Contents
Description
Abrodictyum Obscurum Var. Siamense, also known as the Asian spleenwort or Abrodictyum fern, is a beautiful and unique plant that belongs to the family Aspleniaceae. It is native to the tropical regions of Asia, particularly Thailand, where it grows in moist and shady areas like rocky crevices, cliffs, and stream banks. This fern has a distinctive appearance, with fronds that grow up to 15 cm long and 5 cm wide. The fronds are dark green and glossy, with a leathery texture and a serrated edge. They grow in a rosette-like pattern and have a slightly arching form. The spores of Abrodictyum Obscurum Var. Siamense are borne under the fronds and are protected by an indusium, which is a thin membrane that covers the sporangia.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Aspleniaceae |
| Genus | Abrodictyum |
Appearance
Abrodictyum Obscurum Var. Siamense is a small fern that has a unique and attractive appearance. Its fronds are dark green and glossy, with a leathery texture and a serrated edge. They grow up to 15 cm long and 5 cm wide and have a slightly arching form. The fronds grow in a rosette-like pattern, and the plant itself can grow up to 30 cm in diameter.The spores of Abrodictyum Obscurum Var. Siamense are borne under the fronds and are protected by an indusium, which is a thin membrane that covers the sporangia. The spores are tiny and can be difficult to see with the naked eye.
Care Guide
Abrodictyum Obscurum Var. Siamense is a relatively easy plant to care for, as long as you provide it with the right conditions. Here are some care tips to keep your plant healthy:Water: This fern likes to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water it regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.Fertilization: Abrodictyum Obscurum Var. Siamense does not require a lot of fertilizer. You can fertilize it once a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.Soil: This fern prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use a commercial potting mix or make your own by combining equal parts peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite.Sunlight: Abrodictyum Obscurum Var. Siamense prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, as this can burn the leaves.Hardiness zones: This fern is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Abrodictyum Obscurum Var. Siamense is generally a hardy plant that is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.Overwatering can also lead to root rot, which is a common problem with ferns. To prevent this, make sure you allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings and do not let the plant sit in standing water.
Habitat
Abrodictyum Obscurum Var. Siamense is native to the tropical regions of Asia, particularly Thailand. It grows in moist and shady areas like rocky crevices, cliffs, and stream banks. It can also be found in other Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Cambodia.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Abrodictyum Obscurum Var. Siamense be grown outdoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 9-11. However, it prefers a moist and shady environment and should be protected from direct sunlight.Q: How often should I fertilize my Abrodictyum Obscurum Var. Siamense?
A: You can fertilize it once a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.Q: How often should I water my Abrodictyum Obscurum Var. Siamense?
A: Water it regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.Q: What pests are common to Abrodictyum Obscurum Var. Siamense?
A: Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects can be common pests for this fern.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Abrodictyum Obscurum Var. Siamense:- Asplenium nidus (Bird’s Nest Fern)- Adiantum raddianum (Delta Maidenhair Fern)- Davallia fejeensis (Rabbit’s Foot Fern)- Cyrtomium falcatum (Holly Fern)
References
– The Plant List. (n.d.). Abrodictyum obscurum var. siamense (C.Chr.) Ching. Retrieved from https://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/tro-26621831- Ferns and Fern Allies. (n.d.). Abrodictyum obscurum var. siamense. Retrieved from http://www.fernsoftheworld.com/2015/02/11/abrodictyum-obscurum-var-siamense/- Flora of China. (n.d.). Abrodictyum obscurum var. siamense (C.Chr.) Ching. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=250092299
