Description of the deer antler flower, care for it. Platycerium (Antlers) What is the name of a flower that looks like antlers?

Antler flowers are a rather exotic evergreen plant from the genus of ferns. It is distinguished by the bizarre shape of its leaves, which is why it got its name. The tropical handsome man will become stylish decoration premises, especially if you grow it as a hanging plant.

general description

The plant produces leaves (fronds) of two types:

• Sterile. They grow like basal plants, whole in shape. They perform several functions simultaneously: support, collection of nutrients. Pieces of moss and plant debris are retained in them, which rot and become a nutrient substrate. Over time, they become thinner and change color, but remain healthy.
• Fertile or spore-bearing. They are the main decoration of the deer horn flower. Spreading, lush green with pubescence, in some species they grow up to 1.5 m. As they grow, the fronds are divided into ligulate lobes 2-3 times, which gives them a resemblance to the branched antlers of male deer. After the formation of spores, “spots” of characteristic Brown. This is not a disease, but a place where spores accumulate, which can be used for propagation at home.

Fronds when grown at home may be slightly shorter than those growing in the natural environment. In the process of life, they release phytoncides, that is, they benefit their owners. Another useful property is the ability to absorb hydrocarbons from polluted air. Although some refuse to keep platicerium in the house because of “ bad omen"(will push the husband to cheat), in fact there is no evidence of this. Most likely, the superstition arose due to the external resemblance to horns, which became a colloquial symbol for betrayal.

Types for home cultivation

There are a total of 18 known species of antler flower. Not everyone is suitable as a houseplant. The following are recommended for home maintenance:

• Double-forked or moose-horned. Grows well - up to 75 cm in width and length. Young foliage is silvery in color (due to pubescence).
• Hilla. It is a more miniature copy of the previous type. Its fertile leaves actually resemble deer (not elk) antlers.
• Angolan. It is distinguished by the shape of the fronds, which resemble large (up to 40 cm) triangles with wavy edges that hang downwards from the base.
• Big. Outwardly, it resembles a head of cabbage, from which spreading horns grow (up to 1.5 m, growing upward). This species has highly developed sterile leaves, which provide such an exotic appearance.

The main difference between the types of staghorn flower is the shape and size of the foliage. These ferns do not bloom, which may be an important consideration for people prone to allergic reactions to flower pollen.

Home conditions

As a houseplant, deer antlers look very impressive. But its maintenance requires a number of conditions that recreate the atmosphere tropical forests, natural habitat:

• Temperature. In summer, the comfort temperature is within + 23 – 25 0 (maximum +30 0), in winter – within +17 – 18 0, rarely able to tolerate a long drop to +12 0.
• Humidity. Platyceriums do not tolerate dry air; humidity should be from 60 to 80%.
• Lighting. Direct sunlight is destructive; it needs partial shade and long daylight hours. IN summer period it should be at least 12 hours; in winter, 9 hours is enough.
• Ventilation. It is allowed, but without drafts; the fern does not tolerate them at all.
• The soil. When growing in pots, you can use a mixture of leaf and peat soil with the addition of sand, sphagnum moss, pieces pine bark and humus in equal proportions. You can use ready-made soil mixture for ferns. The soil should be slightly acidic, the pot should be shallow, flat, with good drainage from fine gravel.

Tip: as an indoor flower, deer antlers are best grown as hanging plant. And not in pots, but on a piece of wood of a suitable size. To ensure a sufficient level of humidity, you can hang it above the aquarium. This is an effective and rational design solution.

Features of care

Platycerium is an unpretentious flower; it is enough to follow a few rules:

• Watering is regular, every other day in summer and once every 10 days in winter. For irrigation, boiled or well-settled soft water is used, which is carefully topped up as soon as it dries out. upper layer soil. Platicerium does not tolerate excess moisture, so it needs to be watered regularly and sparingly. In summer it is necessary to spray with soft water from a fine spray bottle.
• No pruning is needed; even dying foliage is not separated, but left behind.
• Replanting is very rare (once every 4 years) and only for young plants. It is carefully dug up and transferred to new pot with drainage and soil.
• Feeding only in the summer, once a month is enough. You can use fertilizers for ferns or orchids. It is better to reduce the recommended dosage by 2 times.

Important details. Watering can be replaced by bathing: the pot is placed in water for a few minutes. When placed overhead, generously spray the inner pockets. As a top dressing, pieces of banana peel are periodically used, which are placed under sterile fronds. You cannot wipe the foliage, this procedure will damage the pubescence, the plant will stop producing phytoncides, and if there is extensive damage, it will die.

Growing on wood

When growing on wood, a substrate of sphagnum moss, pieces of bark and rotted leaves 1.5 - 2 cm thick is made for the roots. This mixture is placed in a small depression made in a piece of wood. The roots are slightly buried into it and secured with fishing line. You can use synthetic narrow tapes or wire, but be sure to have insulation (ordinary copper will not work). It is tied below the sterile leaves so as to support and at the same time provide the lower fronds with the opportunity to form a pocket. After this, the piece of wood is nailed to the wall or hung in some other way. With abundant growth, additional support for the fronds may be required.

