Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is less active.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can stress the fern.
Leathery wood fern (Dryopteris lacera) is an evergreen fern native to East Asia, known for its leathery, dark green fronds. It thrives in shady, moist environments.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade
50% intensity
Thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its fronds. Can tolerate deeper shade but may grow less vigorously.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Prefers soil that is kept consistently moist but not saturated. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Moist, well-drained, humus-rich
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers average room temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from extreme cold and drafts. Tolerates cooler temperatures in winter if kept dry.
Moderate Feeding
50% intensity
Feed with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer growing season. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
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 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is less active.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can stress the fern.
Remove any dead, damaged, or discolored fronds by cutting them back to the base of the plant. This helps maintain a tidy appearance and encourages new growth. Pruning can be done anytime as needed.
Propagate by dividing established clumps in spring. Carefully separate the rhizomes, ensuring each division has roots and fronds. Replant immediately into well-draining soil and keep moist until established.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix, preferably one formulated for ferns or with added organic matter. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Leathery Wood Fern (Dryopteris lacera)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Dryopteridaceae |
| Genus | Dryopteris |
| Species | Dryopteris lacera |
Similar in genus Dryopteris
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
