Maidenhair Fern
phymatosorus scolopendria
Also known as: ["Maidenhair Fern","Scolopendrium scolopendria"]
Overview
A delicate, evergreen fern with distinctive fronds resembling a ladder, native to tropical regions.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Polypodiopsida |
| Order: | Polypodiales |
| Family: | Polypodiaceae |
| Genus: | Phymatosorus |
| Botanical Name: | Phymatosorus scolopendria |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a humid bathroom or kitchen, or shaded outdoor garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity levels
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, rich in organic matter, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and orchid bark.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every few months or when fronds decline.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or yellowing fronds.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerate lower light but may grow slower.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate to brighter light gradually, avoid direct sun to prevent scorching, place in east or north-facing windows indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
bright, indirect light
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; move outdoors in shade during summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid wetting the fronds to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, peat-based potting mix with added perlite
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates 50–85°F (10–29°C) but avoid extreme fluctuations.
Avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain stable temperatures; use a humidifier in dry conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Division or spores; division is more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into sections with roots, plant in new pots, water lightly.
- For spores, collect, scatter on medium, keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sphagnum moss for division; sterile medium for spores.
Hormone
Not necessary for division; optional for spores to encourage germination.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; spores: 6–12 months to mature.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, sterile pots, rooting medium, spray bottle, plastic bag (for humidity).
Quick Tips
Ensure divisions have roots; keep spores consistently moist; maintain high humidity for spores.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut fronds at the base with clean, sharp tools; avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged fronds to improve appearance and health; not heavily needed unless overgrown.
Tools
Pruning shears, scissors, or a sharp knife.
Checklist
Identify dead/damaged fronds, use clean tools, cut at base, dispose of clippings, clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water lightly, avoid compacting soil.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if necessary, use fresh soil, water lightly, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, apply until water drains freely from the pot, ensure even moisture without waterlogging, water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage, incorporate compost for fertility, use orchid bark for aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing fronds, stunted growth, or browning leaf tips.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes fronds to wilt or turn yellow, may lead to root damage in prolonged cold.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, avoid cold drafts, protect from frost.
Hot Stress
Fronds may wilt, curl, or brown; soil dries out quickly, increasing water needs.
Solution: Increase humidity, provide shade, water more frequently, use shade cloth outdoors.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid foliage contact, flush periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid winter fertilization.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest Phymatosorus scolopendria may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Phymatosorus scolopendria by dogs can result in mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant's irritant compounds may cause discomfort but are not typically life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicPhymatosorus scolopendria contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion. The plant is not typically considered highly toxic, but consumption can lead to discomfort due to its irritant properties.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Phymatosorus scolopendria?
A: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Q: Does this fern require direct sunlight?
A: No, it thrives in indirect, dappled light or shade.
Q: Is Phymatosorus scolopendria safe for pets?
A: Yes, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Polypodiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | bright, indirect light |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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