Vegetable fern
Diplazium esculentum
Vegetable fern is a lush tropical fern that prefers consistently moist soil and high humidity with indirect or dappled light — it is ideal for shaded garden beds or humid indoor spaces. The young fronds (fiddleheads) are edible and commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine, making it both ornamental and functional. Avoid direct sun and dry conditions, which will cause the fronds to brown and wilt.
Care Level
Moderate
Sun
Partial Shade
Water
Moderate
Growth Rate
Moderate
Mature Height
12″ – 36″
Soil
loam
Life Cycle
Perennial
Spacing
24″
Watering Schedule
Every 3-5 Days • Keep Soil Consistently Moist But Not Waterlogged; Mist Fronds Regularly To Maintain Humidity
Temperature
-20° – 90°F
Mature Spread
up to 18″
Root Depth
Medium
Foliage
Medium
Propagation: Seed
Native to
Sources
Data: trefle
Image: trefle.io — Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)
No nurseries currently have this species in stock.