CHAPTER XII 
FERNS 
ERNS, although there are not many varie- 
ties of them available for culture indoors, 
are probably more universally used as house 
plants than any other class of plants. Their culture 
is not difficult, although it differs somewhat from 
that given most of the plants described in the pre- 
ceding pages. 
In the first place, ferns want a porous soil, say 
two parts screened leaf-mould, one sand and one 
old manure or rich loam, the latter being preferable. 
In the second place, they should be given a 
warmer temperature, a minimum of fifty-five de- 
grees at night being very desirable, although not ab- 
solutely essential. 
The third requisite in success with ferns is a moist 
atmosphere, as well as plenty of water at the roots. 
If the pots are carefully drained (facing page 41) as 
they should be, and the soil properly porous, it will 
be almost impossible to over-water at the roots. 
Great care should be taken, however, not to wet the 
foliage, particularly where the sun can shine on the 
leaves. When the fronds must be wet, to keep them 
clean, try to do it on a warm day, that they may 
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