Onoclea sensibilis aka Sensitive Fern

Taxonomy

Genus Onoclea Family Onocleaceae Order Polypodiales Class Polypodiopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Onoclea sensibilis, also known as the sensitive fern or bead fern, is a deciduous perennial fern from the Onocleaceae family. It has a coarse texture and can grow to be medium to large-sized. The plant is native to regions such as Far East, North America, Japan, and China and has a lush tropical appearance. Its name comes from its sensitivity to frost, causing the fronds to die quickly upon contact. While some authors consider it the only species in the Onoclea genus, others do not consider it monotypic. This fern has a creeping rhizome that grows rapidly and produces light-green leaves on strong petioles. In the spring, the leaves turn pinkish-bronze in color, and some can be twisted into balls resembling a string of pearls. However, during summer droughts or at the first signs of frost in the fall, the plant rapidly goes dormant. Onoclea sensibilis is a super rare houseplant that is not challenging to grow and requires regular watering to thrive. It does best in direct light and should be placed less than 1 foot from a window. The plant prefers well-draining soil and does not require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. Overall, the sensitive fern is a hardy and attractive plant that can serve as a decorative addition to any home or garden.

Common names

Sensitive Fern, Bead Fern, Meadow Brake

How to care for Sensitive Fern

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Sensitive Fern is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Sensitive Fern should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Sensitive Fern 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

To ensure optimal growth, the Sensitive Fern prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Sensitive Fern should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Sensitive Fern’s native range is N. America - east of the Rockies to N.E. Asia.

More info:
Wikipedia

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