Adder's-tongue (Ophioglossum vulgatum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Adder's-tongue on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Ophioglossaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Adder's-tongue
Ophioglossum vulgatum, commonly known as adder's-tongue fern, is a tiny, inconspicuous terrestrial fern characterized by a single frond divided into an oval sterile part and a spike-like fertile part. It's a botanical gem for fern collectors or to add a touch of rarity to a humid, shaded terrarium.
Native range
Europe, temperate Asia, and North America
Care tips
Requires partial to full shade and a very humid environment, ideally with high ambient humidity. The substrate must be consistently moist but well-drained, rich in organic matter, and with a slightly acidic to neutral pH; avoid letting it dry out completely. It is extremely sensitive to root disturbance, so transplanting should be done with utmost care and only when strictly necessary. A common mistake is attempting to grow it in pots with standard substrates or in dry conditions, which invariably leads to its decline.
How to save a dying Adder's-tongue
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or brown, wilted leaves, soft stems. May indicate overwatering or dryness.
- First aid
- Check substrate moisture. Ensure drainage. If dry, water gently. If waterlogged, remove excess water.
- What kills it
- Constant waterlogging, causing root rot. Also, extreme dryness.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not completely rotted. Recovery can be slow, but it's possible.