Dryopteris wallichiana aka Alpine Woodfern

Taxonomy

Dryopteris wallichiana, commonly known as the alpine wood fern or Wallich's Wood Fern, is a robust species of fern in the family Dryopteridaceae. It is native to the Himalayas, Hawaii, Mexico, and Jamaica. This deciduous or semi-evergreen fern can grow up to 90 cm (35 in) tall, occasionally reaching 180 cm (71 in) in height and 75 cm (30 in) in width. The fronds of Dryopteris wallichiana are pale green and tripinnate, creating a striking contrast with the dark brown ribs. The specific epithet "wallichiana" honors Nathaniel Wallich, a Danish botanist from the 19th century. This fern is highly popular in cultivation and has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. When young, its fronds have a rose-tinted coloration, which matures into a beautiful golden hue. With its attractive appearance and vase-shaped growth pattern, Wallich's Wood Fern adds elegance to any garden landscape.

Common names

Alpine Woodfern

How to care for Alpine Woodfern

Difficulty

Caring for Alpine Woodfern is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Alpine Woodfern should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Alpine Woodfern loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Alpine Woodfern requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Alpine Woodfern is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

The Alpine Woodfern is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

Clumping is a defining characteristic of the Alpine Woodfern, with new growth appearing from the soil surrounding the primary plant.


More info:
Wikipedia