Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the pot sit in standing water, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering slightly during cooler months to prevent overhydration.
Also known as Leatherleaf Goldback Fern
Gold fern (Pityrogramma austroamericana) is a striking fern known for its silvery-white to golden undersides of fronds. It thrives in humid, shaded environments.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light
50% intensity
Prefers medium to bright indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch fronds.
Keep consistently moist
75% intensity
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging.
Well-drained, Humus-rich
50% intensity
Average room temperature
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C. Avoid sudden temperature drops and cold drafts.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Light feeding during growing season
25% intensity
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks in spring and summer.
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 when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the pot sit in standing water, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering slightly during cooler months to prevent overhydration.
Remove any dead, damaged, or yellowing fronds as needed to maintain appearance and plant health. Pruning encourages new growth and helps prevent disease.
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts at the base of the frond.
Gold fern can be propagated by spores, which are typically found on the underside of mature fronds. Collect spores when ripe and sow them on a moist, sterile medium.
Alternatively, division of established clumps in spring is also effective.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.
Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for ferns or a general houseplant mix with added perlite. 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 Gold Fern (Pityrogramma austroamericana)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Pteridaceae |
| Genus | Pityrogramma |
| Species | Pityrogramma austroamericana |
Similar in genus Pityrogramma
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data