This came as sort of a surprise when I first noticed it, though in retrospect I suppose it shouldn't have been: the plant has been with me for a very long time now (Two years and two months), and in that time has been up-potted twice, from a four-inch pot to a six-inch pot to an eight-inch pot. I don't think about this particular plant often because it doesn't give me much trouble, but while I wasn't paying attention, it got a lot bigger.
So I guess I kind of have to agree with all the people who say that holly ferns are the way to go, if you have to have a fern and it has to be indoors.
Will I try to grow these spores into ferns, when they're ready? Haven't decided yet. It's possible that by the time the previous group is mature enough to transplant, I'll realize that I already have way more of them than I could ever possibly need, want, or get rid of, and don't need more. Also the first batch is taking forever to do anything, which is annoying. Even if I do need more Cyrtomiums, I might not actually need them badly enough to want to fiddle with a container full of vermiculite for two years (or however long it's going to turn out to be). But that decision doesn't have to be made yet.
Hoho, Mr. S. - you're going to need the same thing I need - a house stretcher (any good home workshop tinkerers out there?). Oh, can I raise pups, cuttings, offshoots, seeds, spores! About this time of the year, when the outside treasures have to come in, I realize that unless I learn to sleep hanging from the ceiling like a bat and let plants take over the bed as well as every other surface I am in big trouble. Good luck with the ferns, they'll colonize everything not already taken.
ReplyDeleteLooking good, Mr. S.! And just remember, ferns make great gifts!
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful plant. (Must resist...)
ReplyDeleteI have a Polypodium aureum; I can't remember how I got it, but I didn't buy it. It likes to spread it self around, esp. in the paphs. Propagation on your part might just mean transplanting when you find them.