tassel fern

Tassel Ferns (Polystichum polyblepharum) do not need a lot of water, and should only be watered when their soil is visibly dry. When watering, always do so thoroughly, ensuring that plenty of water reaches deep into the soil. Do not leave the soil wet or soggy, as too much water can be just as detrimental as not enough. Tassel Ferns should be watered once every 1-2 weeks during the growing season, and only about once a month during the winter months.

Tassel fern (Polystichum polyblepharum) plants thrive with bright indirect light and require up to 4 hours of direct light per day. When planted indoors, it should be located near a south or east facing window to get the maximum amount of sunlight. While direct sun may create too much heat and dry out the soil, a few hours daily are beneficial. When outdoors, tassel fern can handle more direct sunlight, but should be protected from any harsh afternoon sun in the summer months. This allows the plant to have adequate daily sunlight during the morning and early afternoon and cooling shade/light throughout the rest of the day.

Tassel Fern (Polystichum polyblepharum) should generally be pruned at least once per year in late winter or early spring. Pruning should be done using a pair of sharp gardening shears and should remove any dead or damaged fronds. If the frond is still alive, it can be pruned at the base where it meets the soil. Once the pruning is complete, the remaining fronds should be lightly sprayed with a fungicide and mild detergent. It is important to remember that tassel ferns do not typically respond well to overly aggressive pruning, so it is advisable to prune carefully and not remove more than 1/3 of the plant’s total foliage.