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Description
Polypodium Appalachianum, commonly known as Appalachian Polypody, is a fern species native to the Appalachian Mountains of eastern North America. It belongs to the family Polypodiaceae and is a small to medium-sized plant with a maximum height of 20 inches.This fern species is evergreen and has a creeping rhizome that produces fronds up to 16 inches long. The fronds are bipinnate, meaning they are divided into a series of pinnae and pinnules, which give them a feathery appearance. The mature fronds are dark green and have a glossy texture.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Polypodiaceae |
| Genus | Polypodium |
Appearance
Polypodium Appalachianum has a unique appearance with dark green fronds that have a glossy texture. The fronds are bipinnate, meaning they have a feathery appearance due to the series of pinnae and pinnules that make them up. The fronds can grow up to 16 inches long and are evergreen, meaning they retain their green color throughout the year.
Care Guide
To care for Polypodium Appalachianum, it is essential to provide the right amount of water, fertilizer, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones. This fern species is easy to care for and requires minimal attention.Watering: The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Watering once a week is usually sufficient, but it may need to be watered more frequently in hot and dry weather.Fertilization: Polypodium Appalachianum does not require frequent fertilization, but it can benefit from an application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring.Soil: This fern species grows best in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH level.Sunlight: Polypodium Appalachianum prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but may require more shade in hot and dry conditions.Hardiness Zones: This fern species is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Polypodium Appalachianum is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can occasionally be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These can usually be controlled by spraying a solution of neem oil or insecticidal soap on the affected areas.
Habitat
Polypodium Appalachianum is native to the Appalachian Mountains of eastern North America. It grows in rocky areas, crevices, and cliffs, often in association with other fern species.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Polypodium Appalachianum a good indoor plant?
A: While Polypodium Appalachianum can be grown indoors, it prefers partial shade and may not thrive in indoor conditions with insufficient light.
Q: Can Polypodium Appalachianum tolerate drought conditions?
A: No, Polypodium Appalachianum requires moist soil and cannot tolerate drought conditions.
Q: How can I propagate Polypodium Appalachianum?
A: Polypodium Appalachianum can be propagated by spores or division of the rhizome.
Q: Can Polypodium Appalachianum be grown in a hanging basket?
A: Yes, Polypodium Appalachianum can be grown in a hanging basket, but it will require frequent watering to keep the soil moist.
Related Plants
Other fern species related to Polypodium Appalachianum include:
- Polypodium vulgare
- Polypodium californicum
- Polypodium glycyrrhiza
- Polypodium virginianum
References
- Flora of North America. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2021, from https://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=233500224
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Polypodium Appalachianum. Retrieved July 12, 2021, from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b566
- USDA. (n.d.). PLANTS Profile for Polypodium Appalachianum. Retrieved July 12, 2021, from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=POAP
