Western Sword Fern Care

While still young, water the Western sword fern while it is actively growing each week it does not rain. After the first summer, the established plant only needs watering once every three weeks when it does not rain. In a good year without any prolonged periods of drought, this fern can survive on natural rainfall.

When the fern goes dormant for the winter, do not remove the dead fronds. They offer live fronds protection from harsh weather and provide food for wildlife. In spring, before new growth begins, cut off the dead fronds with a sharp knife. If the fronds look crowded, remove some of the oldest fronds to make room for new ones.

To look its best, the Western sword fern benefits from a couple of applications of fertilizer a year. This puts more nutrients into the soil and prolongs the life of the roots. Do not fertilize the fern for at least six months after planting. Scratch in 1 1/2 tablespoons of 10-10-10 slow-release fertilizer into the top 1 inch of soil around the base of the fern and water the area well to dissolve the fertilizer. Feed the plant once when new growth begins in spring and again in the middle of summer.

Western sword fern thrives in cool, humid climates and does best with full to partial shade

It needs well-draining soil so the area around its roots does not stay wet after watering. Overly wet soil encourages root rot.

It is hardy to zone (UK) 4.

Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[200]. Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase

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