Engelmann's Adder's-tongue Plant Care
Ophioglossum engelmannii Prantl
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ophioglossum engelmannii, commonly known as the limestone adder's-tongue, is a species of fern native to the Western Hemisphere. It is widespread and native to the United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Shade to partial shade
At a glance
How do you care for Engelmann's Adder's-tongue?
Engelmann's Adder's-tongue grows best in shade to partial shade.
What Is the Engelmann's Adder's-tongue?
Engelmann's Adder's-tongue (Ophioglossum engelmannii) belongs to the Ophioglossaceae family within the Ophioglossum genus. Engelmann's Adder's-tongue is native to the Western Hemisphere. Engelmann's Adder's-tongue is also known as Adder's-tongue Fern.
Engelmann's Adder's-tongue displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Engelmann's Adder's-tongue produces non-flowering.
What Light Does the Engelmann's Adder's-tongue Need?
Engelmann's Adder's-tongue thrives in shade to partial shade. Avoid placing Engelmann's Adder's-tongue in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Shade to partial shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Engelmann's Adder's-tongue?
Rich, moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Engelmann's Adder's-tongue to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Engelmann's Adder's-tongue?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Engelmann's Adder's-tongue?
Engelmann's Adder's-tongue can be propagated through spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to azores adder's-tongue plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Engelmann's Adder's-tongue Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Engelmann's Adder's-tongue, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Engelmann's Adder's-tongue?
Engelmann's Adder's-tongue is susceptible to generally pest-resistant. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Engelmann's Adder's-tongue is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Ophioglossum genus — compare its care with other Ophioglossum species on PlantoScan.
Ophioglossum is part of the Ophioglossaceae plant family — browse all Ophioglossaceae genera and species.
Engelmann's Adder's-tongue copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Ophioglossum Species
Other Ophioglossum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ophioglossum engelmannii Prantl, family Ophioglossaceae (first published in Ber. Deutsch. Bot. Ges. 1: 351 (1883)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Engelmann's Adder's-tongue, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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