Ferns are primitive plants that have lived on the planet since long before dinosaurs appeared. Although, how could it be otherwise, species have been becoming extinct, new ones have also emerged that have been able to better adapt to the climatic changes that have been happening and that, surely, will continue to exist. One of the most spectacular is the Sadleria cyatheoideswhose new fronde (leaf) sprouts being of a precious red color.
Although it is not as large as any tree fern such as Cyathea, Dicksonia or Blechnum can be, it does not need to be one of the most beautiful plants in the world.
Origin and characteristics of Sadleria cyatheoides
The Sadleria cyatheoideswhose common name is fern amaumau or ‘ama’ u, is a plant belonging to the family Blechnaceae endemic to Hawaiiwhere it lives in open areas and humid forests from sea level to 1676 meters of altitude.
It has green fronds (leaves) 50-60cm long. To protect itself from the sun’s harmful rays, the newest is dyed a deep red which is disappearing giving way to its natural color as its development ends. It has a short trunk, between 90 centimeters and one and a half meters high and about 10cm in diameter, which makes this small tree fern a very interesting species to have in all kinds of gardens and even in pots.
What care do you need?
If you would like to get a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:
- Location: semi-shadow. You can gradually get used to the sun, but only if it is mild.
- Soil or substrate: well drained and rich in organic matter. In the case of having it in a pot, you must use universal growing substrate mixed with 30% perlite, washed river sand or similar.
- Irrigation: three to four times a week in summer and slightly less the rest of the year.
- Subscriber: from spring to late autumn it should be fertilized with organic fertilizers, powder or grain if it is in the ground or liquid if it is potted. You can also add egg and banana peels, pasty vegetables, tea bags.
- Planting or transplanting time: in spring, when the risk of frost has passed.
- Rusticity: supports weak frosts down to -5ºC as long as they are of short duration.
Did you know the Sadleria cyatheoides? What do you think?
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