Contents
Description
Polypodium Vulgare, commonly known as the common polypody or rock polypody, is a species of fern that belongs to the Polypodiaceae family. This plant is native to Europe, Asia, and North America, and it can grow in various habitats such as rock crevices, walls, and tree trunks. The common polypody has been used for medicinal purposes in the past, particularly for treating kidney stones and bladder problems. Nowadays, it is more commonly used as an ornamental plant due to its elegant fronds and adaptability to different environments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Polypodiaceae |
| Genus | Polypodium |
Appearance
The common polypody has fronds that can grow up to 40cm in length and 10cm in width. These fronds are pinnate and have a leathery texture, with dark green color on the upper surface and lighter green on the underside. The plant produces spores that are located on the undersides of the fronds in small dots called sporangia. The sporangia are protected by a small flap of tissue called an indusium, which can be either kidney-shaped or round.
Care Guide
Polypodium Vulgare is a hardy plant that can thrive in various conditions. Here are some care tips to help you grow a healthy common polypody:- Water: The common polypody prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry periods.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The common polypody can grow in various soil types, as long as they are well-draining and rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade, and it can also grow indoors as long as it receives bright but indirect light.- Hardiness Zones: The common polypody can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The common polypody is generally a disease-resistant plant, but it can still be affected by pests such as spider mites and scale insects. To prevent these pests from infesting your plant, keep it clean and avoid over-fertilization. If you notice any signs of infestation, treat your plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The common polypody is a versatile plant that can grow in various habitats, including rocky crevices, walls, and tree trunks. It is found in different parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North America.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the common polypody grow in full sun?
A: No, the common polypody prefers partial to full shade.
Q: What is the ideal soil type for the common polypody?
A: The common polypody can grow in various soil types, as long as they are well-draining and rich in organic matter.
Q: Can the common polypody be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the common polypody can be grown indoors as long as it receives bright but indirect light.
Q: How often should I fertilize my common polypody?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you might be interested in:- Polypodium Scouleri: A species of fern native to Western North America.- Polypodium Glycyrrhiza: A species of fern native to Japan.- Polypodium Decumanum: A species of fern native to Africa and Madagascar.
References
– “Polypodium vulgare.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=275234&isprofile=0&basic=polypodium%20vulgare.- “Polypodium vulgare.” Plantwise Knowledge Bank. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.plantwise.org/knowledgebank/datasheet/44172.
