Lygodium articulatum, commonly referred to as mangemange or Bushman's mattress, is a fern endemic to the North Island forests of New Zealand. Mangemange is an endemic species and is unique compared to other ferns in the area due to the vine–like curtain it creates in the canopy. Although the majority of the plant is found in the canopy of the surrounding forest, the roots and stem of mangemange form on the ground, meaning it cannot be classified as an epiphyte.
Bushman's mattress has strong resistance to disease and is typically not susceptible to illnesses. As for care, the plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs little watering, and larger specimens usually do not require pruning. However, smaller plants should be pruned after they finish blooming. Bushman's mattresst is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand much prior plant-care experience.
How to keep Lygodium Articulatum.
Light
Bushman's mattress naturally occurs in habitats like forest understories and rocky sites, where it receives natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, reflecting its adaptable, hardy character.
Temperature
Bushman's mattress comes from tropical areas, where the climate is usually warm and humid. Consequently, it is adapted to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate abrupt temperature changes and prefers a steady thermal environment, so indoor temperature fluctuations should be avoided. It generally cannot endure cold and needs warmer conditions to grow. If the surrounding temperature becomes too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Fertilizer
Fertilization is essential to the care of Bushman's mattress. Regular feeding during the growing season keeps up the energy for its showy leaves and supports overall growth. If fertilization is neglected, the plant can develop unhealthy foliage, lose ornamental value, and exhibit stunted or weak growth that is prone to breaking.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Vine
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Lygodium
- Family
- Schizaeaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 3.05 m
- Mature Spread
- 49 cm
- Leaf Color
- Forest Green, Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Native Area
- New Zealand
Other names.
