06:31 This handsome, long-lasting fern produces tufts of dark, scaly frond stalks up to 2ft/60cm in length. These bear shiny, dark green, pointed hollylike leaves, which are often as much as 3-4in/8-10cm long. An easy houseplant to grow, it even tolerates drafts and the warm dry air of heated homes.
Occasional misting should keep the leaves clean, otherwise wipe them with a damp cloth or sponge, but do not use proprietary leaf shine.
Cyrtomium falcatum ‘Rochfordianum’ is more vigorous than the type. It has shorter but slightly broader fronds, the edges of which are wavy and distinctly toothed.
ORIGIN South Africa; India; Korea; Japan; Hawaii.
HEIGHT To 2ft/60cm.
POTTING MIX Soil- or peat-moss-based.
REPOTTING In spring move the plant into a pot one size larger until maximum desired pot size is reached. Thereafter top-dress instead.
PROPAGATION In spring divide the rhizomes, ensuring each piece has a growing point and at least three fronds.
KEEPING PLANTS This plant is prone to attack by scale insects and mealybugs; keep a close watch for these pests.
Cyrtomium Falcatum Aspidiaceae PLANT CARE
- Bright, indirect light, or semishade.
- A temperature of 65°F/18°C is ideal; if the level is much higher than this, it is essential to increase the humidity by spraying the foliage and standing the plant on a tray of moist pebbles.
- Allow the surface of the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Apply a weak liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks to plants that are actively growing.