Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the plant dry out completely, especially during dry periods.
Reduce watering slightly in winter when growth slows.
Also known as Borrer's Scaly Male Fern · Golden Male Fern · Golden Shield Fern
Scaly Male Fern (Dryopteris affinis) is an elegant evergreen fern with upright, shuttlecock-shaped fronds and attractive golden-brown scales on its stipes.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade
50% intensity
Thrives in dappled shade or partial shade. Protect from direct afternoon sun, which can scorch its fronds.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Prefers evenly moist soil, but avoid waterlogging. Water when the topsoil is dry.
Humus-rich, well-drained soil
50% intensity
Cool to Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 15-24°C during the day and slightly cooler at night. Protect from frost and extreme heat.
Light Feeding
25% intensity
Feed sparingly with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during spring and summer.
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 feels dry. Avoid letting the plant dry out completely, especially during dry periods.
Reduce watering slightly in winter when growth slows.
Remove dead, damaged, or yellowing fronds as they appear to maintain the plant's health and appearance. Cut back old fronds at the base of the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Propagate by dividing established clumps in spring. Carefully separate rhizomes with roots and at least one healthy frond. Replant divisions immediately in moist, well-draining soil.
Alternatively, spores can be sown in spring on moist compost.
Repot container-grown plants every 2-3 years or when they become root-bound. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one.
Use a well-draining potting mix, preferably one formulated for ferns or with added organic matter.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Scaly Male Fern (Dryopteris affinis)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Dryopteridaceae |
| Genus | Dryopteris |
| Species | Dryopteris affinis |
Similar in genus Dryopteris
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data