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Description
Athyrium Otophorum, commonly known as eared Lady Fern, is a deciduous fern that belongs to the Athyriaceae family. It is native to the Himalayas, China, and Taiwan. The fern features triangular fronds that grow up to 60cm in length and 30cm in width. The pinnules of the fronds are broad and have a shiny, dark green outer surface. The undersides of the pinnules and rachis are covered with tiny hairs, giving them a silvery appearance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Athyriaceae |
| Genus | Athyrium |
Appearance
Eared Lady Fern is an attractive plant that can grow up to 60cm in height and spread up to 60cm in width. The triangular fronds have broad pinnules that are shiny and dark green on the outer surface. The undersides of the pinnules and rachis are covered with tiny hairs, which give them a silvery appearance. The fronds grow upright at first and then arch outwards. During the summer, the plant produces spores on the undersides of the fronds that give them a greenish-yellow appearance.
Care Guide
Eared Lady Fern is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Eared Lady Fern prefers well-draining, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant thrives in partial to full shade. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.Hardiness Zones: Eared Lady Fern grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eared Lady Fern is not prone to pests or diseases. However, it may occasionally be affected by aphids or scale insects. To control these pests, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or spray them with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Eared Lady Fern is native to the Himalayas, China, and Taiwan. It grows in cool, moist areas, such as forests, stream banks, and mountain slopes.
Question and Answer
Q: Can eared Lady Fern grow in full sun?
A: No, eared Lady Fern prefers partial shade to full shade.Q: What is the best time to plant eared Lady Fern?
A: The best time to plant eared Lady Fern is in spring or fall.Q: What is the ideal temperature for eared Lady Fern?
A: Eared Lady Fern prefers temperatures between 60-70°F (15.5-21°C).Q: Can eared Lady Fern tolerate drought?
A: No, eared Lady Fern requires moist soil and cannot tolerate drought.
Related Plants
Other ferns that are related to eared Lady Fern include:- Athyrium filix-femina (Lady Fern)- Athyrium niponicum (Japanese Painted Fern)- Athyrium pycnocarpon (Mountain Lady Fern)- Athyrium filix-foemina (Northern Lady Fern)
References
– “Athyrium otophorum (J. Sm.) C. Christensen.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17249190-1.- “Eared Lady Fern (Athyrium otophorum).” Gardenia.net, https://www.gardenia.net/plant/athyrium-otophorum-eared-lady-fern.
