Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil begins to feel dry. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering slightly in cooler months.
Also known as Gold Fern · Printing Fern · Silver Fern
Dixie Silverback Fern (Pityrogramma calomelanos) is a striking fern with silver-dusted undersides of fronds, adding a unique textural element to shaded gardens.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light
50% intensity
Prefers dappled shade; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch fronds.
Consistent moisture required
75% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist; avoid soggy conditions.
Humus-rich, well-draining
50% intensity
Moderate temperatures
50% intensity
Ideal range is 18-24°C; avoid cold drafts and extreme fluctuations.
Moderate feeding
50% intensity
Diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil begins to feel dry. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering slightly in cooler months.
Remove any yellow, brown, or damaged fronds as needed to maintain the plant's appearance and health. Cut the affected fronds back to the base of the plant.
Pruning also helps to encourage new growth and can improve air circulation.
Dixie Silverback Fern is typically propagated by spores. Collect mature spores from the underside of fronds and sow them on a sterile, moist medium.
Alternatively, division of established clumps in spring can also be successful, ensuring each division has adequate roots.
Repot your fern every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of peat moss, perlite, and soil.
Repot in spring.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Dixie Silverback Fern (Pityrogramma calomelanos)
Where Dixie Silverback Fern (Pityrogramma calomelanos) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Pteridaceae |
| Genus | Pityrogramma |
| Species | Pityrogramma calomelanos |
Similar in genus Pityrogramma
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
