Deer antler color. Deer antlers flower care at home

If you believe in the magical power of plants, then it will not be of no interest to you to know that placyterium (popularly "antlers") are peace-keeping flowers. Their indoor species give their owners positive energy,

have a beneficial and positive effect on the resolution of conflict situations, create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility in the house. Platicerium is an exotic representative of ferns. Originally from distant Brazil, it lives in the wild on the trunks and branches of trees. Anyone who has ever seen a platicerium in a flower shop remains impressed for life, because this fern simply fascinates with its unusual appearance and size. After all, among indoor plants there are no analogues to him!

“What is unusual about this plant?”, you ask. The “deer antlers” flower, the photo of which is in front of you, catches the eye of flora lovers with its branched, juicy green leaves - vayami. These leathery fan leaves can sometimes reach a length of about a meter. This plant also has a different kind of leaves - they are smaller, brown in color and form a kind of "pocket" from which the flower draws nutrients and accumulated

moisture.

Platicerium, or "deer antlers" - flowers of mysterious tropical forests. Therefore, high humidity and temperature in the range of +14 ... +20 degrees are the main conditions for growing epiphyte at home. The plant tolerates good light, but the best option for it is partial shade. The best place in the house for him will be the windowsill, but not on the south side of the house. Of course, it is recommended to remove the flower from drafts, because its main decoration - the leaves - begins to turn yellow. It is better to place the plant in a basket or pot and keep it in

Indoor flowers "deer antlers" are quite easy to grow. They prefer a light substrate in sphagnum and crushed pieces of bark. Part of the roots of the platicerium is directed to the rosette-pocket, from where the minerals and water necessary for growth are absorbed. Decorative dissected leaves resembling deer antlers (for which the flower got its second name) can colorfully frame, for example, a large panel or a picture on the wall, creating a unique composition.

For greater decorativeness of the leaves, proper and timely watering is necessary. Overdrying of the earthy coma should not be allowed, but it is not worth over-moistening the soil, since “deer antlers” are delicate flowers. Watering should be moderate. In hot weather, it is good to immerse the plant in soft water (for a while) or spray daily with water at room temperature. On cold days, watering should be reduced, and spraying should be canceled altogether.

"Deer antlers" - flowers are picky, but can be affected by pests, for example, thrips, spider mites and scale insects, which settle on the inner surface of the leaves. Various diseases of the epiphyte arise mainly due to errors in care.

Platyceriums are propagated by cuttings - side shoots. Since it is a fern plant, spores form on the leaves, but propagating "antlers" with spores is laborious. Side shoots are cut with a sharp knife and planted in moist soil for rooting. By adhering to the basic rules for growing these mysterious epiphytes, you can admire their healthy appearance for a long time and not worry about pest damage.

Platicerium or deer antler flower is an epiphytic fern, which in appearance, however, does not look like a fern at all. There are two types of flower: one is antler-shaped and bears spores, and the other is an infertile type that supports the plant on tree trunks. Barren wai, among other things, collect food for the fern. Like a trap, they capture rotten leaves, moss, dead insects, etc. When it all rots, the antler flower gets its nourishing soil.

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

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

Description

Deerhorn leaves are sterile and spore-bearing. Sterile wai 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 capture falling leaves and other organic matter. The newly formed sterile wai hide the old ones under them, which subsequently decompose. So the trap increases, and the flower itself grows.

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

Growing, transplanting

Diseases and pests

The leaves may turn yellow and become covered with brown spots. A high temperature in the room, more than 25 ° C, can cause such a reaction. If the temperature rises, the humidity must also be increased. The reason may also be the irregularity or lack of watering.
The leaves turn yellow, the flower grows poorly - very low humidity and the proximity of the elements of the heating system.
The leaves are sluggish, faded, translucent - excessively intense natural light.
The leaves are dull or pale, the ends turn brown or turn yellow, the flower does not grow at all or grows poorly. The reason may be a lack of nutrition, too small or too large a pot in which the fern grows.
Leaves may turn yellow, brown, curl and fall off, young leaves may wither and die due to too low room temperature, exposure to drafts, watering with cold, chlorinated or hard water.

Do not remove dead sterile sheets.

reproduction

The easiest way to reproduce indoor fern is the division of the rhizome. Other methods are more laborious, therefore, they are used mainly only by experienced flower growers.

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

The leaves of the platicerium, or flathorn, epiphytic fern, spread with flexible belts over the surface of the substrate, repeating in smooth lines the outlines of the pot and the support on which the flower container is installed.

It is often used for hanging gardening like ampelous plants, although it is not.

The Australian Tropican has taken root comfortably in our apartments, however, requiring increased attention to itself. Under natural conditions, it lives on tree trunks, penetrating roots into natural cracks in the bark.

The leaves of the platicerium are of two types: spore-bearing fronds, large and spectacular, shaped like antlers of an elk or deer, and sterile - whole, acting as a support for the plant on branches and trunks. Barren leaves have another important function - collecting nutrients. As if in a trap, dry and rotten plant residues and dead insects, pieces of moss linger in them. Over time, it all rots, turning into a substrate that feeds an unusual plant.

