Botrypus
About Botrypus
Rattlesnake fern is native to North America, Central America, portions of South America, Eurasia, China, Korea, and Japan. It is one of the first ferns to begin growth in spring. It's a member of the Ophioglossaceae or Adder's Tongue family. The leaves of the plant are light green and the stalks are green to red.
Taxonomy
Botrychium virginianum
Botrychium
Ophioglossaceae
Ophioglossales
Also known as
Botrypus, Botrypus virginianus, rattlesnake fern, Virginia grape fern and Botrypus virginianus

How to care for Botrypus

How often to water your Botrypus

every 9
Botrypus needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesnât get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Botrypus in your home

a window
Botrypus may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves đ, without ample sunlight.
Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Botrypus in your home đĄ.

How to fertilize Botrypus

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil itâs likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Botrypus after it doubles in size or once a yearâwhichever comes first.

Botrypus is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!
Water Needs
Botrypus prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Botrypus may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves đ without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home đĄ.
Toxicity
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plantâs toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, itâs always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
Soil
Botrypus does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
Botrypus grows very slowly and doesnât require added fertilizer. Replacing your plantâs potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Growth Pattern
Botrypus grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Botrypus can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 4a-9b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Care Summary for Botrypus
Botrypus
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 3ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4â pot your plant is in, and that it doesnât get direct sunlight.
