Gleicheniales

Description

Gleicheniales is a fern order that belongs to the Polypodiopsida class. This order is known for its unique fronds, which are often bipinnate with a central rachis that bears small and delicate leaflets. The Gleicheniales ferns are also characterized by their ability to grow in a variety of habitats, from damp forests to arid deserts. The order has approximately 16 genera and over 400 species.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Gleicheniales ferns have unique fronds that are often bipinnate with a central rachis that bears small and delicate leaflets. The fronds are usually dark green in color and can range from a few inches to several feet in length, depending on the species. The fronds of some species have a leathery texture, while others are soft and delicate. The spores of the Gleicheniales ferns are produced in clusters on the underside of the fronds and are often protected by a flap of tissue called the indusium.

Care Guide

Gleicheniales ferns are relatively easy to care for and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Here are some care tips:

• Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the ferns regularly, especially during the growing season.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the ferns with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Avoid overfertilization, as this can damage the roots.
• Soil: Gleicheniales ferns prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a potting mix that is specifically designed for ferns.
• Sunlight: These ferns prefer indirect or filtered sunlight. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds.
• Hardiness Zones: Gleicheniales ferns are hardy in zones 9 to 11, but can also be grown as houseplants in colder climates.

Common Pests & Diseases

Gleicheniales ferns are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they can still be affected by a few common issues:

• Spider mites: These tiny pests can infest the fronds and cause them to turn yellow and fall off. Use a neem oil spray to control spider mites.
• Scale insects: These insects can cause yellowing and wilting of the fronds. Use a horticultural oil spray to control scale insects.
• Leaf blight: This fungal disease can cause brown spots and yellowing of the fronds. Remove affected fronds and treat the ferns with a fungicide.

Habitat

Gleicheniales ferns are found in a variety of habitats, from damp forests to arid deserts. Many species are epiphytic, meaning they grow on other plants, while others are terrestrial and grow directly in the soil. Gleicheniales ferns can also be found growing on rocks, cliffs, and other surfaces.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Gleicheniales ferns be grown as houseplants?

A: Yes, Gleicheniales ferns can be grown as houseplants, especially in colder climates where they cannot survive outdoors.

Q: What is the best soil mix for Gleicheniales ferns?

A: Gleicheniales ferns prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a potting mix that is specifically designed for ferns.

Q: How often should I water my Gleicheniales ferns?

A: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the ferns regularly, especially during the growing season.

Q: What is the hardiness zone for Gleicheniales ferns?

A: Gleicheniales ferns are hardy in zones 9 to 11, but can also be grown as houseplants in colder climates.

Related Plants

• Gleichenia
• Diplopterygium
• Dipteris
• Matonia
• Sticherus

References

• Smith, A. R., Pryer, K. M., Schuettpelz, E., Korall, P., Schneider, H., & Wolf, P. G. (2006). A classification for extant ferns. Taxon, 55(3), 705-731.
• Flora of North America Editorial Committee. (1993). Flora of North America North of Mexico (Vol. 2). Oxford University Press.
• Maarten J. M. Christenhusz, Xian-Chun Zhang & Harald Schneider (2011) A linear sequence of extant families and genera of lycophytes and ferns, Phytotaxa, 19:1, 7-54, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.19.1.2