easier to grow but the variegated one is more decorative. Cultural in- 

 formation applying to Pteris ensiformis victoriae should also be helpful 

 in growing Pteris cretica. 



From the information obtained from 21 plants placed in as many 

 homes, it seems that Pteris ensiformis victoriae is as difficult to grow as 

 the maidenhair fern. The condition of the 21 plants at the end of two 

 to three months was as follows: three very satisfactory, two satisfactory, 

 and 16 not satisfactory. It is rather difficult to account for some of the 

 failures from the data obtained. Neglect contributed to the poor con- 

 dition of at least three plants, while lack of light affected at least eight. 



The soil used was a mixture of one part leaf mold and two parts good 

 compost. 



Window exposure 



Of the five successful plants four received some, though not full, 

 sun and one was grown near a window in a very light room but with 

 no direct sun. 



Of the 16 unsuccessful plants, nine received no sun at all and three 

 were grown part of the time in sunny windows. Perhaps "table fern" 

 is misnomer for this plant, for good light seems to be its prime need. If 

 other conditions are satisfactory, one to two hours of sun, or very good 

 indirect light, should suffice. Without a doubt many of the failures were 

 due to insufficient light. 



Watering 



With the exception of three plants that were neglected there was 

 no apparent trouble from this source. As the plants were in small pots, 

 most growers reported watering their plants either daily or every other 

 day. 



Temperatures 



All satisfactory plants were grown at night temperatures from 60° - 

 65° F. Some of the unsuccessful plants were grown at temperatures up 

 to 70° F but this alone was not the cause of their failure. 



Containers 



All pteris plants in this test were distributed in three-inch glazed or 

 painted pots. Porous pots were not used because in this small size they 

 dry out too rapidly under home conditions. 



Feeding 



Feeding was practiced by only three growers and with no appre- 

 ciable results. However, occasional feeding should be beneficial to 

 table ferns if they are grown as year-around plants. 



Insect control ineaswes 



There were no insects present on any of the plants in this group. 

 On the whole, these ferns are probably less subject to insect attacks than 

 are most other plants. Since they are easily washed or syringed this is 

 a good precautionary measure against bugs and is beneficial in keeping 

 the plants free of dust. 



Forty -six 



