| Description: |
Strap-shaped leaves in an irregular tuft. The edges of the leaves are very wavy. |
| Origin: |
Europe, Eastern North America |
| Environment: |
Suitable only for a greenhouse |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in full sunlight coming from the North/East/West |
| Soil Type: |
These plants can be somewhat fussy, try a mix of 1 part peat, 1 part coarse sand, 1 part vermiculite and make sure the mix is lime free. Another recipe to try is 4 parts humus (leaf mold), 2 parts organic soil, 2 parts peat, 2 parts sand, 1 part rinsed aquarium charcoal chips and again keep the mix lime free.
Always use a pot with a hole.
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| Watering: |
Keep the soil evenly moist at all times and use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed monthly with a water soluble fertilizer. Do not feed newly potted plants for at least 4 months. An alternative is a granular slow release fertilizer if applied annually in the early spring. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to mealy bugs, thrips and scale. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Spores
in the spring.
Take spores from ripe spore cases on the undersides of the fronds. Put the spores in an envelope and allow to dry. Place a brick in a plastic box or pan and put 2 inches (5cm) of distilled water in it and cover the brick with a quarter inch of moist peat. Sprinkle spores on the peat and cover the container with a piece of glass or plastic. Be sure to maintain the water level. Place in low light, after a few months a green moss like growth should cover the peat. Eventually leaves will appear, divide and transplant after they are 2 inches (5cm) tall.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Mist frequently with warm water (lime free to avoid leaf staining). Place pebbles or gravel in the drainage dish to hold water and increase the humidity, make sure the pot is sitting on the gravel and not in the water.
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