Cibotium

Family. Cibotiaceae.

Origin. Guatemala, Mexico.

Description. The only representative of the Cibotiaceae family. Cibotium has an impressive size. The fronds are airy, lacy, soft green, on very long and often curved petioles. Depending on the species, the length of the fronds can reach 50–90 cm. The rhizome is creeping, covered with golden-brown pubescence. Mature ferns form a low ovoid trunk, covered with the remains of old leaves.

Height. In nature it grows up to 7 m tall, in indoor culture it can reach 2 m.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

A heat-loving species that will appreciate being kept at a temperature of 15 - 30 ° C during the growing period. During the winter months there is a dormant period in temperatures ranging from 7 to 15 ° C. Do not expose plants to temperatures below 5 ° C.

Lighting

Does not tolerate direct sunlight and prefers a semi-shaded location.

Substrate

A nutritious and loose mixture with a high content of organic matter in the form of peat, leaf humus and well-rotted manure. Add coarse river sand to improve drainage.

Fertilizer

From spring to autumn, 2 fertilizing per month with liquid fertilizers is sufficient. During the rest period, feeding is stopped and resumed only with the beginning of new growth - in the spring.

Purpose

A large and very impressive fern for large spaces. 

Flowering time

Doesn't bloom.

Air humidity

Humidity should be around 50% on average, and the cibotium should be kept in a well-ventilated room with constant air circulation. Place the fern pot on a tray filled with wet pebbles, or use a room humidifier. You can surround the pot with a layer of damp sphagnum or spray the leaves with soft water at room temperature. Spraying should be done in the morning so that the moisture evaporates from the plants before dark.

Soil moisture

Keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season. Reduce the frequency of watering during the winter months according to the ambient temperature. 

Transplant

Plant young plants annually in fresh soil, choosing a larger pot. Replanting large ferns is difficult, so replace the top of the mixture with fresh potting soil in the spring.

Reproduction

Propagation by spores sown in spring is quite difficult. This method of propagation requires patience. Some specimens produce lateral shoots that can be rooted in moist soil in spring and summer.