Reproduction

Deer antlers can be propagated by spores or vegetatively.

Reproduction by spores

To propagate using this method, it is enough to collect spores from fertile leaves, dry them, and then place them on the surface of a container with nutrient soil. A standard soil mixture for this fern, previously disinfected with boiling water and cooled, is suitable. The container is covered with film or glass, and the soil is periodically moistened. During the 2 months before the first leaves appear, the spores need a high level of air humidity and sufficient lighting. Then the sprouts peak. If you plan to grow on wood, then the plant is tied to it according to the scheme described above. For better rooting, wrap the roots with a layer of moistened sphagnum.

Vegetative propagation

For vegetative propagation 2 methods are used:

• Offspring. The emerging young shoots with a developed root system are carefully separated from the mother plant and transplanted into the ground. And immediately on permanent place. 3 weeks are enough for rooting; the appearance of new foliage is a sign that the flower has taken root.
• Dividing the bush. A bush that has grown abundantly can be divided. It is better to do this during transplantation, so as not to disturb the fern again. When dividing, you must act carefully: root system quite weak. The bush is divided in such a way that both divisions retain sterile and fertile fronds; both types of leaves are necessary for normal life. The cuttings are immediately transplanted into a pot or attached to wood.

Care errors, diseases, pests

The following problems may occur:

• foliage turns yellow: a sign of fever or sunburn;
• the fronds have become sluggish and pale: excessive lighting or lack of fertilizer;
• dried out and brown: lack of moisture;
• withered: its excess;
• lack of growth: a sign of low humidity.

Platycerium practically does not get sick; the only danger is the death of the roots due to stagnation of water and excessive watering. When pests appear (thrips, aphids, scale insects, spider mite) insecticides are used for spraying.

Deer horns (Kalanchoe laciniata)– Because of the unusual shape of the leaves, the plant is called Deer Horns. The plant is classified as an indoor plant and is quite unpretentious. Native to Africa, subtropics and tropics of Asian countries.

A perennial herbaceous representative with a succulent, fleshy shoot that is initially erect, then lodging; the plant becomes bare below with age. The leaf is fleshy, deeply dissected, serrated at the edges, light green, and has a waxy coating. The flower is tubular, yellow-orange.

Deer Horns bloom profusely. The soil for the plant is turfy-sandy. In autumn and winter, watering is limited, after the soil has completely dried. Thanks to the shoots that droop over time, it can be grown as an ampel plant.

U various types The leaves differ from each other. Often thick, strongly or slightly dissected, may be sessile, or may have petioles. Red, white or purple flower collected in an umbrella-shaped inflorescence.

Deer horns - care:

Lighting:

Like most plants, Deer Antlers love bright, adequate lighting. In summer, up to 12 hours of daylight are provided; starting from the end of summer, lighting is provided for no more than 9 hours. In winter, the flower is placed on the southern windowsill. In summer, deer horns are shaded, because Burning sunlight can leave burns on the leaves of the plant, and also leads to their redness.

Temperature:

Deer horns unpretentious plant. Contained at room temperature. In summer the temperature is up to 27°C, in winter the recommended temperature is no more than 15°C. Leaves can deteriorate from cold air, and at elevated temperatures in autumn and winter period the flower bud is not formed.

Watering:

When watering Deer Horns, use soft, settled water. Watering is carried out as the upper part of the soil becomes dry; in no case should the earthen ball dry out completely. In winter, water every four days after the substrate has dried. Excess water from the pan is drained.

Humidity:

Deer antlers can easily tolerate dry air in an apartment. In summer it will be useful to spray the plant with a spray bottle.

Feeding:

During growth, it is fertilized with cactus fertilizers every six months. Blooming deer horns are fed with fertilizer in winter to flower plant in half doses.

Transfer:

Deer horns are transplanted in the spring, after flowering, depending on the volume of the root. In some situations, they are replanted every year, choosing a larger pot. A small plant is replanted less often. Expanded clay or finely broken bricks are poured onto the bottom of the pot, which facilitates care. excess water. Young Deer Antlers are planted in a substrate of turf soil, foliage, sand and peat.

Reproduction:

It is easy to propagate Deer Horns from a top shoot that has reached a length of ten centimeters, which is taken in the spring from a branch of current growth. Roots in peat with sand underneath plastic film, periodically ventilated. The rooted cuttings are transplanted into a separate pot and placed in a place with brightly diffused light.

You can propagate Deer Horns using seeds, which are very small. The seeds are sown at the end of winter in a mixture of deciduous soil and sand, without sprinkling the seeds. Planted seeds will germinate in two weeks. The seedlings are picked and exposed to the light. The second pick is carried out before the beginning of summer.

Some features:

Due to its unusual appearance, many people place the plant in the back of the room to decorate the interior. This can be done, but in such conditions watering is reduced to a minimum. And you can’t keep Deer Horns in partial shade for more than a month, otherwise the plant will wither.

