trefle.io · Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Frank Vincentz (cc-by-sa)
Polypodiaceae
Male fern
Dryopteris filix-mas
Also known as Shield fern, Lastrea filix-mas, Filix filix-mas, Wood fern
Indoor Plants · Native Plants · Fern · Shade · Woodland · Indoor · Humidity · Texture · Lush · Moisture · Air-Purifying
Male fern is an elegant shade-loving perennial that thrives in consistently moist, well-draining soil. It requires protection from direct sunlight and benefits from regular watering during dry periods. This classic woodland fern adds lush texture to shaded gardens and can be grown indoors with proper humidity.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 0 hours
- Watering
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged · Every 5-7 days
- Maintenance
- Moderate
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 5.5–6.5
- Temperature
- -30°F to 95°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
- Propagation
- Seed
Hardiness
USDA 4a-10b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 2 ft – 5 ft
- Spread
- 4 ft
- Spacing
- 24 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- No
- Foliage
- Medium
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Afghanistan, Albania, Alberta, Algeria, Altay, Argentina South, Arizona, Austria, Baleares, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, British Columbia, Bulgaria, Buryatiya, California, Central European Rus, Chatham Is., Chita, Colorado
Sources: trefle, usda
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