The Asplenium ‘Austral Gem’ is a unique fern hybrid developed in Australia, prized for its durability and distinctive appearance. Unlike delicate, high-maintenance ferns, this variety features thick, leathery, and glossy dark green fronds with a waxy cuticle. This structure provides a defense against typical fern issues, making it highly tolerant of lower humidity and drought conditions. The plant is also a sterile hybrid, which means it will not drop spores, contributing to its reputation as an easier addition to an indoor collection.
Creating the Ideal Habitat
Finding the right location for the Austral Gem Fern depends primarily on managing light exposure and maintaining a stable temperature. While this fern is more adaptable than its relatives, it performs best in bright, indirect light, such as near an east-facing window or a few feet away from a south or west-facing window. Direct sun exposure must be avoided entirely, as the intense rays will quickly scorch the waxy fronds. The plant will tolerate medium or even low light conditions, but growth will be slower and the foliage may not appear as dense and vibrant.
The temperature should remain consistent, ideally within the range of \(65^circtext{F}\) to \(80^circtext{F}\) (\(18^circtext{C}\) to \(27^circtext{C}\)). Temperature fluctuations or exposure to cold drafts can lead to signs of stress like yellowing or drooping fronds. While many ferns require high atmospheric moisture, the Austral Gem’s thick foliage allows it to thrive in average household humidity. If the air is particularly dry, increasing the humidity to \(45%\) to \(65%\) will be beneficial, which can be accomplished by placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water or grouping it with other plants.
Watering and Substrate Needs
The substrate chosen for the Austral Gem Fern must be well-draining yet retain a moderate level of moisture and should be housed in a pot with sufficient drainage holes. A rich, organic mix is preferred, often a peat-based blend or a standard potting soil amended with orchid bark, perlite, or coco coir to ensure aeration. This composition prevents the potting medium from becoming compacted and waterlogged, which is a common cause of root issues.
When watering, the technique should focus on preventing the soil from fully drying out while also avoiding saturation. Unlike other ferns that demand consistently moist soil, the Austral Gem benefits from a slight drying period. Allow the top one to two inches of the potting mix to dry out before thoroughly drenching the soil until water flows from the drainage holes. This ability to dry out slightly makes this fern more forgiving of inconsistent watering schedules.
Maintaining Health and Addressing Issues
Maintaining the health of the Austral Gem Fern includes a light, consistent feeding schedule during the active growing season of spring and summer. A diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer should be applied monthly, often at half the manufacturer’s recommended strength to prevent nutrient burn. Over-fertilization can manifest as brown tips on the fronds, so feeding should be suspended entirely during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Pruning and Pests
Pruning requirements are minimal, primarily involving the removal of old, damaged, or discolored foliage to maintain the plant’s appearance and direct energy toward new growth. Yellowing or brown fronds should be clipped off cleanly at the base of the plant using sterile scissors or shears. Although the Austral Gem is known for its pest resistance, it can occasionally encounter common houseplant pests like scale or mealybugs. These can be treated by wiping the affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in diluted isopropyl alcohol or by applying a horticultural oil, such as neem oil.
Repotting and Water Quality
Repotting is an infrequent necessity for this slow-growing fern, typically occurring only every two to three years or when the plant becomes visibly rootbound. When repotting, only move up to a container that is one size larger than the current pot to prevent the excess soil from holding too much moisture. Brown tips on the fronds, aside from being a sign of over-fertilization, are also a common indicator of inconsistent watering or exposure to low-quality tap water, which contains salts that can build up in the soil.