Dryopteris filix-mas
male fern
- Position: bright, indirect light
- Soil: good potting compost
- Rate of growth: average
- Hardiness: half hardy (when grown indoors)
- Current height: approximately 20cm (+ or - 10% including the pot)
- Pot cover: choose a 10.5cm pot cover to give a good fit over the pot
The beautiful and distinctive shuttlecock shape of the ‘male fern’ is a popular choice for a houseplant as well as a native, deciduous plant for the outdoors where it will turn coppery in autumn. The feathery, green fronds are tolerant of drier conditions than many other ferns making this Dryopteris an ideal candidate for brightly lit rooms.
Please note that the pot in the photograph is not supplied with the plant (which is sent out in a simple nursery alternative), but we have a wide and wonderful range on our website to choose from. - Home care: Keep the compost moist (but not waterlogged) at all times, but this can be cut back a little in winter, and place in a bright spot away from direct sunlight. These ferns love a humid atmosphere, so mist the leaves regularly with water and/or place the pot on pebbles in a tray filled with water. Maintain temperatures above 10°C in winter and avoid summer temperatures above 25°C. Repot in spring when the plant becomes root-bound.