Contents
1. Description
Asplenium Dimorphum, also known as the Crested Bird’s Nest Fern, is a fascinating fern species that belongs to the family Aspleniaceae. It is native to Australia, where it grows in rainforests, shaded gullies, and wet sclerophyll forests. This fern is highly appreciated for its unique appearance and is a popular choice among gardeners and plant enthusiasts.The fronds of Asplenium Dimorphum are leathery, glossy, and deep green in color. They are highly divided and can measure up to 60cm long and 20cm wide. The fronds grow in a rosette and are arranged in a circular shape, giving the plant a bird’s nest-like appearance. The spores are located on the underside of the fronds and are arranged in rows.
2. Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Aspleniaceae |
| Genus | Asplenium |
| Species | Asplenium Dimorphum |
3. Appearance
Asplenium Dimorphum is a beautiful fern species that has a unique appearance. Its fronds are leathery, glossy, and deep green in color. They grow in a rosette and are arranged in a circular shape, giving the plant a bird’s nest-like appearance. The fronds are highly divided and can measure up to 60cm long and 20cm wide. The spores are located on the underside of the fronds and are arranged in rows.
4. Care Guide
Asplenium Dimorphum is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to help you take care of it:- Water: This fern prefers to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water it regularly, but make sure that the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.- Fertilization: You can fertilize Asplenium Dimorphum with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.- Soil: This fern prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite to create a suitable growing medium.- Sunlight: Asplenium Dimorphum prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can scorch its delicate fronds.- Hardiness Zones: This fern is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
5. Common Pests & Diseases
Asplenium Dimorphum is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can still be affected by some common problems. Here are some of them:- Scale insects: These pests can suck the plant’s sap, causing it to weaken and eventually die. You can control them by using an insecticidal soap or by manually removing them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.- Mealybugs: These pests can also suck the plant’s sap, causing it to become weak and stunted. You can control them by using an insecticidal soap or by manually removing them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poorly-draining soil. It can cause the plant to wilt, turn yellow, and eventually die. To prevent root rot, make sure that the soil is well-drained and that you don’t overwater the plant.
6. Habitat
Asplenium Dimorphum is native to Australia, where it grows in rainforests, shaded gullies, and wet sclerophyll forests. It can be found growing on rock faces, tree trunks, and other shaded surfaces. This fern prefers a humid environment and can tolerate some shade.
7. Question and Answer
Q: What is the best soil mix for Asplenium Dimorphum?A: Asplenium Dimorphum prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite to create a suitable growing medium.Q: Can Asplenium Dimorphum tolerate direct sunlight?A: Asplenium Dimorphum prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can scorch its delicate fronds.Q: How often should I fertilize Asplenium Dimorphum?A: You can fertilize Asplenium Dimorphum with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Asplenium Dimorphum?A: Asplenium Dimorphum is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be affected by scale insects, mealybugs, and root rot.
9. Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Asplenium Dimorphum:- Asplenium Bulbiferum- Asplenium Australasicum- Asplenium Nidus- Asplenium Scolopendrium- Asplenium Trichomanes
10. References
– “Asplenium dimorphum.” PlantNet. Accessed on June 24, 2021. https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Asplenium~dimorphum.- “Bird’s Nest Fern.” The Spruce. Accessed on June 24, 2021. https://www.thespruce.com/birds-nest-fern-care-1902571.- “Asplenium dimorphum.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). Accessed on June 24, 2021. https://anpsa.org.au/a-dim.html.