Deer horns - diseases and pests:

With excess heat and moisture it is affected by powdery mildew. If the room is excessively humid or cool, gray mold affects Deer Antlers. The plant is also affected by spider mites.

The flower called staghorn is properly called Platycerium and is a fern. Deer antlers, it was named for the whimsicality of its leaves, they really resemble horns.

Flower growers love the flower for its unpretentious maintenance and decorative properties, which are due to the bright greenery of the plant. The fleshy light green leaves of Platycerium, covered with a light waxy coating, are heavily dissected. Let's talk about how to properly care for this plant at home.

Has leaves (vai) of two types: sterile and spore-bearing. Sterile fronds form a funnel in which they accumulate over time. nutrients. They can be dead parts of the plant itself, seeds and leaves of other plants that have fallen into the platycerium funnel.

Indoor flower Deer Antlers

Spore-bearing fronds can be erect or drooping. They are reminiscent of deer antlers. There is no color on the plant, because ferns do not bloom.

Fern care

Humidity and watering

Platicerium, like all ferns, loves abundant watering and high humidity.

It should be remembered that the flower cannot be watered running water. Water for irrigation must be warm enough and must be settled or boiled.

With all the love for high humidity, you should also ensure that moisture does not accumulate in the pan. Overwatering can lead to rotting of the root system and to death in general. He really likes frequent spraying in the summer. Spraying is also carried out with pre-purified or boiled water.

It is necessary to water 1-2 days after the top layer of soil in the pot has dried.. Often novice gardeners are too zealous with watering.

Platycerium requires very high humidity; it should be sprayed with warm boiled or purified water

In winter, water less frequently, about once every 10 days.. It is better not to spray in winter. If the room is dry, you can place a wide container of water next to the fern.

The flower cannot be wiped. Its leaves are covered with small hairs that absorb oxygen from the air. Wiping the plant with a sponge or rag can easily damage them, which will lead to death.

Temperature and lighting

Deer antlers prefer diffused lighting and a fairly high room temperature. Does not tolerate direct sunlight. It is best to place the flower on an east or west window.

Optimum temperature from +20 to +25°C. But the flower can easily tolerate temperature fluctuations. In summer it can easily withstand higher temperatures up to +32°C, and in winter it can exist at temperatures from +12-14°C. In winter, a phytolamp can be used to create sufficient illumination.

It should be borne in mind that the plant does not tolerate drafts.

Soil and fertilizers for flowers

Soil composition for optimal growth and development of Platycerium:

• sand 1 part;
• leaf soil 1 part;
• peat 2 parts
• mixture of moss and fine pine bark 1 part

Platycerium grows well in substrates that include peat, leaf and coniferous land, crushed sphagnum in proportions 2:2:2:1

Excellent for Deer Antlers, ready-made mixture for orchids. You can buy it at a flower shop.

Fertilize every month with complex fertilizer for ferns. Experienced gardeners recommend using half the dose indicated in the instructions.. There is no need to apply fertilizer in autumn and winter.

Diseases and pests

Deer antlers, the flower is quite resistant to diseases and pests. More often it starts to hurt from improper care.

• The leaves have lost their elasticity and become lighter in color. Most likely suffers from exposure to direct sunlight. The plant should be shaded. On sunburn Platycerium reacts by appearing dark spots on the leaves.
• The leaves began to dry. This is how the flower reacts to lack of moisture.
• The leaves began to fade. Excessive watering is to blame.
• Shchitovka. These pests must be manually removed or washed off. It should be remembered that you should not wipe the leaves of deer antlers, so as not to damage the hairs that cover the leaves.

Indoor Platycerium is susceptible to scale insects, and caring for it is complicated by the fact that it must be removed manually

• Spider mite. If affected by this pest, it is necessary to treat with an insecticide.
• If there is excess humidity in high temperature conditions, Platycerium can strike powdery mildew . With this disease, it is necessary to treat the leaves with a fungicide.

When handling drugs, you must use protective gloves. It is advisable to carry out the treatment outdoors.

Features of care in summer and winter

Platycerium does not have a pronounced dormant period. From October to February the flower should be allowed to rest. With sufficient lighting, the temperature for the flower in winter is +15-17°C. During this period, the plant is not fertilized or sprayed with water. Watering should be reduced, but the earthen clod should not be allowed to dry out completely.

In summer, watering is increased. You can moisten the plant by immersing the container with Platicerium in water for a few seconds.

Reproduction methods

Disputes

This propagation method is practically not used in home floriculture, since it is very labor-intensive and often does not produce results.

The spores, which are located at the ends of the spore-bearing fronds on the underside, must be collected and dried. The spores are then placed on the surface of the soil. There is no need to cover them with soil. You should systematically moisten the soil and cover the top of the container with glass or film.

The first leaves of the Staghorn fern when propagated by spores will appear in 2 months

To develop into adult plants, spores need plenty of sunlight and high humidity.

