This is a new plant I just received a few days ago. She appeared to have survived shipping just fine, however today I noticed some dirt on her leaves and decided to clean her off. As I did I gently pried open some of her central spiral to see if any dirt had gotten trapped there during transit.
I noticed what appeared to be a lot of dirt, but as I tried cleaning it off I realized it might be decaying plant matter or a mold. I tried using q-tips to remove what I could, but it isn’t budging.
Is this mold? Is it dead new growth? How can I remove his and save the plant?
Additional information, I believe this is a tornado plant based on the spiral. I purchased it as part of a kit to eventually move into a vivarium, and the seller randomly picks which plants you get so I had to figure out species after I got it. As for watering, she came in with soil soaked from transmit and I’ve been letting her dry out since. For lighting she’s in front of a south facing window in a quarantine tub with a grow light. But she was in transit only a few days ago, and I was planning to keep her in the plastic pot she came in for the rest of her quarantine period. I have soil readily available if she needs replanting.
by the_shy_gamer
6 Comments
It just looks like the crown of the plant
This is a birds’ nest fern. This is normal. I would gently dry it with a paper towel or tissue paper, though, since it looks like there’s a puddle of water there.
Neither those are fronds what keeps the staghorn fern mounted when on a slab of wood they can be grown on a wood slab or in soil. these type of ferns grow high in rainforest trees, absorbing nutrients from organic matter on branches.
It’s growing…
Hi! Florist and plant lover here! Your birds nest fern looks beautiful! A word to the wise, do NOT water your plant in the middle. Water around the edges. That center part you are concerned about is where the plant produces new leaves. If it gets wet the plant will rot and die. Ferns also love humidity. If you’re inclined, you can take her into the bathroom with you when you shower. She will love the ambient humidity. They also like filtered light, not direct. Keep away from the window and let the light come to her. Hope this helps! You have a lovely plant!
Looks just right! Fuzzy fern babies!