Polystichum acrostichoides aka Christmas Fern

Christmas Fern is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

When growing Christmas Fern, it is important to pay attention to the soil type you are using. This plant is very sensitive to dry soil and needs a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still be well-draining and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great options to provide the Dagger Fern with the nutrients and moisture it needs. The added organic matter will also help the soil retain water and prevent the Christmas Fern from drying out too quickly. Before planting, make sure to mix compost or manure into the soil for extra nutrients. Also, make sure to water the Christmas Fern regularly, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. With the correct soil and watering regimen, the Christmas Fern will thrive and bring lots of beauty to your home.

To ensure optimal growth, the Christmas Fern prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Christmas Fern is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

The Christmas Fern should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

The Christmas Fern is clumping in nature, with new growth originating from the soil in close proximity to the original plant.

Christmas Fern’s native range is Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Wisconsin, south to Florida, Texas and Mexico.