Dipteris

Description

Dipteris is a genus of ferns that belong to the family Gleicheniaceae. There are only two species of Dipteris, Dipteris conjugata and Dipteris lobbiana. These plants are native to tropical regions of Asia and the Pacific. Dipteris can be grown as an indoor plant or outdoors in a shaded area.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Pteridophyta
Class	Polypodiopsida
Order	Gleicheniales
Family	Gleicheniaceae
Genus	Dipteris

Appearance

Dipteris has fronds that can grow up to 2 meters long. The fronds are dark green, glossy, and leathery. They are bipinnate, meaning they have two sets of pinnae, which are the small leaf-like structures on the frond. The pinnae are oblong and have a pointed tip. The fronds grow in a rosette pattern, with new fronds emerging from the center of the plant.

Care Guide

Water: Dipteris prefers moist soil but does not like to be waterlogged. Water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.Fertilization: Fertilize Dipteris once a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.Soil: Dipteris prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Dipteris prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight.Hardiness Zones: Dipteris can be grown in hardiness zones 10-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Dipteris is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Dipteris can also develop leaf spot, which is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the fronds. Remove infected fronds and treat with a fungicide.

Habitat

Dipteris is native to tropical regions of Asia and the Pacific. It grows in forests and along riverbanks in shaded areas.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Dipteris be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Dipteris can be grown indoors in a bright, indirect light.Q: How often should I water Dipteris?
A: Water Dipteris when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.Q: What should I do if my Dipteris develops leaf spot?
A: Remove infected fronds and treat with a fungicide.Q: What is the optimal temperature range for Dipteris?
A: Dipteris prefers temperatures between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24 degrees Celsius).

Related Plants

• Gleichenia
• Dicranopteris
• Drynaria
• Sticherus

References

• “Dipteris.” Flora of China, www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=109973. Accessed 1 May 2021.
• “Dipteris.” PlantNET – New South Wales Flora Online, plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=gn&name=Dipteris. Accessed 1 May 2021.