Lusitanian adder's-tongue
ophioglossum lusitanicum
Also known as: ["Portuguese adder's-tongue","adder's-tongue fern"]
Overview
A rare, small, terrestrial fern-like plant with a distinctive fertile spike and simple leaves.
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 lusitanicum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: shaded garden bed or container in a protected area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with organic matter, such as a mix of peat, sand, and loam.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very high
- Toughness Level: very low
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically once or twice a year.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours per day. Tolerates partial shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to brighter light to prevent scorching. Place in a location with filtered sunlight, especially in hot climates. Indoors, place near an east-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
expert onlymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct afternoon sun; provide dappled light; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, humus-rich soil with some sand or perlite
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure soil is loose and airy; avoid heavy clay soils; maintain consistent moisture levels.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C). Tolerates mild frosts.
Keep away from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures; avoid sudden fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; fertilize only when actively growing; avoid contact with roots.
Propagation
Methods
Spores or division of rhizomes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Collect mature spores or divide rhizomes.
- Prepare medium.
- Plant spores or divisions.
- Maintain high humidity.
- Wait for germination or growth.
Best Time: 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
Spores: Sphagnum moss or sterile seed-starting mix. Division: Well-draining soil with some organic matter.
Hormone
Not required for spores or division.
Timeline
Spores: 6–12 months to germinate and establish. Division: Immediate establishment if done correctly.
Tools Needed
Spore sieve, sterile knife, pots, humidity dome, water spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools to prevent disease; maintain consistent moisture; be patient with spore germination.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off dead or yellowing fronds at the base with clean, sharp scissors.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required. Remove dead or damaged fronds as needed to maintain appearance and health.
Tools
Sharp scissors or pruning shears, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Identify dead/damaged fronds; sterilize tools; prune cleanly at the base; dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up from the current pot (e.g., +2–3 cm in diameter).
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot only when the plant becomes pot-bound or the soil deteriorates. Ophioglossum lusitanicum prefers being slightly root-bound.
Checklist
Check root boundness; prepare new pot and soil; handle roots gently; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture without saturating the soil. Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry. Ensure excess water drains away completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate peat moss to retain moisture without waterlogging.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing or browning of fronds; stunted growth; wilting despite adequate water.
Cold Stress
Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage or kill the plant.
Solution: Protect from frost with a frost cloth or move to a sheltered location. Mulch around the base to insulate roots.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause the plant to wilt, brown, or enter premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but carefully to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicOphioglossum lusitanicum is not considered toxic to cats. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicOphioglossum lusitanicum is not considered toxic to dogs. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicOphioglossum lusitanicum is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ophioglossum lusitanicum easy to grow?
A: No, it is considered very challenging and is typically only grown by expert horticulturists.
Q: Where is Ophioglossum lusitanicum typically found?
A: It is found in specific habitats such as damp, shaded areas in parts of Europe and North Africa.
Q: Does Ophioglossum lusitanicum have any medicinal uses?
A: There is no widely documented evidence of medicinal uses for this plant.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ophioglossaceae |
| Care: | expert only |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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