THE STAG'S HORN FERN

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 696, 22 June 1929, Page 30

THE STAG'S HORN FERN

GROW THIS IN YOUR COOL GREENHOUSE

This remarkable fern (Platycerium alcicorne) is easily grown in the cool greenhouse. The fronds, which resemble the antlers of the stag, arise from the centre of a mass of brown leaf-like structures, which, in their native habitat, clasp the trunks of the trees on which they grow. The most successful method of cultivating it is to fix it on a large piece of cork bark, which may be stood upright in a small pot or suspended from the roof or side of the greenhouse. A compost consisting of equal parts peat and sphagnum moss should be prepared, and after fixing the plant to the bark by means of pieces of copper wire, it should be worked in between the plant and the bark, with a pointed stick. This method of potting with a light open compost ensures that water does not accumulate around the roots and cause them to decay. Water must be given freely during the summer, but during the winter very little is required.

Small offsets are to be found growing round the base of the plants, and if these are taken off and inserted in a pan of mossy peat, they will eventually develop into large plants. As a means of inducing plants to make vigorous growth, top-dress them annually with fresh potting compost.