DETAILED POINT SCORING:
CULTURAL PERFECTION
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CONTAINER
(5)
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Size of container should be
appropriate for the size of the fern. The container should
not compete with the fern for attention, as bright colors or
designs on the pot. Lined wire baskets should be completely
filled with the lining material.
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SHAPE OF FERN
(25)
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The balance according to species,
determined by the habit of growth of the rhizome and
distribution of the fronds. Ferns having many fronds can be
quite symmetrical by turnig the container toward the source
of light when the frond is unfurling. Some species of ferns
are slow growing and have few fronds, so may be
asymmetrical.
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QUANTITY OF
FRONDS (25)
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The number size and new growth
according to species, determined by the habit of growth of
the rhizome and the distribution of the fronds. Some species
are fast growing with many fronds; other species are slow
growing with few fronds. On some species the fronds are
short-lived, while on other species the fronds live a long
time.
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VIGOR OF FERN
(15)
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The quality and color of the
fronds.
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BLEMISHLESS
FRONDS (5)
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Any frond showing numerous brown or
black spots should have been removed. Marginal brown spots
on the fronds may be trimmed, conforming with the shape of
the frond. Old stipes should have been removed if possible.
On cultivated varieties of Nephrolepis exaltata this may be
difficult. If the old stipes or fronds are not visible, no
points should be deducted. (Exceptions: Sterile fronds of
Platycerium, Drynaria, etc.)
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SIZE OF FERN
(10)
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Immature ferns will be judged against
mature ferns if more than one entry in the class. If only
one entry, it will be judged against mature size.
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CLEANLINESS
(5)
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Potted ferns should have the surface
of the potting medium clean and free of debris which would
detract from the qppearance. It is permissible to cover the
mix with clean fresh mix, sphagnum or peat moss, or other
suitable material. The container should be clean and free of
algae and removable stains. Moss which is sometimes growing
on tree fern baskets is not objectionable, as the removal of
the moss would expose the growing tips of the
roots.
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