Adder's-tongue
ophioglossum vulgatum
Also known as: ["adder's-tongue fern","adder's tongue"]
Overview
A unique fern-like plant with a single fertile spike and simple leaves, native to temperate regions.
Benefits & Perks
["rare/collector’s item","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Polypodiopsida |
| Order: | Ophioglossales |
| Family: | Ophioglossaceae |
| Genus: | Ophioglossum |
| Botanical Name: | Ophioglossum vulgatum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: shaded garden bed or woodland setting
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with organic matter, such as a mix of peat, sand, and loam.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically once or twice a year.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning only.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer months.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to brighter light to prevent scorching; protect from direct afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sun; rotate plant for even light; provide dappled shade in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging; water less in winter; ensure good drainage.
Soil
moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; maintain slightly acidic pH; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); thrives in cooler conditions, especially during dormancy.
Keep away from drafts; maintain stable temperatures; protect from extreme heat or cold.
Fertilizing
every 6–8 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only during growing season; apply to moist soil.
Propagation
Methods
Spores or division; spore propagation is more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Collect mature spores, prepare sterile medium, scatter spores, keep moist and warm, or divide clumps carefully.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Sterile sphagnum moss or a mix of peat and perlite.
Hormone
Not required for spore propagation; division does not need hormone.
Timeline
Spores may take several months to germinate; division will establish in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Spore collection kit, sterile containers, division knife, gloves.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools to prevent contamination; maintain consistent moisture for spores; divide only when clumps are large.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip individual fronds at the base with clean cuts.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; remove dead or damaged fronds as needed to maintain appearance and health.
Tools
Sharp, clean scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Identify dead/damaged fronds, use clean tools, cut at base, dispose of debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; avoid over-potting.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, and water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot only when the plant becomes pot-bound or every 2–3 years; it prefers being slightly root-bound.
Checklist
Check root boundness, prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the base until it drains from the bottom, avoiding foliage; ensure even moisture distribution in the root zone; allow excess water to drain completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days during active growth; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate peat or compost for fertility; ensure aeration with coarse materials.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or premature dormancy in response to heat or cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can induce dormancy; prolonged cold may damage roots or cause dieback.
Solution: Protect from frost; ensure well-drained soil to prevent root rot; move indoors if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, or premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, avoid winter feeding, check soil moisture.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicOphioglossum vulgatum is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects associated with ingestion of this plant by felines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicOphioglossum vulgatum is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects associated with ingestion of this plant by canines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicOphioglossum vulgatum, commonly known as Adder's-tongue fern, is not considered toxic to humans. There are no documented cases of toxicity associated with ingestion of this plant.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ophioglossum vulgatum toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.
Q: How does Ophioglossum vulgatum reproduce?
A: It reproduces via spores and has a unique reproductive structure with a single fertile spike.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Ophioglossum vulgatum?
A: It thrives in moist, shaded environments with well-drained soil.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ophioglossaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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