Cyrtomium - Holly Fern

(Cyrto'mium)

DESCRIPTION: These ferns are natives of Japan, China, India, Celebes, and Hawaii. Their fronds average 30 inches in length. The pinnae (leaflets), which are about 3 inches long and are shiny, dark green and tough, grow from brownish, hairy stalks.

POTTING: These ferns will flourish in greenhouses or sunny rooms from which frost is excluded. They should have compost consisting of equal parts of peat and loam combined with coarse sand or broken brick. Repotting can be started in March, when the new fronds begin to uncurl. Water can be given liberally during the summer, but throughout the winter, it should only be given when the soil becomes dry. This fern can be grown outside in mild climates. It should be planted in April in soil as described above. The leaves may be protected from light frost by covering them with evergreen branches.

PROPAGATION: Spores can be sown in pots on the surface of sandy peat in spring or summer. Cover them with a pane of glass and place in a saucer of water in a greenhouse until they start to form. They are then picked out and placed in flower pans.

VARIETIES: C. caryotideum; C. falcatum; C. Fortunei (Holly Fern); C. pendulum.

Falcatum (Holly Fern)

Back to our botanical home page.