Types of platicerium

Big- spore-bearing fronds resemble open fans, in the upper ends of which there are many horn-shaped lobes. The total width of such a leaf sometimes reaches 1.2 m. Sterile leaves are short and whole.

double forked(moose-horned) - smaller than the previous species, the total length of the spore-bearing leaves does not exceed 80 cm. Cuneate at the base, they branch exactly in two towards the top and end with tongue-shaped blunt segments, shaped like elk horns. Sterile roundish leaves, lobed or entire along the edges, are pressed against the soil, forming a kind of pocket or funnel in which moisture collects, and adventitious roots are formed.

Angolan- decorative exotic with luxurious spore-bearing fronds, triangular at the base and expanding by 40 cm towards the ends, solid, bluntly chopped off. Over the entire area of the plate are covered with pale orange pubescence.

Care and cultivation of platicerium

Considering the natural habitat conditions of the flathorn, for planting the plant it is necessary to use a substrate similar to that to which the platycerium is accustomed in nature.

The soil mixture is made up of identical parts of coarse fibrous peat, pieces of coniferous bark, leafy soil or humus, and chopped sphagnum moss. From ready-made store mixes, it is preferable to choose specialized “For ferns” or “For orchids”.

The platicerium does not need frequent transplants, only if necessary, to move to a more spacious container.

In the exposition, the flathorn prefers northern windows, and develops normally in the western and eastern rooms. Does not like direct sunlight, hardy reacts to staying in a shady place, can grow only with one artificial light or in the bathroom. Heat-loving fern, platicerium is found at high summer temperatures from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius, optimal winter rates are 15-17 degrees Celsius , but not lower than +13 degrees. Does not tolerate drafts and sudden changes between night and day temperatures.

The main problem in plant care is the constant maintenance of high humidity in the room and regular watering. Roots with an earthy clod should not dry out. There are also certain requirements for irrigation water - it must be settled, soft and warm - above room temperature. It is better to organize watering by placing a flower pot in a flat container with water.

Spraying of the leaves is allowed, but in no case should it be wiped with a damp sponge - the leaf plates of the platicerium are covered with tiny velvet villi that absorb moisture from the air. If they are damaged, the water supply of the platicerium is disrupted; for the same reason, the use of agents that give shine to the leaves is contraindicated.

During spraying, the accumulation of moisture on the leaves in the form of large drops should not be allowed, it is advisable to use a very fine sprayer.

Many growers practice a common way to provide the necessary moisture for a platicerium - they are placed in a hanging basket above an open aquarium.

From April to August, flathorns are fed alternately with solutions of organic and mineral fertilizers, or complex fertilizers are used for decorative leafy indoor flowers, reducing the dose indicated in the instructions by 2 times.

Reproduction of platicerium

The simplest way to propagate a flathorn is to divide the rhizome into smaller fragments.

Other methods are more time consuming and only experienced and skilled flower growers can do: reproduction by germinal buds that appear near the roots, and spores.

For sowing, spores are taken in shallow pots in the form of bowls and filled with a substrate from a mixture of peat and leaf soil mixed with sand in a ratio of 2: 1: 1, which is steamed with boiling water before use. Spores are sown in the cooled soil mixture and the soil is lightly watered with a solution of potassium permanganate or chinosol and the plates are covered with glass or polyethylene. The emerging sprouts dive individually into larger pots filled with a substrate for adult plants.

Diseases and pests

The most common problems in growing platicerium are associated with increased dryness of the surrounding air - the leaves of the plant dry out at the ends, look withering. It is affected by pests - scale insects, spider mites, thrips.

You have to limit yourself when choosing plants. If earlier we were afraid that overseas curiosities would not withstand the severe frosts of our winter and tried to cover, insulate, protect them, now there is a new problem: summer heat and drought, which have to be taken into account. This means that all new items must be unpretentious and drought-resistant.

A little history of deer-horned sumac

The native of the New World is deer-horned sumac, or fluffy ( Rhus typhina L.), fascinates with its beauty: openwork crown, gracefully curved long foliage, shimmering in the wind with green hues.

Upon closer inspection, he is really covered in thick fluff "from head to toe."

Young shoots in velvet of light brown hairs look like the horns of a young deer.

Whitish pubescence covers the leaves from below, maroon - fruits. It is also called the vinegar tree. It was this name that took root in Germany - “essigbaum”, which means “vinegar tree” in German. It recalls that the American Indians once obtained acetic acid from the fruits of the plant.

Characteristic features of the deer-horned sumac tree

Sumac - a small tree up to 10 m high, often taking a bushy form, grows wild in southeastern Canada and the northeastern United States. This explains the French name for the plant sumac virginiana ( sumac de virginie).

