I've killed countless plants.
But I don't look back. If I did, I wouldn't be able to stay sane...

Hello, I'm Suzuki, and I'm in my 14th year of gardening as a hobby.
This section introduces only plants that I have actually grown.

This time, I'd like to introduce "Pyrrosia longifolia," a representative of minor ferns.

What kind of plant is Pyrrosia longifolia?

It is a type of epiphytic fern distributed from Southeast Asia to Australia.
It belongs to the "Hitotsuba" (P. lingua) family, which is familiar in traditional horticulture.

In the wild, it grows epiphytically on trees and also on rocks.
It seems to have been widely used in traditional medicine.

Reptilian Luster

The charm of longifolia lies in its peculiar leaves and the dull luster covering their surface.
When viewed in the dark, it looks like an unknown creature.
The slight thickness of its leaves may contribute to this impression.

Wants to cling

Longifolia is often sold mounted on boards.
Perhaps this is the correct way to grow it, rather than in a pot.
My plants are grown in pots, but there's a risk of rot due to stuffiness.

Considering its original ecology, an epiphytic style or using sphagnum moss seems better.
I'm considering switching to sphagnum moss or a style with more pumice at the time of repotting.

Surprisingly slow

It doesn't sprout many leaves or multiply rapidly; it grows at its own pace.
Perhaps mounting it epiphytically might speed up its growth.

From spring to autumn, its leaves quickly wither if it dries out, so it's fine to give it a little more water.
However, it is susceptible to stuffiness, so place it in a well-ventilated area.

Plant Enthusiast Meter

Finally, I'll give "Pyrrosia longifolia" a score based on my extremely personal opinion.

・Ease of growing: 18 points
Easy to grow among ferns.

・Ease of styling: 20 points
Just divide it when it gets bigger.

・Growth rate: 16 points
Not fast.

・Suitability for Osaka: 18 points
No outdoors in winter.

・Love factor: 20 points
Its mysterious appearance is excellent.

 Total Score: 92 points

That's all, Editor-in-Chief.

Author: Suzuki