Pellaea Calidirupium
Contents
Description
Pellaea Calidirupium, commonly known as the hot rock cliff brake, is a fern species that belongs to the Pteridaceae family. It is native to the hot and dry regions of central and southern California, Nevada, and Arizona. The plant has a unique growth habit, forming flat, creeping fronds that grow up to 30 cm in length. The fronds are thin and delicate, with a bright green color that contrasts beautifully with the reddish-brown stems.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Pteridopsida |
| Order | Pteridales |
| Family | Pteridaceae |
| Genus | Pellaea |
Appearance
Pellaea Calidirupium has beautiful, delicate fronds that grow up to 30 cm in length. The fronds are flat and creeping, with a bright green color that contrasts beautifully with the reddish-brown stems. The plant has a unique growth habit, forming dense mats that can grow up to 60 cm in diameter. The fronds are bipinnate, meaning that each leaflet is divided into smaller leaflets, giving the plant a feathery appearance. The leaflets are oblong in shape with a slightly toothed margin. The plant produces spores on the underside of the fronds in small, circular clusters.
Care Guide
Pellaea Calidirupium is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to keep your hot rock cliff brake healthy and happy:
Water: Pellaea Calidirupium prefers to be kept moist but not soggy. Water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months.
Soil: Pellaea Calidirupium prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand to create a well-draining soil mix.
Sunlight: Pellaea Calidirupium prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the fronds.
Hardiness Zones: Pellaea Calidirupium is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. Protect the plant from frost and freezing temperatures.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pellaea Calidirupium is relatively pest and disease-free. However, here are some common issues you may encounter:
Pests: Spider mites and scale insects can occasionally infest Pellaea Calidirupium. Treat the plant with a neem oil solution to get rid of these pests.
Diseases: Pellaea Calidirupium is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Make sure to water the plant only when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.
Habitat
Pellaea Calidirupium is native to the hot and dry regions of central and southern California, Nevada, and Arizona. The plant is found growing on rocky slopes, cliffs, and outcrops. It prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil and bright, indirect light.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Pellaea Calidirupium a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Pellaea Calidirupium is a relatively easy plant to care for and is a good choice for beginners.
Q: Can Pellaea Calidirupium be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Pellaea Calidirupium can be grown indoors in a bright, indirect light location.
Q: How often should I fertilize Pellaea Calidirupium?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Pellaea Calidirupium?
A: Pellaea Calidirupium is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Pteridaceae family:
- Pellaea andromedifolia
- Pellaea brachyptera
- Pellaea mucronata
- Pellaea ternifolia
References
- Encyclopedia of Life. (n.d.). Pellaea calidirupium. Retrieved from https://eol.org/pages/173729/details
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Pellaea calidirupium. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281984&isprofile=0&cv=6
- University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources. (n.d.). Pellaea calidirupium. Retrieved from https://ucanr.edu/sites/UrbanHort/files/80182.pdf
