Psilotum

These are frost-tender, subtropical or tropical, terrestrial or epiphytic (grows on a host, such as a tree, to obtain nutrients, but isn't a parasite) Ferns grown for their interesting skeletal or broom-like fronds. P. nudum, commonly known as Skeleton Fork Fern, grows 2 feet high with a spread of 18 inches. If terrestrial, this Fern's growth is branched and erect; if epiphytic, its growth will be pendulous. The tiny, triangular leaves grow on triangular, branching stems. They are pale green. The leaves bear yellow sporangia.

Pot Cultivation

The Skeleton Fork Fern needs 55- to 60-degree temperatures. In cool climates, grow indoors in a warm, humid atmosphere.

Propagation

This plant may be divided or ripe spores may be sown in the spring. As soon as the spores are ripe, they can be sown. To tell if they are ripe, a frond is plucked and placed in a paper bag. This is hung in a room for 24 hours. The spores that fall to the bottom of the bag are ready for sowing. Small pots are filled half way with crocks, which in turn are covered with rough siftings from the compost. Fill the rest of the pot with finely sifted compost and moisten it by setting the pot in a pail of water. Scatter the spores thinly on top of the soil. A pinch of spores is plenty enough for a 5-inch pot. After they are sown do not apply any water. Keep the soil moist by setting the pot in a saucer of water and cover it with a pane of glass. As soon as they are big enough to handle, they can be pricked out in little clusters and planted an inch apart in a deep seed pan filled with finely sifted compost. Moisten the soil and lay a pane of glass over them for a few days so they can become established. When they're large enough to be potted separately, do so in 2-inch pots and later on in larger pots.