Micropolypodium Okuboi

Description

Micropolypodium Okuboi, commonly known as Okubo’s mini-fern, is a species of fern that belongs to the family Polypodiaceae. It is a small epiphytic fern that grows on trees in the humid forests of Japan. It is named after the Japanese botanist, Hiroshi Okubo, who first discovered it in 1980. This fern is known for its unique appearance and delicate fronds that make it an excellent choice for terrariums and indoor plant collections.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Micropolypodium Okuboi has small, delicate fronds that are pinnate and measure about 2-3 cm in length. The fronds are a bright green color and are covered in fine hairs that give them a fuzzy appearance. The plant does not have a visible stem and grows from a rhizome that attaches to the bark of a tree. The rhizome is thin and wiry and can grow up to 10 cm in length.

Care Guide

To keep your Micropolypodium Okuboi healthy, you need to provide it with the right environmental conditions. Here are some tips:

• Water: This plant needs to be kept moist at all times. Mist it regularly, or place it in a tray of water to keep the soil moist.
• Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
• Soil: Plant this fern in a well-draining soil mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
• Sunlight: This plant prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves.
• Hardiness Zones: Micropolypodium Okuboi is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 10-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Some common pests and diseases that can affect Micropolypodium Okuboi include:

• Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. Use a neem oil spray to get rid of them.
• Scale insects: These pests can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Use a horticultural oil spray to control them.
• Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. Make sure to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.

Habitat

Micropolypodium Okuboi is native to the humid forests of Japan. It grows as an epiphyte on the bark of trees, often in the company of other fern species. The plant prefers a humid environment with plenty of rainfall and moderate temperatures.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Micropolypodium Okuboi a good plant for beginners?

A: This plant requires a bit more attention than some other fern species, so it may not be the best choice for beginners.

Q: Can this plant be grown in a terrarium?

A: Yes, Micropolypodium Okuboi is an excellent choice for a terrarium as it thrives in high humidity environments.

Q: How often should I fertilize this plant?

A: This plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season.

Q: Can this plant be propagated?

A: Yes, this plant can be propagated through rhizome division or spores.

Related Plants

• Micropolypodium Kunthianum
• Micropolypodium Pleuropus
• Micropolypodium Trichomanoides

References

• Flora of Japan, Volume IIa. Kodansha Ltd., Tokyo. 1993.
• Maekawa, F., et al. “Phylogenetic Relationships among Japanese Polypodiaceae Subfamily Platycerioideae Inferred from Chloroplast DNA Sequences.” Journal of Plant Research, vol. 120, no. 2, 2007, pp. 139-144.
• Smith, A. R., et al. “A Classification for Extant Ferns.” Taxon, vol. 55, no. 3, 2006, pp. 705-731.