Davalliaceae

Description

Davalliaceae is a family of ferns comprising about 20 genera and 450 species. These ferns are native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, with some species found in temperate regions. Davalliaceae is characterized by its creeping rhizomes, which grow horizontally and produce fronds that are usually pinnatifid or pinnate. The fronds may be simple or compound, and the leaflets are often lobed. The sori, which contain the spores, are usually located on the underside of the leaflets.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Pteridophyta
Class	Polypodiopsida
Order	Polypodiales
Family	Davalliaceae
Genus	Davallia, Humata, Leucostegia, and others

Appearance

Davalliaceae ferns come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. The fronds can range from a few centimeters to several meters in length, and the leaflets can be simple, lobed, or divided. The texture of the fronds can be delicate or leathery, and the color can range from bright green to dark green or even black. Some species have hairy fronds or fuzzy rhizomes. Davalliaceae ferns are a popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardening due to their attractive appearance.

Care Guide

Davalliaceae ferns require moderate care and attention to thrive. Here are some tips for keeping your Davalliaceae fern healthy:

• Water: Water your fern regularly, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
• Fertilization: Fertilize your fern every two to three months with a balanced fertilizer. Do not over-fertilize, as this can damage the roots.
• Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. Avoid using heavy soils that can retain too much moisture.
• Sunlight: Davalliaceae ferns prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds.
• Hardiness Zones: Davalliaceae ferns are not very hardy and are typically grown as indoor plants or in warm, humid climates.

Common Pests & Diseases

Davalliaceae ferns are susceptible to a few common pests and diseases, including:

• Scale insects: These small insects can be found on the fronds and can cause yellowing or browning of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control these pests.
• Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and webbing on the leaves. Use a miticide to control these pests.
• Rust: This fungal disease can cause orange or brown spots on the fronds. Remove infected fronds and treat with a fungicide.
• Root rot: Over-watering can lead to root rot, which can cause the fronds to wilt and turn yellow. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.

Habitat

Davalliaceae ferns are found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, cloud forests, and coastal forests. They thrive in warm, humid environments and are particularly well-suited to growing in shaded areas. Some species are epiphytic, growing on trees or other plants, while others are terrestrial, growing in soil.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Davalliaceae ferns be grown outdoors?
A: Yes, Davalliaceae ferns can be grown outdoors in warm, humid climates with plenty of shade.Q: How often should I fertilize my Davalliaceae fern?
A: Fertilize your fern every two to three months with a balanced fertilizer.Q: How do I control spider mites on my Davalliaceae fern?
A: Use a miticide to control spider mites on your fern.Q: Can Davalliaceae ferns tolerate direct sunlight?
A: No, Davalliaceae ferns prefer bright, indirect light and can be damaged by direct sunlight.

Related Plants

Other ferns related to Davalliaceae include:

• Adiantum
• Asplenium
• Cyrtomium
• Nephrolepis

References

• Christenhusz, M. J. M., & Byng, J. W. (2016). The number of known plants species in the world and its annual increase. Phytotaxa, 261(3), 201–217.
• Flora of North America Editorial Committee. (1993). Flora of North America North of Mexico. Oxford University Press.
• Hoshizaki, B. J., & Moran, R. C. (2001). Fern Grower’s Manual. Timber Press.