Notogrammitis billardierei
Notogrammitis billardierei · Polypodiaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant notogrammitis billardierei: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Adult size
- 15 to 30 cm in height
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Low hardiness (mild climate, zones 10-11)
- Origin
- Australia and Pacific Islands
- Soil type
- Well-draining, rich in organic matter
Care
Watering
Keep the substrate consistently moist without creating water stagnation. Water regularly, ideally with non-limey or rainwater. In winter, reduce the frequency while ensuring the soil does not dry out completely.
Light Exposure
Place this small fern in indirect light, away from direct sunlight which would scorch its delicate fronds. A location near a north or east-facing window is ideal to recreate tropical understory conditions.
Soil and Substrate
Prepare a humus-rich mixture made of peat, sphagnum, and perlite or fine bark. Good root aeration is essential for this epiphyte which appreciates aerated and slightly acidic substrate.
Nutrition
Apply a highly diluted houseplant fertilizer every two months in spring and summer. Avoid excess: this small fern does not require intensive feeding.
Pruning and Maintenance
Remove only dead or damaged fronds by cutting at the base of the petiole. Gently clean the fronds with a damp cloth to promote photosynthesis without harming the plant.
Common Problems
Beware of air that is too dry, which causes frond yellowing: maintain high ambient humidity. Watch for scale insects and spider mites, especially indoors with heating; regular misting helps prevent these pests.
Did you know?
Notogrammitis billardierei is a small epiphytic fern native to tropical forests, naturally adapted to life on tree branches and trunks. Its specific name 'billardierei' honors Jacques Julien Houton de la Billardière, an 18th-century French botanist and explorer who contributed to enriching our knowledge of Pacific flora.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.