Culture for best commercial production:
Light: 1200 fc to 2000+ fc. No light meter? The shadow from your hand on a flat surface should be clear but the edges should be fuzzy.
Temperature: 60º to 85º F. Survives temperatures well above and below but growth slows or stops altogether.
Feed: 100 to 150 ppm on constant feed (15-5-15) with available Ca, Mg & pH around 6.
Water: more ferns are harmed by overwatering than holding back on the water. Water well then allow to dry lightly before watering again.
Potting Mix: this is often dictated by what is available locally. The key elements are low salts and excellent drainage. Some peat helps to retain fertilizer salts and keep water available to the root hairs.
Pest Control: Talstar(r) + Orthene(r) works well as a preventative program for aphids or scale during the warm months, although ‘Pom Pom’ TM is remarkably pest free.
Container: Quickest turn as a 6”, but looks great as an 8” and awesome as a 10”.
Schedule: (starting with a Santa Rosa Tropicals plug)
4" starter pot - 8 to 10 weeks
6" pot - 12 to 16 weeks
8" pot - 12 to 16 weeks from a 4" pot
8" basket - 14 to 18 weeks from a 4" pot
Pot all year on a regular rotation for year round sales.
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