Asplenium Oblongifolium

Description

Asplenium Oblongifolium, commonly known as the lance spleenwort, is a species of fern that belongs to the Aspleniaceae family. This fern is native to the eastern United States and can be found growing in wet, rocky areas like cliffs, crevices, and boulders. Asplenium Oblongifolium gets its name from its oblong-shaped leaves that can grow up to 18 inches long. These leaves are dark green and glossy, with a slightly toothed edge.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Asplenium Oblongifolium is a beautiful fern with oblong-shaped leaves that can grow up to 18 inches long. These leaves are dark green and glossy, with a slightly toothed edge. The leaves of this fern grow in a rosette formation, making it a great choice for container gardening. The lance spleenwort is a deciduous plant that loses its leaves in the winter and regrows them in the spring. This fern produces spores on the undersides of its leaves, which can be used to propagate new plants.

Care Guide

When it comes to caring for Asplenium Oblongifolium, it’s important to keep the following factors in mind:Water: This fern likes to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water it thoroughly once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry.Fertilization: Asplenium Oblongifolium doesn’t require much fertilizer. You can feed it once a month during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.Soil: This fern prefers well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. Use a potting mix that’s formulated for ferns, or make your own using equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.Sunlight: Asplenium Oblongifolium prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, as this can scorch its leaves.Hardiness Zones: This fern is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Asplenium Oblongifolium doesn’t have many pests or diseases, but it’s still important to keep an eye out for the following:Spider mites: These tiny pests can suck the sap from the leaves of your fern, causing them to yellow and die. Use a neem oil spray to control spider mites.Scale insects: These pests can attach themselves to the leaves of your fern and suck the sap from them. Use a horticultural oil spray to control scale insects.Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause your fern to wilt and die. Make sure to only water your fern when the top inch of soil is dry, and always use well-draining soil.

Habitat

Asplenium Oblongifolium is a native plant to the eastern United States and can be found growing in wet, rocky areas like cliffs, crevices, and boulders. It prefers shady areas and can often be found growing alongside other ferns and mosses.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Asplenium Oblongifolium be grown indoors?
A: Yes, this fern can be grown indoors as long as it’s kept in a bright, humid location away from direct sunlight.Q: How often should I fertilize my Asplenium Oblongifolium?
A: You can fertilize your fern once a month during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.Q: How do I propagate Asplenium Oblongifolium?
A: This fern can be propagated by spores. Simply collect the spores from the undersides of the leaves and sow them in a mixture of peat moss and perlite.Q: Is Asplenium Oblongifolium hardy?
A: Yes, this fern is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Related Plants

Here are some other ferns that are related to Asplenium Oblongifolium:

• Asplenium trichomanes (Maidenhair spleenwort)
• Asplenium scolopendrium (Hart’s tongue fern)
• Asplenium nidus (Bird’s nest fern)

References

• “Asplenium Oblongifolium.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m890.
• “Asplenium Oblongifolium.” Plant Delights Nursery, www.plantdelights.com/products/asplenium-oblongifolium.
• “Lance Spleenwort (Asplenium Oblongifolium).” North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/asplenium-oblongifolium/.