Ceratopteris bifida

Scientific name: Platyceriumbifurcatum

Aliases: bat orchid, antler grass

Families and genera: epiphytic ferns of Polypodiaceae and Ceratopteris

Morphological features:

Leaves clump, drooping, the top bifurcation is concave deep-split, shaped like "antlers", hence the name. The plant height is 40-50cm. There are two kinds of leaves: vegetative leaves (sterile leaves, bare leaves) and sporophytes (fertile leaves, solid leaves). The sterile leaves are round and protruding, the margin is undulate, the new leaves are green and white, and the old leaves are brown. In addition to grasping the support, the main function can also collect debris falling from the tree, decompose it into nutrients, wrap it around the stub, protect the fern root and store water. The breeding leaves are thick and grayish green. Forked into narrow lobes. The sporangium begins to extend upward to the top of the lobes below the concave.

Distribution of origin:

It is commonly cultivated in tropical Oceania.

Growth habits: in the place of origin, it is often attached to branches of the trunk or where the bark is cracked; it can also grow on shallow rotten leaf soil, wet stone or peat. The suitable temperature for growth is 16-21 ℃, the ideal temperature in summer is 21 ℃, and the temperature in winter is not lower than 10 ℃. In humid environment, the temperature should be as high as 24 ℃. The air humidity (relative humidity) suitable for growth is 70%, but it is also bearable for 50%, 60% and air-conditioned dry environment.

There are about 18 species of plants of the same genus, distributed in tropical Asia, America and Africa. Such as American antler fern P. andinum with narrow leaves and more bifurcations; different leaf antler fern; P.diversifolium, a horticultural hybrid with more cultivation and forked leaves. The variety is var.majus, the leaves are dark green, the central leaves are thick and erect, very beautiful.

Usage characteristics:

The plant shape of Dryopteris is strange and graceful, and it can also grow in the dark part of the hall.

Suitable for decorating living room, windowsill and study. If it is suspended in the eaves, several blocks and other places, it will be chic, and it is a leader in indoor three-dimensional green decoration.