Platizerium

Fern Platiterium is not often grown by flower growers. However, it is very beautiful and looks quite impressive, since it has unusual leaves and at the same time is completely unpretentious. The second name of this plant is plateau, as well as the Deer Horn. This is due to the characteristic shape of the leaves.

Platizerium: description of the fern

Platizerium: fern photo

Platycerium has two types of frond: sterile frond and spore-bearing frond. Sterile fronds grow from the bottom of the stem and retain their green tint in autumn, while in spring and summer they turn yellow and dry out. Experienced growers do not recommend cutting them, since they perform very important functions for nourishing the plant's root system.

Spore-bearing fronds begin their activity quite late. This usually occurs already in an adult five-year-old plant. These leaves are covered with white villi, which perform a protective function from the scorching sun rays, and also retain the necessary moisture in the plants.

Platiterium: home care

Light

Platiterium is considered an unpretentious plant, however, in order for it to look decorative, it must be grown in a sufficiently illuminated place. In this case, direct sunlight should not fall on its leaves. If you grow Platizerium in the dark, then it will grow poorly and may stop growing altogether. Moreover, it will not form controversies. If direct sunlight hits the leaves, then burns may occur on the surface of the leaf plates. Also, the place where the plant will be grown should be spacious, since the Platiterium fern has wide fronds. For a plant with narrow leaves, a less lit room is suitable.

Temperature and humidity

The temperature of the air where Platiterium is grown can, in principle, be any, since this culture feels very comfortable both in cold and hot weather. Thus, in winter, the plant tolerates low temperatures if it lasts for a short time, and in summer this plant is able to withstand temperatures up to 37 degrees. Here you need to control and compensate for these conditions by irrigation. In the heat, you need to increase its watering, in the cold season, reduce the frequency of watering. Platiterium is very fond of humid air, so the minimum humidity level should be at least 50%. If the natural humidity is not enough, it is necessary to spray the room with a sprayer. However, you should try not to fall on the sheet plates. You can humidify the air near the plant or install a humidifier at a considerable distance from it.

You need to be very careful about watering Platiterium, because if you do not follow the rules, the plant will die. The most important thing is to prevent stagnation of liquid in the root system, therefore, before watering, you need to focus on the condition of the soil and wait for all layers of the soil to dry completely, and only then start the next watering.

With a lack of moisture, the plant will also look worse, and it will develop and grow worse. It is best to water the Platizerium twice a week. In the autumn-winter period, you need to change the irrigation regime, reducing it to a minimum.

If you go on vacation and leave the plants for a long period, then you can fill any container with wet moss and put a container with Platiterium in this container.Do not wipe the leaves of the plant with a damp cloth, as damage to the protective hairs will lead to loss of moisture. To remove dust from the leaves, you can simply brush them.

Platizerium: fern photo

The soil

The soil for growing this crop is slightly acidic. Its composition will consist of sphagnum, peat, leafy earth. It will also be good to add chopped pine bark to it. One should not forget about the organization of a sufficiently thick drainage layer.

The root system of the Platitserium is very large, so the plants are rarely transplanted, about once every 2 years. Some growers do not grow this plant in a pot, but on a shelf or on a small trunk. To do this, they attach the moss to a section of the tree and anchor it there.

The structure is fixed with nails and fishing line, and in this case it is necessary to constantly maintain the moisture level of the moss so that it is never dry. To do this, place the moss in a bowl of water. After the plant grows in size, you need to add another board.

Platizerium: fern breeding

Fern Platiterium is propagated by offspring. For this, grown-up offspring are chosen, which have already formed about three true leaves. Also, a offspring suitable for breeding must have a good root system. You can immediately place them in a container with suitable soil.

Also, Platiterium multiplies by spores. However, this is a very lengthy process and is rarely used by flower growers. To do this, you need to choose a plant that is more than five years old, collect the spores and sow them in a container filled with moist sphagnum and peat. Seedlings are covered with foil and placed on a windowsill, protecting them from direct sunlight. This container must be regularly opened, humidified and ventilated. After about a month, the first shoots may appear. They must be left under cover until they get stronger.

Diseases and pests

Platycerium is most often affected by scale insects, spider mites and aphids. To notice them, you need to carefully examine the leaves on the surface and on the back. Powdery mildew is the most common disease. It usually appears due to the improper moisture regime of the bush, and fungal diseases may periodically occur, the signs of which are dark spots on the leaves of the plant.

Also, brown spots on the surface of the Platitzerium indicate the appearance of sunburn. If you see that the leaves of the Platycerium have wilted, it means that the plant does not have enough moisture. And if they look too pale, then the plants need to be fed. If the Platiterium grows too slowly, it is necessary to transplant it into a wider container.

Platiterium: species with names

Platizerium: fern photo

Platiterium contains a large number of species, about 15 pieces.

All these types of Platycerium come from India or Africa, as well as from those regions that are characterized by a warm and mild climate. Most often, among all species, two-forked platycerium are grown. This is a favorite type of Platitzerium among flower growers, whose homeland is Australia. Leaves reach about 10 cm in length, spore-bearing leaves can reach 50 cm. Each leaf blade is divided into shares of 40 mm each.

• Large platitzerium. This plant also comes from Australia. The width of the leaf plates is slightly more than half a meter, which retain their appearance for a long period. The leaf plates have different shapes from about the middle.
• Platiserium superboom... Outwardly, this plant is similar to the large Platycerium, so it is easy to confuse these species. However, the difference lies in the fact that the Platitzerium Superboom has one spore area, not two.
• Angolan platycerium. This plant is characterized by spore-bearing fronds, which are solid, not dissected.You can also see orange fuzz all over the leaf.

Conclusion

Platizerium: fern video

Platiterium is an unusual ornamental plant that even a novice florist can easily grow, following simple care rules.