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Description
Aspidotis Californica, commonly known as the California lace fern, is a deciduous fern that is native to California and other parts of the western United States. It is a small fern that grows up to 20 inches tall and 12 inches wide. The fern has narrow, delicate, and finely divided fronds that give it a lace-like appearance. The leaves are a bright green color and are arranged in a circular pattern at the base of the plant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Pteridales |
| Family | Aspleniaceae |
| Genus | Aspidotis |
Appearance
The Aspidotis Californica fern has narrow, delicate, and finely divided fronds that give it a lace-like appearance. The leaves are a bright green color and are arranged in a circular pattern at the base of the plant. The fern can grow up to 20 inches tall and 12 inches wide.
Care Guide
The Aspidotis Californica fern prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but will require more water in those conditions. The fern should be watered regularly and should not be allowed to dry out completely. Fertilization is not necessary, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring if desired. The fern is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Aspidotis Californica fern is relatively disease and pest-free. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. These pests can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering can also lead to root rot, which can be prevented by allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Habitat
The Aspidotis Californica fern is native to California and other parts of the western United States. It can be found growing in rocky, well-drained soil in coastal scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland habitats.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Aspidotis Californica fern be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the fern can be grown indoors in a bright, humid location.
Q: What is the best time of year to plant the Aspidotis Californica fern?
A: The fern can be planted in the spring or fall.
Q: How often should the Aspidotis Californica fern be watered?
A: The fern should be watered regularly and should not be allowed to dry out completely.
Q: Does the Aspidotis Californica fern require fertilization?
A: Fertilization is not necessary, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring if desired.
Related Plants
- Aspidotis carlotta-halliae
- Aspidotis densa
- Aspidotis californica
- Aspidotis pygmaea
References
- “Aspidotis californica.” Calflora. Accessed 19 May 2021. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=773.
- “Aspidotis californica.” San Francisco Botanical Garden. Accessed 19 May 2021. https://www.sfbotanicalgarden.org/plant/aspidotis-californica/.
- “California lace fern.” Pacific Horticulture Society. Accessed 19 May 2021. https://www.pacifichorticulture.org/articles/california-lace-fern/.