Offspring

This method of reproduction is much simpler. Periodically, young shoots appear on an adult fern. You should wait until the roots have developed sufficiently and carefully separate the young shoot. It should be placed in prepared soil. Complete rooting of the offspring occurs in 2-3 weeks. The appearance of new leaves is a sure sign that the plant has taken root.

Dividing the bush

The easiest way to propagate Staghorn fern is by dividing the bush when replanting.

When transplanting, you can propagate the plant by dividing the adult flower. It is necessary to ensure that when dividing both parts of the plant retain the roots and fronds of both types. Otherwise, the plant will die.

Transfer

It is necessary to replant the flower no more than once every 4 years. The plant is carefully placed in a new container at a shallow depth. When transplanting, care must be taken not to damage the sterile fronds and roots.. When transplanting into a new container, do not forget about drainage.

Useful properties of deer horns

Deer antlers perfectly purify indoor air. They saturate the surrounding air with phytoncides, which have a beneficial effect on humans. Besides, Deer antlers actively absorb hydrocarbon compounds from the air.. For example, they perfectly clean the indoor air from gasoline vapors and automobile exhaust gases coming from the street. This ability of the flower is becoming very popular, thanks to the increased number of cars on the streets of our cities.

Difficulties in growing

Platiceriums are grown hanging or on pieces of bark, stumps, in wooden or plastic baskets, in pots

Beginning gardeners sometimes have difficulty watering and propagating deer antlers. Besides, experienced flower lovers advise placing deer antlers in a suspended state. After all, this is exactly how it exists in its natural environment. To do this, you can use a small log in the recess of which is filled with moss and a flower is fixed. A piece of bark can be used for the same purpose.

You can stick several knitting needles or thin sticks into the flower pot and carefully secure the heavy leaves so that the flower does not fall under their weight.

Types of Platycerium

Double-forked

Double-forked Platycerium

This type of flower is also called moose-horned. The double-forked platycerium received this name for its very large leaves, which really resemble elk antlers. Reaches 45-75 cm in height and the same in width. IN natural conditions The double-forked platicerium reaches such a size that it can fall under its own weight.

Hilla

Platycerium Hilla

Similar to double-forked but with more modest in size leaves. If the leaves of the double-forked platycerium resemble elk antlers, then The fronds of Platycerium hilla really resemble more graceful deer antlers. It is much smaller than the previous type.

Big

Platycerium Large

Forms a kind of “nest” of leaves. The leaves end in horns characteristic of Platyceriums. The leaves bloom gradually, which adds originality to the plant. This type of platycerium is somewhat reminiscent of a head of cabbage, who decided for unknown reasons to acquire horns. Such an amazing form of the plant leaves no one indifferent.

Angolan

Platycerium Angolan

A highly decorative species with large triangular leaves. The width of the upper part of the sheet can reach 40 cm. The leaves of this type of platycerium resemble large drooping triangles with wavy edges. Thanks to his unusual looking, is very popular among flower growers.

Elkhorn

Platycerium Elkhorn

Often the same plant species has several names. This happened with Platycerium elkhorn. This is the second name for double-forked platycerium. Its leaves are very reminiscent of elk antlers.

Platycerium, staghorn fern and staghorn fern are names of the same plant. However, Kalanchoe dissected is also often called deer horns. It should be noted that this is absolutely different plants. Kalanchoe is not a fern and blooms quite profusely.

Diversity indoor plants It's simply amazing. Each of them, no matter how simple it is, enlivens the interior and makes the house unique. Indoor flowers help residents of megacities feel unity with nature, learn to create beauty with their own hands, get rid of depression and get a charge of positivity. That's why breeding indoor flowers, is becoming an increasingly popular hobby.

The staghorn flower or platycerium belongs to the category of ferns. This plant can be grown at home even by a gardener without relevant experience due to its ease of care.

• Description of the flower
• Features of care
• Plant propagation

Description of the flower

Platicerium is a houseplant that differs from other types of ferns in its unusual leaf shape. That is why it is popularly called deer antlers. This indoor plant is characterized by being unpretentious in care, which saves energy and cash On this. The plant belongs to the category of perennials and has succulent and fleshy shoots. They are erect at first.

At a young age, the flower is characterized by a fairly dense crown. Over time, its thinning is observed.

Deer antlers have fleshy leaves that are characterized by deep dissection. The plant has a light green color with a waxy coating. The flower is tubular in shape and yellow-orange in color. Platycerium has quite abundant flowering.

Deer antlers are very beautiful indoor culture, with which you can decorate any room in the house.

