Hard Fern
Struthiopteris spicant · Blechnaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant hard fern: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, dark green
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Temperate regions of Europe and Asia
- Soil type
- Moist, well-drained, rich in organic matter
Care
Watering
Keep the substrate consistently moist without waterlogging. Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer) and reduce slightly in winter. This fern appreciates humid air; occasional misting of the foliage is beneficial.
Light exposure
Prefer indirect light in partial shade. The hard fern thrives in woodland conditions and fears direct sunlight which can dry out its delicate foliage. It adapts very well to shaded areas.
Soil and growing medium
Use a substrate rich in organic matter, peat or potting soil, well-aerated and slightly acidic. Ensure good drainage to prevent rhizome suffocation. Adding compost will improve soil structure.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove dead or damaged fronds as the seasons progress. No drastic pruning is necessary; simply perform regular cleaning to encourage new frond emergence.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced, highly diluted fertilizer once a month in spring and summer. Ferns require little fertilizer; prefer enriching the substrate with compost rather than overloading with mineral nutrients.
Diseases and pests
Watch out for mealybugs and spider mites indoors. Excessive waterlogging can promote rhizome rot. Ventilate the space regularly and maintain balanced humidity.
Did you know?
The hard fern fascinates botanists because it produces two distinctly different types of fronds: sterile fronds (wide and flat) and fertile fronds (narrow and erect) bearing the sporangia. This remarkable dimorphism earned it its common name 'hard fern', evoking the slender form of its reproductive structures.
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.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Netted chain fernLorinseria areolata
- Oceaniopteris cartilagineaOceaniopteris cartilaginea
- Hammock fernBlechnum occidentale
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.