Histiopteris Incisa

Description

Histiopteris Incisa, commonly known as the “Shaggy Shield Fern,” is a fern species that belongs to the family Dennstaedtiaceae. It is a native of Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, and can be found growing in the wild in various habitats such as rainforests, wetlands, and riverbanks. This fern is known for its unique fronds that have a shaggy appearance, with finely divided leaves that are light green in color.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Histiopteris Incisa fern can grow up to 2-3 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide. It has a clumping habit and produces fronds that are light green in color and have a shaggy appearance. The fronds are finely divided, with deeply lobed pinnae that are lance-shaped and taper to a point. The undersides of the fronds are covered with brown scales that give them a rusty appearance. The fern produces spores on the undersides of the fronds, which are covered by a protective membrane called the indusium.

Care Guide

In order to keep your Histiopteris Incisa fern healthy and thriving, you will need to provide it with the right conditions. Here are some tips to help you care for your fern:Water: This fern prefers moist soil, so make sure to keep the soil consistently damp. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to help your fern grow strong and healthy. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months.Soil: Histiopteris Incisa prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss and perlite is a good choice.Sunlight: This fern prefers partial shade to full shade, so make sure to place it in an area where it will not receive direct sunlight.Hardiness Zones: Histiopteris Incisa can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 7-10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Histiopteris Incisa is generally a disease-resistant fern, but it can be susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the fronds to dry out and turn brown.

Habitat

Histiopteris Incisa is native to Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, where it can be found growing in a variety of habitats such as rainforests, wetlands, and riverbanks. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Histiopteris Incisa be grown indoors?
A: Yes, this fern can be grown indoors as long as it is placed in a bright, indirect light and the soil is kept consistently moist.Q: How often should I fertilize my Histiopteris Incisa?
A: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to help your fern grow strong and healthy.Q: Can Histiopteris Incisa be grown in a container?
A: Yes, this fern can be grown in a container as long as it is placed in well-draining soil and kept consistently moist.Q: How often should I water my Histiopteris Incisa?
A: Keep the soil consistently damp, but avoid overwatering. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Histiopteris Incisa:

• Asplenium nidus
• Blechnum gibbum
• Cyrtomium falcatum
• Dryopteris erythrosora
• Nephrolepis exaltata

References

• “Histiopteris Incisa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 3 June 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282826>.
• “Shaggy Shield Fern.” Plant Care Today. Accessed 3 June 2021. <https://plantcaretoday.com/shaggy-shield-fern.html>.
• “Histiopteris Incisa.” Plant Database. Accessed 3 June 2021. <https://www.plantdatabase.online/plants/histiopteris-incisa>.