Dryopteris ludoviciana aka Southern Woodfern

Taxonomy

Dryopteris ludoviciana, commonly known as the southern woodfern, is a fern native to the southern United States, ranging from Florida to Texas and as far north as Kentucky and North Carolina. This evergreen plant has a tall and upright growth habit, with shiny and leathery dark green fronds. While it can tolerate dry conditions, it thrives best in moist areas. With a slow to moderate growth rate, it can reach a mature height of 30-48 inches. D. ludoviciana is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5-10. This clump-forming fern features erect to arching, glossy, triangular fronds that are mid- to dark green in color. The fronds are divided into pointed, lance-shaped leaflets or pinnae, which are deeply lobed. As a houseplant, the southern woodfern is considered super rare and requires regular watering to thrive. It thrives in long-lasting, direct light and should be placed within one foot of a window. Well-draining soil is preferred, and the plant typically does not require additional fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. Native to the Southeastern United States, the southern woodfern belongs to the Dryopteris genus.

Common names

Southern Woodfern

How to care for Southern Woodfern

Water

Southern Woodfern should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Southern Woodfern loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Southern Woodfern requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Southern Woodfern will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

The Southern Woodfern is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.


More info:
Wikipedia