GREENHOUSE FERNS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 7, 9 January 1937, Page 6 (Supplement)

GREENHOUSE FERNS.

These will now be in full growth with the pots well furnished with roots. , Providing the drainage is good, they i need copious supplies of water at this season, when the soil in the pots dries up so rapidly. Some of the more vigorous growers may have made so much headway that they need to be put into larger pots. When this is the case, it should be borne in mind that for ferns lin general artificial heat is at the present time not used to the extent it onoe was. Then, in potting ferns, very little loam was used, whereas now a mixture of loam and peat, or, failing the peat, good leaf mould with a little sand, is generally used. In potting, the crocks should be taken away from the bottom of the old ball of earth, and any soil removed that can be without injury to the roots. The new soil, which should be of a fairly fibrous nature, must be pressed down evenly and made moderately firm. Space must be left for watering, of course. When potting, especial care is necessary to see that the ball of earth is not too dry. As soon as the potting is finished, the plants should have a thorough watering through a fine rose in order to settle everything in its place. A good plan is to use the rose for some time afterwards, till there is no danger of the loose portions of the soil being washed away. Ferns need to be shaded from bright sun, but at the same time do not require so dense a shading as was at one time considered necessary. In the case of plants that do not need larger pots they are greatly benefited by an occasional, stimulant, which imparts a rich green tint to the foliage. The principal insect pests to give trouble- are thrips, and they are most numerous in hot, dry weather. In order to keep them in check a fairly humid atmosphere must be maintained, but if they effect damage on the fronds they must be vaporised with nicotine. In the case of ferns in the dwelling house, they need plenty of water. At the same time, this liquid must on no account be allowed to stand in the I saucers or jardinieres in which the plants are placed. In the event of a warm, gentle rain, ferns in the dwelling house are greatly benefited by being stood out 1 of doors. This will serve to clean the fronds and do the plants good in every way.