Cyrtomium (Cyrtomium) is an unpretentious perennial fern from the family of thyroids. The plant lives in subtropical Asia, Oceania and some countries in South America. Of the ten types of cytomium, falcatum is the most suitable for home cultivation.
Cyrtomium has a slow growth rate. Mature plants release only a few new leaves per year. Young people are also not too fast ahead of them. Outwardly, the plant is not too different from other ferns. Its feathery leaves can be up to half a meter long. The leaves themselves are arranged alternately on them. Their surface has a glossy sheen. There are varieties with a flat or serrated edge.
Despite the fact that cytomium grows in warm countries, it is very cold-resistant. In the southern regions, it is quite possible to grow it outdoors. Fern is not afraid of dry air of ordinary apartments.
Home care for cytomium
Location and lighting
The fern is a shade-tolerant plant, but it still needs sunlight. A moderately lit place without direct rays is best suited. In summer, you can take the flower out to the balcony or garden, choosing a relatively shady place.
Temperature
Constant room temperature will not harm the plant. But, according to experts, it is better to spend the winter period for cytomium in a cool place at a temperature not higher than +16 degrees. A slight fluctuation in daily temperatures will not hurt, providing a cool night.
Watering mode
During the year, the plant is watered in equal, moderate amounts. To do this, use soft water. If the fern is taken to a cooler room for the winter, it should be watered a little less often. Overdrying the lump is undesirable.
Humidity level
Cyrtomium feels good in high humidity, but it also tolerates low humidity. If the air in the apartment is excessively dry, you can spray its leaves from time to time.
The soil
To plant cytomium, you can mix sand, deciduous soil and peat. Bark, sphagnum moss or some charcoal are sometimes added to this mixture.
Fertilizers
Fern will need feeding only during the growth period. A universal liquid fertilizer for plants with decorative leaves is suitable for this. The dosage of fertilizing during watering is halved. Organic compounds are better suited: minerals can salt the soil.
Transfer
Cytomium transplants are not performed regularly. This is done only as needed, when the adult specimen ceases to fit in the pot. When placing a plant in a new container, do not bury its neck in the ground. In order not to damage the roots, you need to act very carefully.
Methods of reproduction of cytomium
Cytomium is most easily reproduced by dividing the bush. This is done in the spring, during transplantation.
Reproduction with the help of spores will also not be particularly difficult. They germinate well in diffused light at temperatures not lower than 22 degrees.The germination process takes several weeks. After 2 months, leaves begin to form in the sprouts. After waiting for this, small ferns dive.
Diseases and pests
The main pest of the fern is the scale insect. It should be fought with insecticides, but it is easier to prevent the appearance with proper care.
Growing difficulties
Slow fern growth or pallor of leaves indicate too poor soil or a cramped pot. Overdrying of the soil leads to the fact that the aerial part of the plant begins to curl and dry out. In this case, the leaves are cut off, the diseased specimen is watered and placed in the light. After some time, the fern will begin to release leaves again. Darkening of the tips of the leaf and yellowing of the plates themselves are a sign of high dryness of the air. The yellowness and lack of shine on the leaves are a consequence of overheating. In this case, the pot should be removed to a shady place.
Overdosing on top dressing or too hard water for irrigation can cause growth retardation. Brown spots and yellowing of the lower leaves are signs of excessive watering or too low temperatures. For a while, watering should be stopped, and when the earth dries up, transplant cytomium. At the same time, the appearance of brown dots or stripes on the inside of the sheet is not a cause for alarm. This is a sign of the development of a dispute.
