366 THE PRINCIPLES OF FLORICULTURE 



with osmundine with a cone of live sphagnum moss on 

 top. They are all tropical, therefore they should nearly 

 all be given an average night temperature of 60. 

 P.-alcicorne, however, endures a lower temperature 

 and is not injured by a night temperature of 50 or 

 even less. 



The variety alcicorne majus is more attractive in every 

 way, and is preferable to the type. It will endure a drier 

 atmosphere. While all stag-horn ferns require a very hu- 

 mid atmosphere, they should not be syringed too heavily 

 in winter or the foliage will blacken and spot, especially 

 the sterile fronds. 



575. Niphobolus, botanical classification. Order, 

 Polypodiacese ; genus, Niphobolus; species, Lingua var. 

 corymbifera and variegata. 



576. Niphobolus, botanical characters. Niphobolus 

 is a leathery-leaved species with fronds four to six inches 

 long, from one to six inches wide, and having the tips 

 much branched or twisted. The fronds are dark-green 

 above and densely coated on the lower side with a closely- 

 matted, cottony, rusty down. The variety corymbifera 

 is more commonly grown than the type species. 



Habitat. Northern India and Japan. 



577. Propagation and culture. Niphobolus is one of 

 the most easily cultivated species. While growth is free, 

 it may be somewhat uneven and unsightly. It requires 

 the usual soil conditions, but will grow in a lighter soil 

 than most species. It may be propagated rapidly by 

 division of the root-stock just below the surface of the 

 soil, and also by spores. The leathery character of the 

 leaves, and the abundance of rusty down on the back of 

 the fronds, prevent a rapid transpiration of moisture, so 

 that less water is required. 