Features of care

By providing proper care, the full growth and development of the flower can be ensured. The plant needs:

1. Optimal humidity. Despite the fact that deer antlers can fully tolerate dry air, at excessively high temperatures in summer time Spraying is recommended every year. A spray bottle is used for this purpose.
2. The right temperature. The flower is characterized by unpretentiousness in temperature and therefore is fully grown in room conditions. In summer, it is recommended to grow the plant to a temperature of 27 degrees, and in winter - up to 15 degrees. If the room is excessively cold, this can lead to damage to the plant's leaves. In the event that in autumn and winter time elevated temperature, then this will exclude the possibility of planting a flower bud.
3. Lighting. The indoor plant needs to be provided with enough light. In summer, it is recommended to ensure that daylight hours last for at least 12 hours. In winter, the duration of daylight should be at least 9 hours. In winter, it is necessary to install the plant on the windowsill on the south side. In summer, it is recommended to shade the flower, as in case of excessive sunlight Burns may remain on the leaves. In some cases, their redness is observed.
4. Watering. Like any other houseplant, deer antlers need to be watered regularly. Watering is carried out depending on the level of drying of the top layer of soil in the pot. It is strictly forbidden to allow complete drying earthen coma. In winter, watering is carried out twice a week. If there is excess water in the pan, it is recommended to drain it.
5. Feeding. When growing young plant its fertilization should be carried out twice a month. For this purpose, it is recommended to use fertilizers for cacti. During the flowering period deer antlers in winter, fertilizers are used for ordinary indoor plants. Their dose should be reduced by half.

Caring for deer antlers is a fairly simple and responsible procedure. If you follow all the rules for growing a flower, you can achieve good results.

Plant propagation

The most in a simple way Propagation of a houseplant is by dividing the rhizome. Other methods are labor-intensive and therefore, in most cases, are used only by experienced gardeners.

The method of flower propagation by spores is very often used. To do this, you need to take a shallow pot, which in its shape resembles a bowl. Initially, it is recommended to prepare a mixture that includes peat and leaf soil, as well as sand. Before using the mixture, it must be steamed with boiling water. It is recommended to sow spores into the mixture, which is previously placed in a bowl. After this, it is necessary to moderately water the plant. For this purpose, a solution of quinozol or potassium permanganate is used. It is recommended to cover the pots. For this, glass or polyethylene is used. After the first leaves appear on the sprouts, they are dropped into a larger pot separately.

Can be used to propagate deer antlers top shoot, the height of which is at least 10 centimeters. The procedure is performed in spring time. The shoot must be rooted in a mixture of peat and sand. After planting it in a pot, it is recommended to cover it with plastic wrap. To ensure complete rooting of the shoot, it is necessary to ventilate it daily.

The plant can be propagated by seeds that are too small. They are planted at the end of winter in leaf soil, where sand is added. Seed germination will already be observed after two weeks. After the emergence of seedlings, it is recommended to dive them.

Deer antlers are a very beautiful flower that can be used to decorate any windowsill in the house. Thanks to its ease of care, even a novice gardener can do it.

An exotic representative of ferns, the staghorn flower, amazes with its unusual appearance and surprises with its ease of cultivation and care. Decorative properties This fancy plant is successfully used in interior decoration. The article and the photo of the flower presented in it will help you understand all the intricacies of growing exotic plants.

Types and description of deer antlers flower

Until recently, coral ferns were rare in gardeners' homes. Now they are becoming more and more popular and the ranks of their fans are growing every day.

The staghorn flower (also called Platycerium bifurcatum) prefers tropical areas South America, Africa, Australia, South-East Asia and New Guinea. The genus Platycerium includes about 18 species, but only a few of them can be grown as houseplants. Some representatives of this genus grow as epiphytes (on trees), others as lithophytes (on rocks). The most decorative types:

• Platycerium alcicorne (Moose-horned platycerium);
• P. angolense (P. angolensis);
• P. coronarium (P. coronary);
• P. grande (P. large);
• Ridleyi (P. Ridley).

Platycerium in nature

1. Spore-bearing plants are the main “decoration”, giving the plant a resemblance to deer antlers. They can grow up to 60-80 cm, dividing into lingular lobes 2-3 times as they grow. Under the lower surface of the leathery leaf plate, fern spores are located in a rusty scattering. Beginner gardeners may mistake brownish spore spots for a disease affecting their handsome antlers.
2. Sterile. Usually round shape, form a kind of rosette at the base of the plant, which helps to better attach to the surface of the tree. Initially, the fronds are green and succulent, but eventually lose moisture and become brown and thin as parchment paper. In addition to helping with attachment, this type of leaf helps nourish the entire staghorn flower because. Organic matter accumulates underneath them.

Attention! Brown color fern leaf blades do not mean that the plant is dying or sick, and under no circumstances should they be removed!

