370 THE PRINCIPLES OF FLORICULTURE 



means of spores. Pteris are not particular regarding soil 

 characters, but grow best in a moderately heavy loam. 

 They should be frequently re-potted and kept in a vigorous 

 condition of growth. When they become old and un- 

 sightly, they should be thrown away and replaced by 

 young plants. 



592. Lomaria, botanical classification. Order, Poly- 

 podiacese ; genus, Lomaria (Greek loma, seam or edge) ; 

 species : gibba and var. platyptera. 



593. Lomaria, botanical characters. Lomaria are 

 rather coarse ferns, mature specimens usually having a 

 short trunk like the tree ferns. The sori are arranged in 

 lines parallel to the mid-rib and the margin of the pinnae. 

 This is one of the most distinct and symmetrical ferns 

 grown. When young, they are good for table decoration, 

 and when larger, make excellent house plants. 



Habitat. New Caledonia. 



594. Culture. Lomaria require rather a rich soil of 

 one-half leaf -mold, one-fourth well-rotted cow manure 

 and one-fourth loam. They need a quantity of water, 

 and at no time should they become very dry, but should 

 be well drained. They make an abundance of roots and 

 should never be allowed to become pot-bound. When 

 this occurs and the plants have attained considerable size, 

 they may be root-pruned and so kept in smaller pots. 

 Abundant water and bottom heat are then required for a 

 little time, until the new root system has become estab- 

 lished. The lomarias should never be given strong sun- 

 light and the temperature should be 65 or 70. 



595. Aspleniums, botanical classification. Order, 

 Polypodiacese ; genus, Asplenium (Greek, not the spleen, 

 referring to supposed medicinal properties) ; species, 

 nidus, often given as nidus avis, bulbiferum and cir- 



