Licorice fern
Polypodium glycyrrhiza · Polypodiaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant licorice fern: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm tall
- Growth
- Moderate to slow
- Hardiness
- Zones 5 to 9 (hardy in temperate climate)
- Origin
- West Coast of North America
- Soil type
- Moist, well-draining, rich in organic matter
- Exposure
- Shade to partial shade
Care
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist without waterlogging. This fern appreciates a cool, humid environment. Water regularly during dry periods and increase frequency in summer. Reduce watering slightly in winter but don't let the soil dry out completely.
Light Exposure
Place your licorice fern in shade or partial shade, away from direct sunlight which would scorch the foliage. It thrives in shaded woodland conditions or near a north-facing window. Avoid hot, dry locations.
Soil and Substrate
Prepare a mixture rich in organic matter: peat-based soil, peat moss, and pine bark. Ensure effective drainage to prevent root rot. This fern prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Fertilizer
Feed moderately from March to September with a diluted balanced fertilizer, approximately once per month. Ferns are not demanding; excess fertilizer encourages harmful algae on the substrate. Prefer light organic applications.
Pruning and Cleaning
Simply remove dead or damaged fronds by cutting them at the base. Regularly clean the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and promote photosynthesis. No aggressive pruning needed.
Pests and Diseases
Watch for spider mites and mealybugs, especially in heated indoor conditions. Excess stagnant moisture can promote mold; improve ventilation if necessary. Regularly inspect the undersides of the fronds.
Did you know?
Its scientific name 'glycyrrhiza' literally means 'sweet root' in ancient Greek, although this fern has no connection to edible licorice. Native American botanists gave it this name as they harvested its rhizomes for traditional medicinal properties. It's an epiphytic fern that naturally grows on the bark of large conifers in the temperate rainforests of the North American Pacific coast.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.