Cystopteris alpina is a fern in the family Cystopteridaceae. It is closely related to C. fragilis and has been treated as conspecific with that species by many authors. However, according to the Flora of North America, it is an allopolyploid species of hybrid origin, with Cystopteris montana as one probable parent. It is known to hybridise with C. fragilis in Scandinavia and intermediate plants possibly of hybrid origin are known from North Wales.
The Alpine bladder-fern is generally resistant to disease and encounters relatively few insect pests. Its care is considered difficult because it needs a consistently moist environment and frequent watering. However, the roots can rot if the plant is overwatered or the surroundings lack good ventilation. This fern is suitable for people with some growing experience, and many individuals can keep it alive for a certain period. Still, the Alpine bladder-fern may struggle to thrive and its leaves can dry out and become less healthy over time.
How to keep Cystopteris Alpina.
Light
Alpine bladder-fern is native to habitats such as forest understories and rocky areas that provide natural shade. It favors Full Shade but can tolerate Partial Sun.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Fern
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Cystopteris
- Family
- Aspleniaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 2-9
- Native Area
- Turkey, Slovakia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Armenia, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, Morocco, Ukraine, Serbia, Russia, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Albania, United Kingdom, France
Other names.
