Deer Fern

Deer Fern Care

Blechnum Spicant

What is the plant

Deer fern is a relatively small fern, with fronds growing from 20-80 cm (8"-32") long. There are two types of fronds: fertile and sterile. The sterile fronds are evergreen, and have 35-70 pairs of leaflets that are fully attached to the stipe (stem) of the frond.

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Lighting

Part Sun

Hardiness zone

5 - 8

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Deer ferns prefer regular watering to maintain moist soil. However, allowing the soil to dry before watering stresses these plants.
Pruning
Occasional pruning is a crucial aspect of deer ferns. If not pruned, they may become bushy and difficult to look after. Therefore, lightly prune the plant in winter or spring. Trim any yellow or brown fronds to improve the plant’s appearance and the airflow around it.
Fertilizer
When it comes to fertilizing, feed the plant once in a month, except for in the winter season. Apply an all-purpose liquid house plant food to ensure the optimum growth of the plant.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Sandy
Soil
Deer Ferns should be planted in a compost rich, acidic soil with a pH of 5.0-6.5. They thrive in partial to full shade but can be grown in almost any light conditions, except full sun in a hot climate.
Temperature
Tolerant to cold winter temperatures (USDA zones 5-8).

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Additional
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. Deer fern is a relatively small fern, with fronds growing from 20-80 cm (8"-32") long. There are two types of fronds: fertile and sterile. The sterile fronds are evergreen, and have 35-70 pairs of leaflets that are fully attached to the stipe (stem) of the frond.
Popularity
59 people already have this plant 14 people have added this plant to their wishlists