Asplenium dimorphum difforme, also known as Austral Gem Fern, is one of the best evergreen plants to have inside your house.
They are adaptable and durable, making them the utmost priority of every other plant lover. We recommend using these plants in a hanging pot or pedestals as they grow flat at a medium height.
The landscape uses of these plants include border, mass planting, container, specimen, rock garden, specimen, woodland garden, and coastal exposure.
Moreover, these plants do not produce messy spores, making them the ideal choice for you to have regardless of the climate conditions you are living in. We advise you to plant your Gem fern outdoors if you live in a warmer climate.
Characteristics of Austral Gem Fern
Austral gem fern has unique leaves that keep their beautiful color throughout the year. They are widely used as an indoor plant that completely fulfils all the requirements of a plant lover for an indoor compact plant.
Foliage
The dark green glossy color captures the heart of every person that looks at its foliage. The color of the foliage never fades, which makes it one of the most durable plants to buy. The vibrant colors improve as the plant moves to its mature size.
Height and Spread
These plants can grow up to 20 inches high and about 24 inches wide. They fall under the category of medium-sized plants, so you do not need to worry about finding some extra space inside your house for them.
You can place this plant at any corner of your room or beneath the window where it can freely grow.
Evergreen
The foliage of this plant does not change its color throughout the year. Its durability can be judged by the fact that its leaves neither fall nor fade if all its basic requirements are fulfilled. Please make sure that you keep a check on the leaves of the plant for any possible infection.
Toxicity
These plants can be toxic to pets, so make sure that all your pets are trained not to consume the leaves of the plant. We advise you to keep the plant at a place where your children and pet cannot reach it; placing it at a height near the window would be an ideal location for your plant to grow.
Hardiness zones
Hardiness zones are 9-11, so make sure that you provide your plant with similar weather conditions at your home to these zones. These plants are adaptable to different environments, but you can produce the best results by providing them with their desired living conditions.
Caring Tips for Austral Gem Fern
The difficulty level of caring for these plants is quite low, but ensure that all the basic necessities are provided to the plant for healthy and strong growth. We have provided you with the 6 basic requirements that must be fulfilled for your Gem fern ideal growth.
Water
Water requirements for this plant are low, as they can thrive under dry conditions well. We recommend you water the plant only if the upper layer of the soil feels dry.
Please make sure that you do not overwater the plant, as water staying in the soil for too long can leave the plant susceptible to diseases. The size of the pot, lighting, and temperature should also be kept under consideration before watering your plant.
If the temperatures are high and the lighting is bright, you should water it more often, but make sure that you do not leave the plant soaking in water.
Soil
These plants prefer a well-drained potting mix, but they can also flourish in a commercial potting mix too. Make sure that the soil you use has PH below 7, as Austral gem Ferns love to grow in rich, acidic soil.
Sunlight
Austral gem ferns require medium to bright lighting conditions but do not place them directly under the open sun. These plants can live under low light conditions, but their growth will be negatively affected.
We recommend you place them under a window where indirect bright sunlight reaches the plant.
Temperature
Average home temperature between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for these plants to grow well; however, keeping them in an environment too cold can cause the leaves of the plant to wilt and die in no time.
Fertilizer
Use fertilizer once a month between April and September. We advise you to use a good quality houseplant fertilizer of half strength to boost the growth in the growing season.
Please do not feed the plant in the winter season as the plant becomes inactive, and fertilizer would only negatively affect your plant. Too much feeding can cause the tips of the leaves to turn brown.
Humidity
A 50 to 60 percent humidity level is commonly seen in most of our houses, which is acceptable for the plant as it can thrive in such conditions. Make sure that you keep the soil and the air around the plant moist.
Propagating Tips for Austral Gem Fern
Austral Gem ferns can be propagated by the division method. Here is a step-by-step process of propagating your plant by division.
- Remove the plant from the pot and clean it.
- Remove the soil attached to the roots of the plant carefully, making sure the roots do not get damaged.
- Separate the plant’s roots from each other, with every root containing the part of the plant.
- Prepare new pots with fresh soil.
- Place the roots in the pots and keep the soil moist.
- Water the plant daily for the first few weeks to make sure that it stays hydrated.
Conclusion
Austral gem ferns are also known as birds nest fern because of their unique foliage with a waxy coating on it. They are one of the most attractive compact houseplants that are easy to care for.
We have provided you with a guide that answers all your questions regarding how to care for and propagate the plant without damaging it.