Care in an apartment

In order for “deer antlers” to please you with their appearance, several conditions must be met:

• Avoid the scorching rays of the sun, and create shading that imitates the natural conditions for the plant (as under the crown of a tree). Platicerium is unlikely to survive in artificial light.
• Needs access fresh air, but the fern is sensitive to drafts.
• The humidity level in the room should be between 60-80% (remember that antlers are a tropical plant). If the air in the apartment is very dry (which is often observed in winter with increased heating), you can place a container of water near the fern.
• The optimal temperature is 20°C. Increase temperature regime requires an increase in humidity levels.
• The soil should be well-drained (a mixture for orchids is suitable - soil and bark 1:1, but you can use bark and sphagnum moss).
• Water regularly, but do not overdo it, because... if there is too much water, the “deer antlers” can rot. It is better to focus on the top layer of soil - if it is slightly dry, you can water it. Spraying is encouraged (in winter it is better to refrain from this procedure). Follow the rule - the higher the humidity, the less watering.
• IN growing season(spring-summer) antler flower needs feeding every 2 weeks. Well suited for this purpose water soluble fertilizers for orchids or ferns. During the dormant period (autumn-winter), fertilize once a month. Some gardeners use it as a top dressing banana peel for a rounded leaf frond.

Advice. There is no need to wipe the Platicerium fronds, because... This procedure can damage the small hairs that cover the fern, and this can even lead to the death of the plant.

Transplanting antlers flowers

Platycerium is most often grown in shallow pots and hanging planters. But if you want to make the most of the decorative effect of “deer antlers”, then the plant can be transplanted to wood block, imitating real deer antlers, as shown in the photo.

Only young ferns tolerate transplantation well; more mature ones should not be disturbed. Sphagnum moss with peat particles and pieces of rotted bark and leaves are used as a substrate and food source. On a prepared board with nails driven in, a bed for the “deer antlers” is formed using fishing line and moistened moss. The backing layer should not be too bulky, 1.5-2 cm thick is enough.

Attention! Do not use to create a substrate copper wire, it can have a detrimental effect on the fern.

The roots of the “deer antlers” need to be cleaned from the old substrate as thoroughly as possible, but very carefully. Then the platycerium is transferred to a new habitat, the sterile frond is pressed against the formed substrate and reinforced with fishing line. The frond will grow and form a bracket, so the sphagnum is distributed evenly, without any tubercles or depressions.

After this, all that remains is to choose a place on the wall and fasten the board with “deer antlers” to the delight of you and the surprise of your friends.

Attention! “Deer antlers” will not only serve as a wonderful interior decoration, but can also purify the air, filling it with phytoncides.

Diseases and pests

When growing staghorn fern, you may encounter the following problems:

1. Defeat by scale insects. The pest is unpleasant, but you can fight it using special preparations.
2. Mealybug sucking juices from ferns. The plant appears to be covered with a white coating. If you don’t sound the alarm in time and start fighting the whitish bastard, the “deer antlers” will face inevitable death.
3. Reduced leaf turgor and the appearance of spots. Make sure the plant is not exposed to direct sunlight.
4. Drying leaves indicate a lack of moisture, and wilting, on the contrary, indicates an excess of moisture.
5. The pallor of the leaf blades indicates insufficient feeding.

As you can see, maintaining this wonderful fern will not cause much trouble. Well, as for the sign that “deer antlers” contributes to the husband’s leaving home, it is unlikely that in such a situation it is worth laying the blame on the flower.

Deer antler: video

Platycerium or staghorn flower is an epiphytic fern, which in appearance, however, does not look like a fern at all. There are two types of flower: one shaped like antlers and bearing spores, and the other a sterile type that serves as plant support on tree trunks. Barren fronds, among other things, collect food for the fern. Like a trap, they capture rotten leaves, moss, dead insects, etc. When all this rots, the antler flower receives its nutritious soil.

Deer antler belongs to the millipede family, whose homeland is Australia and Polynesia. Leaves can reach up to 1 m in length. The flower grows slowly and blooms very rarely.

There are a total of 15 species in this genus herbaceous perennials, which are common in the Asian tropics, the Philippines and Australia, the Malay Archipelago and islands Indian Ocean, in Africa, Madagascar.

Description

Deerhorn leaves are sterile and spore-bearing. Sterile fronds are rounded, wide, tightly pressed by the side and bottom edges to the substrate; the top of the sheet moves away from the support and forms a funnel. In addition to photosynthesis, these leaves are needed to catch falling leaves and other organic matter. The newly formed sterile fronds hide the old ones, which subsequently decompose. So the trap increases, and the flower itself grows.

Spore-bearing fronds have a completely different shape. Hanging or erect in shape, they resemble deer antlers (hence the name). Many sporangia are formed at the ends of the leaves on the underside.

Plant care

Growing, transplanting

Diseases and pests

• Leaves may turn yellow and become covered with brown spots. Can cause such a reaction heat indoors, more than 25°C. If the temperature rises, the humidity must also be increased. The cause may also be irregular or insufficient watering.
• The leaves turn yellow, the flower grows poorly - very low humidity and proximity to the elements of the heating system.
• The leaves are limp, faded, translucent - excessively intense natural light.
• The leaves are dull or pale, the ends turn brown or yellow, the flower does not grow at all or grows poorly. The cause may be lack of nutrition, too little or too much big size a pot in which a fern grows.
• Leaves may turn yellow, brown, curl and fall off, young leaves may wither and die due to too low a room temperature, exposure to a draft, or watering with cold, chlorinated or hard water.

Do not remove dead sterile leaves.

