Golden Male Fern
dryopteris affinis
Also known as: ["Aspidium affine","Nephrodium affine"]
Overview
A hardy, deciduous fern with bright golden-yellow fronds, native to Europe and prized for its ornamental foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Polypodiopsida |
| Order: | Polypodiales |
| Family: | Dryopteridaceae |
| Genus: | Dryopteris |
| Botanical Name: | Dryopteris affinis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: shady garden bed or woodland setting
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with plenty of organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or yellowing fronds unless overcrowding is severe.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates bright indirect light but prefers protection from intense afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from low to higher light; avoid direct sun to prevent scorching; ideal for shaded garden spots or north-facing indoor locations.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sunlight; provide dappled light; adjust placement seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid waterlogging, and ensure consistent moisture during active growth.
Soil
moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil
pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
Use organic matter-rich soil; ensure good drainage; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); thrives in temperate climates with protection from extreme heat.
Protect from frost; avoid direct sun in summer; maintain moderate temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize lightly in spring; avoid feeding in winter; use a balanced formula.
Propagation
Methods
Spores or division; spores are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Collect spores from mature fronds.
- Scatter on sterile medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
- Or divide clumps carefully.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity, indirect light, and consistent warmth (60–70°F or 15–21°C).
Medium
Sphagnum moss or sterile seed-starting mix with good drainage.
Hormone
Not required for spores; rooting hormone may help with cuttings if used.
Timeline
Spores may take several months to germinate; division can establish in 1–2 growing seasons.
Tools Needed
Spore collection tray, sterile medium, misting bottle, sharp knife (for division).
Quick Tips
Use fresh spores; keep medium consistently moist; divide only healthy clumps.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut fronds at the base with clean, sharp tools; avoid tearing the crown.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged fronds to maintain appearance and health; thin out overcrowded growth to improve air circulation.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, or scissors.
Checklist
Remove dead fronds; cut cleanly at the base; sanitize tools between cuts; avoid damaging the crown.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2–5 cm) if repotting.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with added organic matter.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or the soil degrades; typically every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water thoroughly; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency with seasons.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even saturation of the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Increase frequency during dry periods or high heat; reduce in winter.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or leaf mold to improve structure and fertility; ensure good drainage with perlite or sand if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing fronds, or browning leaf edges in excessive heat; stunted growth or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause fronds to brown or die back, especially if not protected in winter.
Solution: Mulch around the base in winter; protect from frost and cold winds; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, wilting, and scorching of fronds, especially in direct sun.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; dilute if using liquid; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if needed; avoid over-fertilizing.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume parts of Dryopteris affinis. The toxic compounds can cause discomfort but are not generally life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Dryopteris affinis can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of aspidin and filicic acid. The effects are typically not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicDryopteris affinis contains small amounts of toxic compounds, primarily aspidin and filicic acid, which can cause mild gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Dryopteris affinis toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does this fern require full sun?
A: No, it thrives in partial to full shade.
Q: How often should I water Dryopteris affinis?
A: Water moderately, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Dryopteridaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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