FERNS
Ferns, although there are not many varieties of them available for
culture indoors, are probably more universally used as house plants than
any other class of plants. Their culture is not difficult, although it
differs somewhat from that given most of the plants described in the
preceding pages.
In the first place, ferns want a porous soil, say two parts screened
leaf-mould, one sand and one old manure or rich loam, the latter being
preferable. In the second place, they should be given a warmer
temperature, a minimum of fifty-five degrees at night being very
desirable, although not absolutely essential.
The third requisite in success with ferns is a moist atmosphere, as well
as plenty of water at the roots. If the pots are carefully drained
(facing page 41) as they should be, and the soil properly porous, it
will be almost impossible to over-water at the roots. Great care should
be taken, however, not to wet the foliage, particularly where the sun
can shine on the leaves. When the fronds must be wet, to keep them
clean, try to do it on a warm day, that they may dry off quickly near
an open north or east window. They should always be given as much light
as possible, without direct sunlight, and as much air as possible while
maintaining the proper temperature.
Many of the ferns can be increased either by runners or division, and
these are easily propagated at home. Those which are grown from spores
(the fern's seeds) it will be better to get from the florist's.
Most of the ferns belong to one of three groups, the sword ferns
(_Nephrolepis_), the maidenhairs (_Adiantum_) or the spider ferns
(_Pteris_). The distinguishing feature of the sword ferns is their long
pointed fronds; the maidenhairs command attention by their beautiful
feathery foliage, in some varieties as delicate as the filmiest lace;
and the spider ferns, seen usually in mixed varieties in dishes or fern
pans, are attractive for their shades of green, gray, white and silver,
and compact growth.
THE SWORD FERNS
The old widely popular sword fern was _Nephrolepis exaltata_, but the
original form has been almost entirely replaced by new varieties
developed from it, the most widely known of which is the Boston fern
(_N. ex. var. Bostoniensis_). The wide popularity of this fern is due to
both its beauty and its hardiness, as it will stand more ill usage than
any other house fern. It grows rapidly and makes a handsome plant at
all stages of development.
THE SCOTT FERN
A well grown large Boston fern requires a good deal of room, and the
long fronds--three feet or more in length--are apt to get damaged at the
ends. For these reasons the _Scottii_ fern, a development of the Boston,
is for some purposes a better plant. Its fronds are like those of the
latter, but shorter and proportionately narrower, and the habit of the
plant is much more dense and compact. It makes a very satisfactory
plant.
THE PLUMED TYPE
Another fern developed from the Boston is _Whitmani_, in which the
fronds are not so long but the foliage is so finely divided that it
gives a decided plumey effect. The _Whitmani_ is perhaps the best of
this type for house culture as the others, under adverse conditions, are
likely to revert to the Boston type of frond. _Piersoni_ and
_Elegantissima_ are exceptionally beautiful, but must be given careful
attention. _Scholzeli_, sometimes called the Crested Scott fern, is very
beautiful and well worth trying.
THE MAIDENHAIRS
Of the beautiful, but delicate, adiantums perhaps the one most
frequently seen in the florist's window is _A. Farleyense_, with its
drooping, lace-like, light green leaves. It is not, however, suited for
house culture and while it can be made to succeed, do not waste time in
trying it until you have mastered the growing of the hardier sorts.
However, just because _Farleyense_ is so delicate, do not feel that you
cannot have any maidenhair fern. _Croweanum_ is another beautiful
adiantum, and as its fronds are much firmer than those of most of this
class, it withstands the trying conditions of house culture very
satisfactorily. Another maidenhair, often called the hardy
_Farleyense_, is _Adiantum c. v. imbricatum_. As its name suggests, it
looks very much like the Farley fern, but it is suitable for house
culture. It is a very satisfactory fern. And just recently there is
another from England called the Glory fern (Glory of Moordrecht). I have
not seen it, but certainly from photographs and what the horticultural
journals have said of it, it will make a very fine fern for the winter
garden.
THE SPIDER FERNS
The name given _Pteris_ ferns is descriptive of only part of them, as
they vary greatly. They are commonly used in made up dishes, or with
other plants, but most of them will make fine single plants as well. _P.
Wilsoni_ is a popular sort making a compact plant with a unique tufted
foliage of light clear green. _P. cretica_ is dark green, or green lined
with white, according to the variety. _Victoriae_ is perhaps the best of
the several variegated Pteris'.
[Illustration: The Boston Fern is easily propagated at home by
division]
[Illustration: _Phoenix Roebellenii_ is one of the more recent and
best developments of the old favorite Fan Palms]
[Illustration: _Cocus Wedelliana_ is a small palm but one of the most
graceful of all]
OTHER FERNS
The Holly fern (_Cyrtomium falcatum_) is another very desirable house
plant and has been a favorite for years. It has very dark green
substantial glossy foliage, and stands up well. There is a new Holly
fern, however, which I think will replace _C. falcatum_; it is _C.
Rochfordianum_; its foliage is not only a richer deeper green, but the
pinnae, or leaflets, are deeply cut and also wavy, and have given it the
popular name of the Crested Holly fern. Be sure to try it among the next
ferns you get.
Fern balls, which are usually composed of one of the _Davallias_,
sometimes prove unsatisfactory. Be sure in ordering to get them fresh
from some reliable mail order house, rather than take chances on them at
the florist's. The best way, however, is to get them already started. If
you get them in dormant condition, soak in tepid water and then give a
temperature as near sixty degrees at night as possible until they start.
While not strictly members of the fern family, the asparagus used for
decorative purposes under the name of Asparagus Ferns, are commonly
classed with them. Since their introduction they have proved very
popular indeed.
_Asparagus plumosus nanus_, the Lace fern. No foliage is more beautiful
than the feathery light green sprays of this asparagus. Notwithstanding
its delicacy, it keeps wonderfully well when cut. The plants can be
grown as pot plants, or as vines. If wanted for the former purpose, keep
the sprays pinched back at twelve inches, and the roots rather
restricted. For vines, keep in large pots or boxes--always well
drained--and keep well fed.
_Asparagus Sprengeri_ in both foliage and habit is very distinct from
_A. plumosus_. The leaves resemble small glossy pine needles, borne in
long sprays, and as it is trailing in habit it makes a unique and
beautiful plant for stands or baskets. The sprays keep well when cut,
and make an excellent background for flowers. It is now used more
universally for green by florists than any other plant.
Either of the above may be started from seed, or propagated by dividing
old plants, but small young plants may be had of the florists at a very
low price. They need about the same treatment as smilax (see page 94),
but will do well in a temperature of fifty to fifty-five degrees at
night. Shower frequently, but water only moderately.
For many years these two varieties have held the field to themselves,
but recently a new asparagus, of each type has put in an appearance.
_Hatcheri_ resembles _plumosus nanus_, but is more compact in habit and
the leaves are much closer together on the stems. If it remains true to
type, and is as hardy as _plumosus_, it will replace it, for it
certainly is a more beautiful plant. _A. S. variegata_ is a very pretty
"sport" with the leaves edged white.