Reproduction

The simplest method of reproduction indoor fern - this is the division of the rhizome. Other methods are more labor-intensive, so they are mainly used only by experienced gardeners.

Deer antlers are a very beautiful flower., and they will be able to decorate any window sill in the house. And the ease of caring for the plant, even for a novice gardener, guarantees success in growing it.

The homeland of clananchoe is considered to be South Africa and Asia, the tropical places of South America. Kalanchoe Laciniata - perennial herbaceous plant , the shoots are juicy, fleshy, at first erect, then, as they grow older, they become lodging, and then, over time, they become completely bare below.

The leaves are original, deeply dissected, serrated at the edges, light green bright color as if covered with wax. This species is not as popular as other, more colorful Kalanchoes. But for its branched, carved, bright leaves, this Kalanchoe is very much loved by lovers of exotic flowers. The flower is unpretentious and quite easy to care for.

Reference! Kalanchoe laciniata is called dissected or lobed. In everyday life, flower growers call the flower Deer Horns for the bizarre branched shape of the leaves. Deer horns are not distinguished by the brightness of their inflorescences; their flowers are small and discreetly yellow in color.

Varieties of Deer Antlers

This flower comes from the subtropics of Africa. It is very different from all its relatives in the feathery, pointed shape of the leaves. The leaves are bright, deep green in color, reminiscent of a decorative spine with fleshy ones sticking out in different sides leaves. The stems are straight, grow up to 45 - 50 cm. But with age they become adjacent. To give Kalanchoe beautiful shape, it is most often pruned at home. Blooms profusely. The flowers themselves are uncomplicated, simple, miniature, 1–2 cm, soft yellow or orange.

The leaves are fleshy, filled with juice, which is considered a medicinal, anti-inflammatory agent. The leaves look like branched deer antlers. As they mature, the tender leaves gradually bend downward. The flowers are small, tubular, yellow color, grow sparsely. This type is often used in wall decorations for home decor.

Out of two hundred Kalanchoe species Only a little more than ten varieties of this grow at home wonderful plant. On our portal you can learn about varieties, for example:,. We also talked about caring for beautiful Kalanchoe and flowers.

Where and how to plant?

We replant young Kalanchoe Laciniata once a year:

1. We treat the pot to prevent disease.
2. To the bottom small pot We place drainage - pebbles, expanded clay, pieces of cut cork, 4-6 cm.
3. Lightly, without trampling, pour in moist soil.
4. We deepen it to the level of the neck, making a small depression.
5. We fertilize the soil.

An adult flower is replanted every 3 to 4 years as needed.:

1. They use the transfer method.
2. Potty required large sizes than the previous one.
3. At the bottom, one third of the volume of the pot, pour a drainage base - expanded clay.
4. We place the root shallowly together with an old lump of earth.
5. Fill the space in the pot with new soil.
6. We apply fertilizers.

Important: During the flowering period, Kalanchoe Laciniata cannot be replanted.

Adaptation after transplantation usually does not last long - 1 - 2 weeks. A shallow pot is suitable, since Kalanchoe Laciniata has a weak root system. Be sure to place it in the bottom of a deep pot thick layer drainage base to prevent root rot.

Kalanchoe Laciniata loves bright light, like any representative of the tropics. Therefore, you can install pots with plants on any windowsill. The only thing that should be excluded is the northern location of the Kalanchoe pot. Here you will need additional lighting with special phyto lamps. Especially in winter and autumn, when daylight hours are shortened and the air temperature is lower.

After a long winter, when there is not enough sun, cloudy days predominate, it is not recommended to immediately expose the pots to the spring sun. Gradually “tame” Kalanchoe Laciniata to bright colors sun rays to avoid burns on leaves and flowers.

Do not keep the pot in partial shade for a long time , Kalanchoe Laciniata will begin to wither, it needs sunlight.

The peculiarity of Kalanchoe Laciniata is that it is very resistant to dryness, it can be grown near heating radiators in the autumn-winter period.

In summer it is not necessary to spray the leaves. Only on the hottest and hottest days can you sprinkle a little cool water. Kalanchoe Laciniata does not require constant spraying.

Soil requirements

The substrate is best purchased at the store, marked - for succulents or cacti.

For the first option you will need:

• turf soil - 1 part;
• leaf soil - 1 part;
• large river sand- 1 part;
• vermiculite -1/4 part.

You can also use:

• universal primer - 2 parts;
• coconut substrate - 1 part;
• vermiculite – 1 part;
• humus - 1 part.

Another substrate option:

• light loam - 1 part;
• coconut substrate - 1 part;
• zeolite filler for cat litter- 1 part.

Important: You can add pieces of birch charcoal and humus to the substrate. Drainage from expanded clay medium pieces is required.

Diseases and pests

The most common problems

These diseases are usually caused by improper maintenance of the flower.

