Phyllitis, also known as heartleaf, is a genus of ferns in the family Aspleniaceae. The genus is distributed in temperate and subtropical regions of the world, with the highest diversity in eastern and southeastern Asia. Phyllitis species are typically small to medium-sized ferns with creeping or scaly rhizomes. The leaves are usually simple, with the blades undivided or divided into a few narrow leaflets. The sori are arranged in two rows along the veins on the undersides of the leaflets.
Is it easy to grow Phyllitis plant? While its not the easiest plant to grow, its definitely doable with a little bit of effort. With the right care, this plant can thrive and provide you with beautiful, lush foliage.
How big can it be? Because it is a plant that can grow in both sunny and shady areas, it can be found in a range of sizes. The average size is from 30 to 60 cm in width and height, but it can grow larger in some cases. This makes it a versatile plant for many different garden settings.
How fast is the growth? Because they are slow-growing, they are best suited for rock gardens, edging, or as a low groundcover. They do best in well-drained, sandy soils and need full sun to partial shade. These plants are somewhat drought tolerant once they are established.
| Plant Form | Fern |
| Family | Aspleniaceae |
| Origin | The Mediterranean |
How long is the lifespan? So, the average lifespan of a Phyllitis plant is 3 to 10 years.
What is the ideal temperature? Sometimes, in the spring and autumn, the temperature can be lower at night. The average temperature is 20 degrees. The average temperature in the summer is 69.8 degrees Fahrenheit with low humidity, in winter 53.6-57.2 degrees Fahrenheit.
What about the humidity? While the plant prefers high humidity, in winter, it is necessary to reduce watering and spray the leaves 2 times a day with soft water. It is better to keep a pot in a pallet with wet claydite.
What amount of light this plant needed? The plant does best with a shadow or penumbra, and ideally a window facing north or east. If the window faces south, the plant should not be closer than 3 m from it. Phyllitis can be grown under artificial lighting.
What is good soil for Phyllitis? While many plants can grow in different types of soil, ferns are a bit more particular in what they need. The ideal soil for a fern is loose and air-permeable with a pH of 4.5 to 7.5. If you're mixing your own soil, equal parts peat, turf, leaf land, and sand make a good base. Sphagnum and charcoal are also good additions. Good drainage is essential for ferns.
How much I must water Phyllitis? Sometimes, when the leaves of Phyllitis turn yellow and fall off, it means that the plant does not receive enough water. The soil in the pot must be moist all the time, but the overflow is not permissible (watering about 2-3 times a week in the summer). In winter, watering is reduced to 1 time in 8 days at a temperature of 60,8-64,4 ° F.
About fertilizer. Common ly, this plant is fed about every two weeks, though some may argue that it really depends on the growth of the plant. Many people choose to dilute their fertilizer before using it on their Phyllitis plant to make sure they don't overfeed it.
How to reproduce Phyllitis? The plant can be reproduced by spores that are located on the underside of the leaf. It is necessary to use a double-glaze with bottom heating in order to do this. The disputes should be put in an envelope and dried. Then, a brick should be placed in a plastic box or another vessel. Wet peat should be on its surface. Distilled water should be poured into the container until it reaches a height of about 5 cm. The spores should be sprinkled on the peat surface and the container should be covered with glass or a plastic lid. The level of water should be constantly maintained. The container should be placed in low light conditions. A few months later, green moss will appear on the surface of the peat. Then, the leaves will appear. The plants should be planted when they reach a height of 5 cm.
Why Phyllitis won't bloom? Eventually, the plant will need to be divided as it will become too big for its pot. The plant will also benefit from a fertilizer high in nitrogen, applied in early spring and again in mid-summer.
How much I must water Phyllitis? So, it's best to use young plants that are no more than a year old. And it's better to use small pots that are not too deep. It's also important to note that the roots of Phyllitis can sometimes become stuck to the walls of the pot. If this happens, you'll need to break them free before transferring the plant.
How to care the plant? The plant needs to be in a warm and humid environment to prevent drafts and stagnation of moisture, especially in the center of a Phyllitis nest outlet. The plant should be regularly cut of the brown tips of the leaves, as the dark strips on the underside of the leaves are maturing spores.
What is the challenge when caring Phyllitis plant? Because it is very susceptible to various diseases and pests. If the plant is affected by a spider mite, mealybugs, shield, thrips, aphids or whiteflies, it will very quickly lose its decorative appearance. In addition, with a lack of moisture, the leaves of Phyllitis turn brown, and in dry air, the tips of the leaves dry. Also, under the conditions of dry air, the leaves can be deformed. The leaves of Phyllitis descend, but do not dry at a lower temperature. In addition, in the bright sun, the leaves of this plant pale and lose their luster. And finally, brown spots on the leaves of Phyllitis indicate drafts or too low a temperature.
Are Phyllitis poisonous? Eventually, all parts of the plant are poisonous if eaten, with the exception of the ripe fruit. The Phyllitis plant is a small shrub that is native to Europe. The plant has small, green leaves and produces small, red berries. All parts of the plant are poisonous, with the exception of the ripe fruit. If ingested, the plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, the plant can cause seizures, coma, and death.
