royal fern
Osmunda regalis
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Spore Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 9
Flowers:
Non-flowering Flowers
Sun:
Filtered shade, Full sun only if soil kept moist, Part sun/part shade
Soil:
Loamy Humus
Fruits:
Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Royal ferns should be watered regularly to keep them healthy and looking their best. Water should be applied deeply, but not to the point of saturation. When watering your Royal Fern, do so when the top inch or 2 of soil has dried out. In general, Royal ferns should only be watered once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions and the location of the fern. Because they are sensitive to drought, it is important to ensure that the soil is never allowed to dry out completely. If you can feel moisture in the soil, do not apply any more water.
sunlight
Royal Ferns prefer to live in partial or dappled shade, meaning they do best with bright, indirect sunlight. They should receive morning sun and dappled shade for the remainder of the day. They can adapt to full sun, although should only be given this when the temperatures are not too high. During the hottest months, it's best to provide some shade in the afternoon in order to help avoid sunburn. Too little sun, however, can result in leggy growth and mis-shapen fronds. To ensure your plant is receiving enough light, you can place it in a location where it receives the sun for 3-4 hours every day. Additionally, Royal ferns should have plenty of humidity and regular watering.
pruning
Royal ferns should be pruned in the early spring, before new growth begins, or in the late winter months when the plant is dormant. Pruning is beneficial for the health of the plant as it can reduce overcrowding, open the center of the clump, and make new growth easier. When pruning royal ferns, it is important not to take too much off the top of the plant but instead thin out the fronds by cutting them back to the main stem. This will encourage new growth and prevent overcrowding and weak plant structure. Pruning should be done gently and not too aggressively. Royal ferns generally respond well to mild pruning and can regain their original shape if given the appropriate care.