Contents
Description
Rumohra is a genus of ferns that belongs to the family Dryopteridaceae. The genus includes approximately 15 species that are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. These ferns are characterized by their arching fronds, which can grow up to 1.5 meters long, and their distinctive spore-bearing structures called sori, which are located on the undersides of the fronds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya || Kingdom | Plantae || Phylum | Tracheophyta || Class | Polypodiopsida || Order | Polypodiales || Family | Dryopteridaceae || Genus | Rumohra |
Appearance
Rumohra ferns are prized for their lush, green foliage and elegant appearance. Their fronds are pinnate, meaning they have a central stalk with leaflets arranged on either side. The leaflets are lance-shaped and have a leathery texture. They are typically a rich green color, although some species may have a bluish or yellowish tinge. The sori are round or oblong and are covered by a protective flap called an indusium.
Care Guide
Rumohra ferns are relatively easy to care for and can thrive indoors or outdoors in the right conditions. Here are some tips for keeping your fern healthy:- Water: Rumohra ferns prefer moist but well-draining soil. Water them regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering or letting the soil become waterlogged.- Fertilization: Feed your fern with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can damage the plant.- Soil: Rumohra ferns prefer a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal.- Sunlight: These ferns prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch the fronds.- Hardiness Zones: Rumohra ferns are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Rumohra ferns are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can be susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. To prevent infestations, keep your ferns clean and well-ventilated, and inspect them regularly for signs of pests. If you do notice an infestation, treat it promptly with an insecticidal soap or oil.
Habitat
Rumohra ferns are native to a wide range of habitats, from rainforests to grasslands to rocky cliffs. They are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. In the wild, they typically grow in shaded areas with moist, well-draining soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow Rumohra ferns indoors?
A: Yes, Rumohra ferns can be grown indoors in a bright, humid location.
Q: How often should I water my Rumohra fern?
A: Water your fern regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering or letting the soil become waterlogged.
Q: Do Rumohra ferns require fertilizer?
A: Yes, feed your fern with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
Q: What is the ideal temperature range for Rumohra ferns?
A: Rumohra ferns prefer temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C).
Related Plants
– Dryopteris- Polystichum- Cyrtomium- Adiantum- Pteris
References
– “Rumohra gielisii (Dryopteridaceae), a new species from Ecuador and Peru” by A. R. Smith et al., Phytotaxa (2016)- “Ferns of the Tropics” by K. U. Kramer and P. S. Green, Timber Press (1990)- “Rumohra adiantiformis” by J. R. Manhart et al., The American Fern Journal (1987)
