Vandenboschia striata

Vandenboschia striata is a delicate filmy fern belonging to the family Hymenophyllaceae. This fern thrives in humid, shaded environments such as streambeds or steep mossy rocks at low elevations. Found primarily in East and Southeast Asia (including Taiwan, southern China, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Japan), it is admired for its translucent, thin fronds and its unique appearance.

Features:

• Fronds: Pinnately dissected, typically 15 to 40 cm in length and 5 to 10 cm in width. The fronds have a translucent, membranous appearance, adding to their delicate beauty.

• Leaf Stipe: Winged leaf stalks, which can grow up to 15 cm long.

• Pinnae: Divided into 12 to 16 pairs of lance-shaped or elongated ovate leaflets.

• Sporangia: Located at the margins of the leaf segments, enclosed in long, cylindrical involucres that are approximately 0.15 cm in length.

• Habitat: Prefers moist, shaded areas, thriving in regions with high air humidity and stable microclimatic conditions, making it ideal for terrariums.

Care Tips:

• Light: Prefers low light, so keep the fern in a shaded or partially shaded spot.

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mist the fern regularly to maintain high humidity.

• Humidity: Needs high humidity to thrive, ideally between 60% and 80%. Place the plant in areas such as bathrooms, near fountains, or use a humidity tray.

• Temperature: Prefers warm, temperate climates. Avoid temperatures below 15°C (59°F) and provide warmth in colder regions.

• Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. It can also grow on moss-covered rocks or as an epiphyte (on tree trunks or other surfaces) in its natural habitat.

• Repotting: Repot only when the fern becomes root-bound or when the pot becomes too small.