wart fern

Wart Ferns prefer moist soil, although they may tolerate short periods of drought. To keep your Wart Ferns happy, it's best to water them when the soil feels just slightly dry, usually about once every 1-2 weeks during the growing season. When watering, use room temperature water and water deeply until it runs through the bottom of the pot. If your Wart Ferns are growing in soil that is well-draining, you may need to water them twice a week in the hottest, dryest months. The leaves of the fern should remain fresh looking, and if they start to turn yellow or wilt, they need more frequent watering. In times of extreme drought you may need to increase watering frequency and saturate the soil more thoroughly. During the winter months, it's best to water less frequently; usually every 3-4 weeks should do it.

Wart fern prefers bright, indirect light, especially in the morning when the sun is lower on the horizon. The leaves of wart fern will tend to droop if they do not receive enough light, so it is best to place the plant in a bright spot near a window out of direct sunlight. While having up to 5 hours of direct sunlight per day is beneficial, keep in mind that too much direct light can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. The best hours of direct light for wart fern are from around 9am - 2pm.

Wart ferns (Phymatosorus scolopendria) generally do not need to be pruned very heavily. However, some maintenance pruning is encouraged, usually during the springtime while the plant is actively growing. This will help the plants to remain attractive and compact. Start by removing any spent or wilted fronds. Cut them off at the base, removing them close to the soil surface. Don’t be afraid to snip off parts of fronds that are looking somewhat worse for wear, especially those that are brown, yellow, or crispy. This will encourage new growth and help keep the fern looking full and healthy. You can also lightly trim off any dead fronds without fear of damaging the plant. This will help tidy up its look and encourage new growth. Be careful, however, not to over-prune your fern. Cutting off too many fronds at once can shock the plant and cause it to become stressed. The best way to keep your wart fern looking neat and tidy is to trim off any overwintering foliage in the spring, and remove any dead leaves as soon as you notice them. This way you can maintain a healthy, attractive looking plant.