2025 – Page 2 – Hermetospheres

Brooks’ Selaginella: Plant knowledge as a by-product of colonial politics

The history of the discovery and first description of Selaginella brooksii is, as is often the case with tropical plants, also a history of colonial activities by European states. The story of S. brooksii is far from unique, but it is exemplary and therefore worth telling here.
Read more: Brooks’ Selaginella: Plant knowledge as a by-product of colonial politics
The orchid flower that lost its symmetry

The ‘jewel orchid’ Ludisia discolor is common in culture, and reports from fellow hermetosphere enthusiasts as well as the description of the orchid’s natural habitat made me confident that it would also thrive in the closed container. My experience so far has proved me right. Jewel orchids are cultivateed mainly for their patterned leaves and…
Read more: The orchid flower that lost its symmetry
An island Gesneria and Baker’s law

Autonomous self-fertilisation, i.e. the ability to produce viable seeds in the absence of partners and pollinators, offers plants various advantages. In nature it can help to colonize distant islands, in the hermetosphere it can help to survive over several generations. The example of Gesneria cuneifolia is discussed.
Read more: An island Gesneria and Baker’s law
A fern with conspicuous white spots

Why does my fern Selliguea albidosquamata show a large number of white dots on the margins and upper side of the leaf blades? Some research revealed a likely explanation.
Read more: A fern with conspicuous white spots
Hoehne’s Begonia

For some tropical plants that have a reputation for being difficult to grow in culture, the hermetosphere is just what it needs. This seems to be the case for this small Begonia from São Paulo province in Brazil. According to one of the most experienced Begonia growers today, B. hoehneana is “a species that is…
Read more: Hoehne’s Begonia
The perfect fern

This creeping fern, most likely Davallia parvula, meets all the criteria for a perfect hermetosphere plant: small size, slow growth, robustness and delicate beauty.
Read more: The perfect fern
Death and the hitchhiker fern

Sometimes, when things look bad, it pays to simply wait and see if things change for the better. I have already described an experience of this kind (Death and resurrection). There is a similar story to tell today. A 5l container inspired by the flora of Costa Rica was set up on April 2023 with…
Read more: Death and the hitchhiker fern
Follow-up: Gesneria cuneifolia

Almost six months ago, I reported first experiences with seed-grown Gesneria cuneifolia. Now, with first flowers appearing, it is time for a follow-up.
Read more: Follow-up: Gesneria cuneifolia

Year: 2025