Polystichum californicum aka California Swordfern

California Swordfern is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your California Sword Fern is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your California Swordfern with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your California Swordfern with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.

California Swordfern thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your California Sword Fern.

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Repotting the California Swordfern should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

California Swordfern grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.