How to cultivate Nephrolepis cordifolia
This article introduces how to cultivate Nephrolepis cordifolia and shares some secrets for its growth, related to green plants. Next, the editor will provide you with detailed answers.
Nephrolepis cordifolia, also known as iron wire grass, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Nephrolepidaceae family. The plant can grow to 15-40 cm tall, with very dense leaves that form clusters. The leaf stalks are thin and long, and the leaf color is purplish-black and very glossy. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, most of them are distributed in southern China. They prefer warm, humid, and semi-shaded environments but are sensitive to direct sunlight. They are best planted in loose, fertile soil with a small amount of limestone.
I particularly enjoy keeping a pot of Nephrolepis cordifolia at home, but I always have trouble keeping it healthy. Actually, there are some small techniques involved in caring for this plant.
The soil for potting Nephrolepis cordifolia is crucial. It is best to mix decomposed leaf soil, garden soil, and river sand. You can also use a mixture of decomposed leaf soil or peat with garden soil. After the soil is mixed, add a small amount of bone meal as a base fertilizer. During the growing period, ensure adequate watering and higher humidity; in the peak growing season, spray water mist on the branches and leaves 2-3 times a day to help maintain the green color of the leaves.
If the water supply is insufficient or the air is dry, the leaves will turn yellow or become curled and crispy. Nephrolepis cordifolia does not require a lot of fertilizer; generally, apply a thin solution of cake fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Adding a small amount of calcium-rich fertilizer can promote better growth. However, be careful not to splash water or fertilizer on the leaves when watering or fertilizing the plant, as this can easily cause the leaves to turn yellow and affect the ornamental value.
Although Nephrolepis cordifolia is a shade-loving plant, it still requires some sunlight during the growing season. If the plant is kept outdoors, it is best to place it in a location with ample scattered light during the spring, summer, and autumn seasons. If placed in direct sunlight, it can easily burn the leaves, especially in summer. Direct sunlight can cause the leaf edges to become crispy and the leaves to turn yellow.
How to cultivate Nephrolepis cordifolia
If you notice any withered leaves during the maintenance process, you should cut them off promptly to maintain the plant's freshness and beauty and promote the growth of new leaves. If the leaf clusters are too dense, it is necessary to prune the old leaves appropriately in the autumn every year. Otherwise, the branches and leaves will become too crowded and disordered, causing the plant to grow weakly and the leaves to turn yellow. In winter, maintain the humidity of the environment and keep the indoor temperature above 12 degrees Celsius to ensure the leaves remain green.
If you want to propagate Nephrolepis cordifolia, you can do so through division or spore propagation. Division is suitable during potting in the spring. During division, remove the mother plant from the pot and divide it into 3-4 smaller clusters for separate planting. Be careful not to damage the roots during the operation, as this can affect the survival rate of the clusters. Spore propagation can also be used. The spores grow on the edges of the leaves and, if the environment is warm and humid, they will easily scatter on the moist soil after maturation. Once the spores have developed into seedlings, you can dig them out for large-scale propagation.
Do you know the detailed introduction on how to cultivate Nephrolepis cordifolia and the secrets of its cultivation from the Green Enthusiast website?