MAIDENHAIR, FERNS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 50, 28 February 1931, Page 6 (Supplement)

MAIDENHAIR, FERNS.

The beautiful race of decorative ferns known to everybody by the name of maidenhair ferns derive their botanical designation (Adiantum) from the word adiantos, dry; the reason for this lyin«frmwl r - P °7r r to irOW off moisture from then foliage, thus always presentiig a dry surface. This peculiarity is developed to a great extent in some of species, which, when placed under water, will be found on removal to be quite as free from liquid as before immersion. The better-known Adiantums are extremely popular, on account of their beautifully cut foliage. No other section of ferns can equal the Adiantums in variety of form and habit. From the popular common dwarf maidenhair so much in use as pot plants, the species progress in size until in some cases the foliage bears but little resemblance to the maidenhair as it is generally known. They all possess characteristics which clearly indicate the race to which they belong, however diversified their habits may be. The most important is the manner of disposal of the spores, which are always placed on the extreme edge of the leaflets. Nearly all are evergreen, and the fronds do not lose their freshness of appearance until the new ones develop. In some species the foliage is much divided; in others very little. The stalks are usually slender, but stiff, and of a glossy ebony black, and sometimes covered with minute hairs. The habitat is extensive and widely scattered, including India, China, Japan, Australia, America, New Zealand, and Europe. A good compost for them consists of a mixture of equal parts of fibrous peat and loam, or partly decayed leaf mould, and a good sprinkling of sharp sand. Adiantums should not be potted too firmly, and overhead watering or eyrino--ing should be avoided or only very sparingly done. Although it is essential that the plants be given full access, to light, the strong rays of the sun should never be allowed to shine directly upon them.