Uluhe fern

dicranopteris linearis

Also known as: ["Hawaiian holly","scaly-gleichenia"]

Family: Gleicheniaceae Genus: Dicranopteris Category: Leaf Plants

Overview

A fast-growing, evergreen fern with distinctive bipinnate fronds and a creeping rhizome, native to tropical and subtropical regions.

Benefits & Perks

["fast growing","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Polypodiopsida
Order: Gleicheniales
Family: Gleicheniaceae
Genus: Dicranopteris
Botanical Name: Dicranopteris linearis

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Leaf Plants
  • Suitable Location: shaded garden bed or as a groundcover under trees
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain moderate humidity
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 1–2 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only damaged or overgrown fronds.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to morning sun in winter and dappled shade in summer.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually acclimate to brighter light to prevent scorching; place in filtered sunlight outdoors; shield from intense midday sun indoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing or browning fronds, root rot, slow growth, or soil that remains constantly wet.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to dappled light

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct sun; avoid south-facing windows in summer.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water deeply to encourage root growth; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-draining, humus-rich soil with some sand

pH: 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with organic matter annually.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates 50–85°F (10–29°C); prefers stable temperatures year-round.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; keep away from vents; maintain consistent room temperature.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 3–6 weeks; new growth in 2–4 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, humidity dome, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy stems, keep medium moist, provide bottom heat if possible, avoid direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut fronds at the base with clean, sharp tools; avoid cutting into healthy growth.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or yellowing fronds to maintain appearance and encourage new growth.

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilized scissors, gloves.

Checklist

Identify dead/damaged fronds, sterilize tools, cut cleanly, dispose of clippings, clean up debris.

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 new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil refresh.

Checklist

Choose new pot, prepare soil, inspect roots, position plant, water lightly, place in shade temporarily.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, avoid foliage wetting

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution; water until it drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate peat moss for acidity; use compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves (cold stress), wilting or browning leaf tips (heat stress), stunted growth.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, avoid cold drafts, and reduce watering.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive transpiration.

Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, and ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to 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); cease in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Dicranopteris linearis can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Dicranopteris linearis is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root issues, which can lead to reduced growth and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Dicranopteris linearis may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Dicranopteris linearis due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay of root systems and eventual plant decline.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Dicranopteris linearis is not toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects on feline health from ingestion or contact with this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are necessary for keeping this plant in environments with cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Dicranopteris linearis is not toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects on canine health from ingestion or contact with this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are necessary for keeping this plant in environments with dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Dicranopteris linearis, commonly known as Old World climbing fern, is not considered toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion or contact.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are necessary for handling or growing this plant around humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Dicranopteris linearis toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does this fern require a lot of maintenance?

A: No, it is low maintenance and quite tough.

Q: Where is the best place to grow Dicranopteris linearis?

A: It thrives in shaded areas and is ideal for outdoor landscaping.

Quick Reference
Family: Gleicheniaceae
Care: easy
Light: partial shade to dappled light
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant