Pityrogramma

Family. Hemionitidaceae.

Origin. South Africa, America.

Description. Pityrogramma is a small genus of tropical, terrestrial, evergreen ferns. The rhizome is creeping and has sparse pubescence. The fronds are erect, curve gracefully with age, openwork, pointed, 10 - 50 cm long, and consist of many green leaves. The lower surface of the leaves is often covered with a yellowish, white or silvery coating. Sporangia are located on the lower surface of the fronds.

Height. 60 - 90 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Keep at regular room temperature all year round. With the onset of summer heat, increase air humidity and watering frequency. During the winter months, the air temperature should not fall below 16°C.

Lighting

A brightly lit location without direct sunlight. When grown in partial shade, the coating on the leaves disappears.

Care

An elegant fern that does not require high humidity.

Substrate

Prefers moist, organic-rich, acidic soils, but adapts to most soil types. Use light soil that allows moisture and air to pass through, such as a mixture of peat, leaf humus and sand.

Feeding

Feed with water-soluble fertilizer monthly from spring through fall.

Purpose

A beautiful forest dweller that will attract attention in any interior.

Flowering time

Doesn't bloom.

Air humidity

Pityrogramma is well adapted to the dry air of living spaces and does not require spraying. Provide a place with good air circulation.

Soil moisture

From spring to fall, water thoroughly by soaking the soil ball, but allow the surface to dry out between waterings. In autumn, reduce watering according to the temperature. Try to water so that droplets of water do not fall on the fronds - for example, you can use bottom watering.

Transfer

In the spring, once every 1 - 2 years. 

Reproduction

Sowing spores on the soil surface. The seedlings are covered with glass or a transparent plastic cap and placed in a warm place with a temperature of at least 20° C.

Note

With age, pityrogramma loses its decorative effect and such plants are replaced with new ones.

Pests and diseases

The fronds turn yellow and dry out during prolonged drought. Direct sunlight on the leaves causes sunburn.

The main flower pests are mealybugs.