. This is a kind of "germ cells", asexual reproductive organs, which are also called "spores." These natural neoplasms are located on the inner side of the “feathers” of nephrolepis.
Care Rules
Having found the optimal location and providing suitable conditions, you will get a healthy and beautiful plant!
Temperature and lighting
Nefrolepis is not picky about lighting, it can successfully grow both in medium-lit rooms and can be located near windows to the south. In the second case, you need to protect the wai from direct rays, this threatens with burns! Of course, you can’t completely deprive the sunlight of this household; in absolute shadow, growth will stop. To make nephrolepis satisfied, it is enough to place it in a bright room, at some distance from the window.
Nephrolepis is a thermophilic plant; cooling for it is undesirable below + 16-18 degrees. In summer, the flower pot can be taken out to the garden, or to the balcony. Fresh air will benefit! At the same time, provide him with a calm place so that the fragile waii are not damaged.
Watering and humidity
Indoor fern is a water chowder! It is hard to tolerate drought, preferring constantly slightly moist soil. But still do not overdo it with watering - do not allow acidification of the earth in a pot! Before you water, try using your finger the top layer - if the soil crumbles and does not stick to your hands, it's time to water, if it is wet, you need to postpone watering.
The root system of the fern is quite large, so you can make the top watering along the edge of the pot, trying not to damage the vaya. Accustomed to tropical conditions, nephrolepis loves daily spraying! And in the winter season of dry air, this favorite plant procedure can be carried out even more often.
Fertilizers and fertilizing
Feeding begins in April. Although the flower’s dormant period is not expressed, in winter it is “half asleep” and it is better not to introduce additional trace elements into the soil. As a fertilizer, universal mixtures for decorative and deciduous ones are suitable, in which magnesium and iron must be present. They support pigment formation in leaf cells and healthy growth. Organic fodder will have a good effect on the development of fern, they can be alternated with mineral.
Nephrolepis loves rich and nutritious soils, so sometimes the soil can be “flavored” with organic matter - ash infusion, sapropel, chicken droppings, etc. Thin “feathers” of fern easily absorb moisture, so foliar (leaf) top dressing will be very helpful.
Reproduction and transplantation
Nephrolepis prefers stable care at home, a transplant for him is not the most pleasant procedure. And spend it very carefully! After all, if the crown of the young vaya, where the growth point is located, is damaged, it will not grow further and will gradually dry out. The pot is chosen only a couple of centimeters more than the previous one, wide and not very high.
The soil of fern nephrolepis needs nutritious, moisture-resistant, but at the same time loose. Heavy clay soils should not be used in the preparation of the earthen mixture. As components, lowland peat, leafy soil, humus, vermiculite are suitable. It can be added to the composition of coniferous bark, or charcoal. From purchased ready-made substrates, mixtures for camellia, calla lilies, azaleas, hydrangeas, which, like nephrolepis, love acidic soil, are suitable. However, ready-made primers for ferns are available for sale.
Reproduction of indoor fern has its own characteristics! In the process of transplantation, the plant can be propagated by dividing the rhizome. Moreover, the points of growth of aboveground shoots should be present in the separated segments. They can be planted directly in the finished soil.
The second method is much more convenient, because it does not even require access to the root system of the plant and is most safe for it! This is the rooting of lashes of domestic ferns, or, as they are also called, mustaches. Most nephrolepses "let out" a long mustache, a kind of bald leafless shoots. The mustache is not cut off, but the tip of the mustache is dripped into the nutritious peat soil, as in the picture, and maintain constant humidity. After a couple of weeks, the antennae will begin to take root, and then growth points will appear. And then it’s possible to separate it from the mother plant by simply cutting it off. It is not necessary to cut the whips without the need, they do not interfere with the development of the plant!
The last way - reproduction by spores, which are something like seeds, is used by experienced experts! For germination of spores, a special greenhouse may be required, and the result will appear only after a few months.