Asplenium (Aspleniaceae) or Kostenets is a herbaceous fern representing the Aspleniaceae family. The plant has adapted to different habitat conditions, and can be found in terrestrial, rocky and epiphytic forms. Therefore, it is so widespread in the world, including in tropical latitudes.
The root system of the asplenium can also differ significantly: in some species it goes deep into straight endings, in others it is superficial, scaly, braiding the earth in breadth. The variety of leaves is represented by every possible species that can only be found in ferns: simple shapes, dissected into feathers, solid with a smooth surface. On the veins on the back of the leaf plate, there are special spore-bearing organs - sporangia. Slow-growing leaves on a dense petiole eventually reach half a meter. Asplenium is unpretentious.
Asplenium care at home
Location and lighting
The plant does not need good lighting, it is suitable for being located on the windowsills of windows facing north or west, and even against a wall without windows. And in winter, it is advisable to remove it in the shade.
Temperature
Temperature constancy is very important for Asplenium. Its range should not deviate much from 18-20 degrees. Drafts, dust and cold winds are detrimental to the plant.
Air humidity
Humidity 60% is optimal for asplenium. To achieve such a high level, the fern needs to be sprayed regularly, especially in summer. A temperature rise above 22 degrees often leads to drying out of the tips of the leaves. Therefore, in hot weather, it will not be superfluous to place wet moss, peat or expanded clay in the pan of the pot.
When spraying, care should be taken: in summer, do not allow moisture to enter the center of the rosette of leaves, and in winter at low temperatures, use only soft and warm water and reduce the frequency of spraying so as not to provoke the formation of mold in the pot.
Watering
For asplenum, excessive dryness of the soil in the pot often leads to the death of leaves, which are also called frond in ferns. This is especially dangerous in summer in the heat. However, waterlogging is also extremely destructive.
Since it is unacceptable for droplets to fall on the rosette of leaves, the plant must be watered through the drainage holes by immersing the pot in a container of water. As soon as the earth is saturated with moisture, the pot is lifted so that water is drained from it and put in place. They do the same in winter, but not so often so as not to overcool the roots.
The soil
While the fern is still young and tender, its weak roots require a loose and nutritious soil of peat, humus and leafy soil with the addition of sand. When it gets stronger, during transplantation, you can already add a sod component to the earthen mixture along with pieces of clay pots, chopped sphagnum moss or charcoal.
Top dressing and fertilizers
Fertilizers are recommended to be used diluted by half, than it is provided according to the instructions, and to apply them when watering. Top dressing is carried out in spring and summer 1 time every 14 days, alternating organic matter with mineral fertilizers.
Transfer
The plant is transplanted only as the roots grow: if in the spring they are still placed in a pot, then leave the asplenium in the same place until next year. After shaking off all the old soil, carefully examine the roots of the fern and trim away any rotten areas. Do not overdo it, as it will take a long time to restore the root shoots.
Do not compact the fresh, loose substrate too much, so as not to restrict the freedom of the weak root system. After planting, gently water the soil and moisten the leaves with a spray bottle. A wide pot is more suitable for an asplenium than a deep one.
Pruning
Fern fronds are very sensitive to dry air, direct sunlight, drops of water, therefore they are often damaged and die off. To improve the growth of new leaves, it is better to remove the old ones. Do not forget to also maintain the required level of moisture around the plant.
Reproduction of asplenium
Reproduction by dividing the bush
This method can be applied during a spring transplant by dividing the mother plant into several parts. This must be done very carefully, carefully separating the daughter processes and making sure that each of them has a sufficient number of growth points. Because a small number of them will not be enough to breed a full-fledged plant. After transplanting, young asplenium bushes can sit for some time without releasing new leaves.
Reproduction by kidneys
Some varieties of Asplenium are distinguished by live birth. This occurs when a brood bud is formed from the meristematic tubercle on the vein, from which a new full-fledged plant is born. When a certain size is reached, the baby falls off the mother's sheet and grows by itself. This method can be used purposefully and separate broods with leaf blades for rooting in loose soil, or plant daughter ferns that are already ready for independent existence.
Reproduction by spores
Sporangia, which are located on the underside of the leaves, produce spores. They can propagate asplenium like seeds. To isolate them, it is enough to make a scraping from a cut sheet onto a sheet of paper. It is best to sow them in March in special containers with bottom heating and keep at 21 degrees. It is imperative to ensure good drainage at the bottom, and the substrate must be steamed well before sowing for disinfection. Disputes should not be stacked very thickly so that they do not interfere with each other. Before the first shoots appear, cover the planting with glass and keep in a dark place. Seedlings can be expected in 1-3 months. After that, the shelter can be removed and kept in good lighting. Select the strongest seedlings for further picking, and remove the rest. Plant several at once in one pot.
Diseases, pests and growing problems
Inaccuracies in care often cause gray rot, bacteriosis and other leaf diseases, so it is better not to flood the plant. Vayach stains can still be the result of a high concentration of fertilizers in the soil, so it is always better to dilute them with water.
The leaf nematode is considered an incurable disease. It appears as brown spots on the foliage. With such symptoms, asplenium, unfortunately, cannot be saved. However, do not confuse disease spots with natural brown dots or streaks on the back of the leaf, as the latter are due to sporulation.
The plant is also affected by such microorganisms as phyllostikta and tafina. Special fungicide preparations will help get rid of them.
Dry air often causes the wai to turn yellow and dry at the tips, and insufficient watering causes them to wilt.Burns and paleness occur due to direct sun exposure, and foliage twisting is due to drafts and waterlogging of the soil.