1. Kalanchoe Laciniata may become ill if it does not receive enough light. Symptoms: leaves turn pale, turn yellowish and fall off.
2. If the leaves begin to wrinkle and fall off, there is not enough moisture and the temperature in the room is too high. It is necessary to normalize the temperature and humidity of the air.
3. If the long-awaited flowering does not occur, it means that the Kalanchoe is oversaturated organic fertilizers, you should stop feeding for a while.
4. After flowering, Kalanchoe Laciniata may slow down in growth and begin to become bare, this is a sign of lack of nutrition. You can fertilize or renew or replant the flower.
5. Avoid stagnant humidity in the room and substrate. This usually leads to the appearance of gray mold. Signs: leaves become covered with brown and then black spots.

Reproduction

Kalanchoe Laciniata is propagated by children, cuttings and seeds.. Most often, cuttings are used - this is the easiest method of propagation at home, it is suitable even for a novice gardener.

Cuttings

1. We combine propagation with transplantation.
2. Strong shoots up to 6 cm are selected.
3. We cut off the stalk along with the aerial root.
4. Dry the seedling a little.
5. We plant the cut cuttings in a moist substrate, sand or agroperlite.
6. Cuttings take root in 1 – 2 weeks.

Advice: Kalanchoe Laciniata grows quickly and takes root easily. It is advisable to carry out the procedure in spring or summer, then adaptation is easy and painless.

The process is long and requires patience and certain flower breeding skills.

The peculiarity of the tropical Kalanchoe Laciniata is that the flower grows very quickly and requires a little attention. With proper care, in addition to the intricate greenery, you can admire the modest Kalanchoe flowering– bright soft yellow flowers – bells.

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Each home should have its own character. It can be created not only by interior items, but also by plants. There are plants of interesting shapes and textures. If, for example, you plant a platycerium at home, you will have a “deer antlers” flower. In the photo you can see why it was called that, because the leaves of this fern look just like deer antlers.

The name of the plant has Greek origin and is translated as flathorn.

What is also unusual about this fern is the core - it resembles a head of cabbage, from which brown, rough leaves protrude. This makes the plant even more exotic.

He has them a large number of, and each has its own characteristics and zest.

• Platycerium bifurcatum or two-forked. The leaves of this species reach half a meter in length. This species differs from others in that the leaves of this variety are covered with fluff, which makes them lighter. Young leaves are almost silver in color. This platycerium staghorn should not be wiped, because you can damage the pubescence and harm the plant. At the same time, you need to remember that in natural conditions this fern is located on trees, so it is better to keep it hanging at home.
• Platycerium planar. The fronds are triangular-wedge-shaped and have orange pubescence.
• Platycerium is large. The fronds of this species reach 1.5 meters in length and grow upward.
• Platycerium hilla. The leaves of this fern have deep dissection along the edges.

If you want to see the difference between these types, then look at the photo.

Home care

Temperature

The best temperature is around 23 degrees. Make sure that it does not fall below 19 degrees even in winter, because this plant loves high temperatures.

Lighting

Provide him with shade. It does not respond well to bright, direct light.

Best to leave this one indoor flower from Western or north windows. There it will receive enough light, and at the same time will not be exposed to direct sunlight throughout the day.

Watering

This process may seem complicated because you need to maintain a certain amount of moisture so as not to harm the deer antlers. Watering should be done regularly to keep the soil moist. At the same time, if there is too much water, the plant may begin to rot.

From time to time, do not forget to spray the flower with leaves in the form of deer antlers.

The soil

Choose slightly acidic soil, which will benefit deer antlers. Should be sold in special stores already ready-made mixtures for orchids - you can use them. You also need to provide drainage. You can use gravel for this.

Fertilizers

Reindeer antlers need to be fertilized twice a month. To do this, it is best to use fertilizers for decorative foliage plants. Make sure it is a semi-concentrate. You also need to remember that the flower should not be fed in autumn and winter - this can cause disease.

Humidity

Maintain high humidity in the room with platycerium. If the air is dry, everything beneficial features the plants will fly away.

Transfer

This process is not performed very often - once every 3-4 years. You need to monitor the condition of the flower and, if necessary, replant it. When replanting, choose a pot wider than the previous one; the depth can be left the same.

Reproduction

Platycerium reproduces in two ways: spores and offspring. The lower surface of the fronds is covered with spores. But this method is very painstaking and slow. To propagate by offspring, they need to be separated from the base of the plant and transplanted into a separate container.

Difficulties

Pay attention to changes in appearance Platycerium and some signs.

• If the leaves begin to turn yellow and brown spots form on them, the reason for this may be too high a temperature (above 25 degrees).
• Lack of development and growth indicates low humidity or proximity to a heating device.
• Leaves may fade and become limp if there is too much light indoors.
• The appearance of green dots on the leaves indicates aphid infestation.
• If the leaves begin to die, they should not be separated.

As you can see, caring for platycerium at home is not so difficult. If you have ever wondered whether you can keep this fern at home, then the answer is obvious: of course yes.

Such a plant can decorate any home and will attract the attention of your guests, who will undoubtedly want to have one for themselves.