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Crocodile fern
Plant of the week
Photo by Dave Brigner

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Common name: Crocodile fern

Light: Part shade

Height: 12 in.

Spread: 18-24 in.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 9

Origin: Malaysia, Indonesia


Microsorum is one of many genera within the fern family. Nearly 40 species are included, mainly growing as epiphytes. The Crocodile fern (Microsorum musifolium) gets its common name from the intricate veination pattern, which is reminiscent of crocodile skin. Ferns in this genus are relatively easier to care for in that being epiphytes, they have thicker and often waxy fronds (leaves), which reduce water loss through transpiration. This fern is ideal for hanging baskets, as they can grow quite large. Most ferns require a moisture-retentive, but well-draining growing media that should be kept evenly moist. They like to be misted with luke warm water often and benefit from sitting in a gravel tray full of water. Ferns grow from a creeping stem (rhizome). Once pot-bound, ferns can be divided and repotted. Many genera and species of ferns represent the fern family in the plant collections at Franklin Park Conservatory.

- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory

Copperleaf
Plant of the week
Photo by Dave Brigner

Sunday January 10, 2010

Common name: Copperleaf

Light: Full sun

Height: 36-48 in.

Spread: 4-6 ft.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 10

Origin: Pacific Islands


430 species are included in the genus acalypha and is classified in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). Copperleaf (Acalypha wilkesiana) is a tropical evergreen shrub with an upright and spreading growth habit. The species has serrated and multi-colored leaves of bronze, green, burgundy and cream. This species is highly variable and includes many cultivated varieties. Variation includes leaf color and shape. Margins also vary in that some are heavily and deeply serrated. Copperleaf is used in South
Florida and Tropical America in mixed shrub borders or as specimens. In temperate zones, they are grown as houseplants or used as annuals and bedding plants or in mixed containers. The flowers grow in a catkin-like structure and are rather inconspicuous. However, the Chenille plant (Acalypha hispida) produces attractive long bright red catkins and is often sold in hanging baskets. A few of the more popular varieties are ‘Raggedy Ann’, ‘Ceylon’ and ‘Haleakala’ (pictured). Acalypha wilkesiana was named after Admiral Charles Wilkes, a South Pacific explorer in the 1800’s. Many
varieties of Copperleaf are naturalized in the Pacific biome in the South Conservatory at Franklin Park Conservatory.

- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory

Noble dendrobium orchid
Plant of the week
Photo by Dave Brigner

Sunday January 17, 2010

Common name: Noble dendrobium orchid

Light: Bright light

Height: 12-18 ft.

Spread: 12-18 ft.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 10

Origin: NE India to China, Laos and Thailand


There are nearly 1,500 species included in the genus dendrobium. The Noble dendrobium (Dendrobium nobile) is one of the showiest of dendrobium orchids. Many  hybrids have been developed and readily available. The many brightly colored and sweet scented flowers appear in January and February along its stems. Established plants can bear 100 or more flowers at a time. As with most sympodial orchids, new growth begins in the spring. This is the time to begin routine watering and fertilizing. Dendrobiums, as with most orchids, like to be summered outdoors. Reduce watering in early fall. They can remain outdoors until the temperature drops down into the 50’s to aid in bud formation. When brought indoors, they should be placed in a cool bright location and stop watering completely until signs of flower buds appear and resume watering. Spraying the stems with water will prevent stem shriveling. Noble dendrobiums are deciduous. The leaves will turn yellow and drop. It is these stems that will produce buds. Although the stems can be staked as they grow, they naturally grow hanging downward. Stems will often produce baby plantlets (keikis), which can be removed and potted. Many varieties of dendrobiums provide splashes of color throughout the “Orchid Forest” at Franklin Park Conservatory thru February 28.

- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory

Zygopetalum orchid
Plant of the week
Photo by Dave Brigner

Sunday January 24, 2010

Common name: Zygopetalum orchid

Light: Part sun

Height: 12 in.

Spread: 18 in.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 10

Origin: Brazil


Twenty epiphytic orchids are included in the genus Zygopetalum. The Zygopetalum orchid (Zygopetalum mackayi) is one of the highly fragrant orchids, reminiscent of the hyacinth and blooms in late fall and early winter. The 3-4 inch long lasting flowers are green which are heavily spotted with brown. Its large attractive lip (labellum) is white with intricate purple veination. Zygopetalums are quite easy to grow. Although they prefer cooler temperatures during the winter, they are quite adaptable. Not letting the media dry out too long in between watering is crucial. They like constant moisture at the roots but do not like their roots saturated. Like most orchids, they prefer bright indirect light and a minimum of 50% humidity. When given proper light, their leaves should be light green in color. Zygopetalum orchids provide fragrance and diversity in the Orchid
Forest at Franklin Park Conservatory thru February 28th.

- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory

Ruffled fan palm
Plant of the week
Photo by Dave Brigner

Sunday January 31, 2010

Common name: Ruffled fan palm

Light: Part shade

Height: 8-10 ft.

Spread: 4-6 ft.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 10

Origin: New Hebrides


Over 200 genera and 2600 species are included in the palm family. The first fossil records show that palms date back to 80 million years. Palms are valuable for both the products and foods they produce as well as there popular use in tropical landscapes. The Ruffled fan palm (Licuala grandis) is a desirable plant that is often seen in temperate climate conservatories. Its glossy bright green pleated leaves are circular and undivided, unlike its close relative Licuala spinosa, which has deeply lobed fronds. This very slow-growing palm is ideal for growing in confined spaces, as its mature height is rather short. This understory palm requires more shade than sun and should be protected from wind. The trunk is slim only growing 4-5 inches in diameter. After flowering, drooping clusters of marble-sized bright red fruits will appear. A mature specimen Ruffled fan palm is located in the Palm House at Franklin Park Conservatory.

- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
Franklin Park Conservatory Sponsors: City of Columbus, Franklin County Board of Commissioners, The Columbus Foundation and Scotts Miracle Gro
   
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