In culture, it is common in most countries of the northern hemisphere. Such popularity of the tree was ensured by its exceptionally impressive appearance and useful properties.

The transparent crown of an adult plant has an elegant umbrella shape.

Compound pinnate leaves up to 60 cm long alternately sit on the shoots. Each consists of 11-31 smooth dark green elliptical or lanceolate leaflets about 12 cm long and 4 cm wide.

Deer-horned sumac - pleases all year round!

In autumn, sumac actively participates in the general riot of colors. The dark foliage gradually turns yellow and then adds anthocyanin redness, painting the plant intricately.

Having acquired a lace outfit in the spring, the trees bloom in early summer, throwing out large panicle inflorescences. In some trees, male, they consist of small greenish-light yellow staminate flowers. In others, women's, - from burgundy-red pistil. Male inflorescences are loose, up to 30 cm long, and female ones are dense, 25 cm long.

Already in September, the seeds ripen, but even when ripe, the seedlings remain on the tree for a long time.

In winter, you can see how their fluffy "horns" stick out from under the snow.

What is good about deer-horned sumac?

Drought resistance can be safely attributed to the advantages of deer-horned sumac. At home, it lives on the driest and stony soils.

In addition, the plant is also winter-hardy, shade-tolerant, undemanding to soil fertility - it grows successfully even on stony limestone unsuitable for agriculture, tolerates salinization.

Among the shortcomings can be called only fragility. By the age of twenty, the trees become decrepit and soon die. True, sumac quickly recovers from root shoots and root offspring.

Fragrant sumac - decoration of your garden

There is another type of sumac that deserves special attention - fragrant sumac (R. aromatica Ait.) is a lovely plant with fragrant flowers and branches. Its open crown grows up to 1-3 m in height.

The bark of the shoots is reddish-brown, cracking into thin light stripes.

In the first half of May, at the same time as the leaves bloom, small pretty golden “balls” of dense spike-shaped inflorescences appear at the ends of the shoots.

Each of the three leaves of the compound leaf turns bright carmine in the light and yellow in the shade in autumn. Spectacular hairy flat-round fruits up to 6 mm long ripen on the branches to match them.

Beautiful and unpretentious

All sumacs are unusually ornamental plants, photophilous, moderately frost-resistant, drought-resistant, undemanding to soils.

Well propagated by seeds, root shoots.

Each dwelling must have its own character. It can be created not only by interior items, but also by plants. There are plants of interesting shape and texture. If, for example, you plant a platicerium at home, then you will have a flower "deer antlers". In the photo you can see why it was called that, because the leaves of this fern look just like deer horns.

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

The core is also unusual in this fern - it resembles a head of cabbage, from which brown coarse leaves stick out. This makes the plant even more exotic.

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

Platicerium bifurcatum or bifurcate. 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 deer-horned platycerium should not be wiped, because you can damage the pubescence and harm the plant. At the same time, it must be remembered that in natural conditions this fern is located on trees, so it is better to keep it in limbo at home.
Platycerium flathorn. The fronds are triangular-wedge-shaped, have an orange pubescence.
The platicerium is large. Vayi of this species reach 1.5 meters in length and grow upwards.
Hill's platicerium. The leaves of this fern have a deep dissection along the edges.

If you want to see the difference between these species, 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

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

It is best to leave this indoor flower near the western or northern windows. There he will receive enough light, and at the same time will not be exposed to direct sunlight throughout the day.

Watering

This process can seem complicated, because you need to stick to a certain amount of moisture so as not to harm the deer antlers. Water regularly to keep the soil moist at all times. 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 a flower with leaves in the form of deer antlers.

The soil

Choose slightly acidic soil, this will benefit the deer horns. In special stores, ready-made mixtures for orchids should be sold - 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. For this, it is best to use fertilizers for decorative leafy plants. Make sure it's semi-concentrated. You also need to remember that in autumn and winter the flower cannot be fed - this can cause illness.

Humidity

Keep high humidity in the room with the platicerium. If the air is dry, all the beneficial properties of the plant will disappear.

Transfer

This process is not carried out very often - once every 3-4 years. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the flower and, if necessary, transplant. When transplanting, choose a pot wider than the previous one, the depth can be left the same.

reproduction

Platicerium reproduces in two ways: spores and offspring. The lower surface of fronds is covered with spores. But this method is very laborious and slow. For reproduction by offspring, they must be separated from the base of the plant and transplanted into a separate vessel.

Difficulties

Pay attention to changes in the appearance of the platicerium and to some signs.

If the leaves begin to turn yellow and brown spots form on them, then the temperature may be too high (above 25 degrees).
The lack of development and growth indicates low humidity or the proximity of the heater.
Leaves can fade and become sluggish if there is too much light in the room.
The appearance of green dots on the leaves indicates the defeat of aphids.
If the leaves begin to die off, they cannot be separated.

As you can see, caring for a platicerium at home is not so difficult. If you have ever wondered if this fern can be kept at home, then the answer is obvious: of course yes.

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