Eared Grapefern

botrychium dissectum

Also known as: ["Eared Grapefern","Dissected Grapefern"]

Family: Ophioglossaceae Genus: Botrychium Category: Leaf Plants

Overview

A deciduous fern with delicate, dissected fronds and a distinctive eared appearance at the base of the fertile fronds.

Benefits & Perks

["shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Polypodiopsida
Order: Ophioglossales
Family: Ophioglossaceae
Genus: Botrychium
Botanical Name: Botrychium dissectum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Leaf Plants
  • Suitable Location: shaded woodland garden or shaded, moist indoor setting
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
  • Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter and moderate drainage.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light; only remove dead or yellowing fronds.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Shade to partial shade; 2–4 hours of dappled sunlight or bright indirect light daily.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to brighter light; protect from direct sun to prevent scorching; ideal for shaded garden beds or north-facing indoor spots.

Warning Signs: Yellowing or browning fronds, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or site conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

challenging

Sunlight

partial shade to full shade

Avoid direct sun; provide filtered light; adjust for seasonal light changes.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Maintain consistent moisture without saturation; water less in dormant periods.

Soil

moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).

Use organic matter; ensure moderate drainage; maintain slightly acidic pH.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures, 50–70°F (10–21°C); prefers cooler conditions in summer.

Keep away from heat sources; maintain consistent cool temps; protect from frost.

Fertilizing

every 2–3 months during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; stop in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Spores; division of rhizomes (rarely done due to plant's delicate nature).

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Collect mature spores.
  2. Surface sow on sterile medium.
  3. Keep moist and warm.
  4. Transplant small plants once established.

Best Time: Late summer to early fall when spores are mature; rhizome division in spring.

Environment

High humidity (80–90%), indirect light, and consistent cool temperatures (60–65°F).

Medium

Spores require a sterile, moist medium like peat and perlite mix; rhizomes need well-draining soil.

Hormone

Not applicable for spores; rooting hormone may help rhizome division.

Timeline

Spores may take 1–2 years to germinate; rhizomes establish in 1–2 months.

Tools Needed

Spore collection kit, sterile medium, humidity dome, small pots.

Quick Tips

Use sterile tools; maintain high humidity; be patient with spore germination.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip individual fronds at the base with clean, sharp scissors.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning; remove dead or damaged fronds to maintain appearance and health.

Tools

Pruning shears, scissors, or a sharp knife.

Checklist

Identify dead/damaged fronds; sterilize tools; cut cleanly at base; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size up; ensure pot has drainage holes.

Method

Gently remove plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with added organic matter.

Suggestions

Only repot if the plant is root-bound or soil is depleted; infrequent repotting is preferred.

Checklist

Check root condition; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.

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, ensuring even saturation of the root zone; allow excess to drain completely; avoid wetting foliage.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water precisely to the root zone.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or peat moss for fertility and moisture retention; ensure good aeration with perlite or sand.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth and can cause leaf damage or dieback in temperatures below 40°F (4°C).

Solution: Provide frost protection; move indoors in winter; avoid placing near cold drafts.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop in temperatures above 80°F (27°C) without adequate shade.

Solution: Increase shade; improve air circulation; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to soil; avoid foliage contact.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Botrychium dissectum can indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or underlying disease, potentially affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Botrychium dissectum may result from water stress, root damage, or pathogenic infections, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Botrychium dissectum are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to tissue necrosis, reduced photosynthetic capacity, and potential leaf loss.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Botrychium dissectum is often caused by fungal pathogens or excessive moisture, which can lead to tissue decay and plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats that ingest Botrychium dissectum may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation. While not highly toxic, the plant can cause discomfort and should be kept out of reach of cats.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep cats away from the plant. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Botrychium dissectum may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic, but care should be taken to prevent pets from consuming it.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent dogs from ingesting the plant. Contact a veterinarian if symptoms occur.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Botrychium dissectum contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The plant is not typically considered highly toxic to humans, but consumption may lead to discomfort due to its irritant properties.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion. Keep away from children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does Botrychium dissectum reproduce?

A: It reproduces via spores produced on the fertile fronds.

Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for this plant?

A: It thrives in partial to full shade with moist, well-drained soil.

Q: Is Botrychium dissectum commonly found in gardens?

A: It is not commonly cultivated but may be found in specialized native plant gardens.

Quick Reference
Family: Ophioglossaceae
Care: moderate
Light: partial shade to full shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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