broad beech fern

For best results, water Broad Beech Ferns (Phegopteris hexagonoptera) regularly, about once a week. Depending on weather and environment, between 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water per fern is ideal; any more or less can be harmful to the plant. During periods of warmer, drier weather, water more regularly, but during periods of colder, wetter weather, water only every 10 days or so, allowing the ferns to slightly dry out in between waterings. It’s best to water the ferns at a time of day when the sun is not at its strongest, as direct sunlight will cause the water to evaporate quickly, without the ferns getting enough water.

Broad beech ferns thrive in part or full shade with dappled sunlight. They prefer 4 to 6 hours of indirect light during the morning or afternoon. Morning sunlight works best. Avoid direct midday sun, as it is too intense and will damage them. If you must provide full sun, move the fern gradually to its preferred spot over a period of a few weeks.

For the Broad Beech Fern, pruning should be done once a year in the late spring or early summer before the fronds have completely developed. Pruning should only be selective, removing any dead or dying fronds, as well as any fronds that are too close together, at the base of the plant. As a general rule of thumb, no more than 25% of the fronds should be removed in order to maintain the plant’s health.