glade fern

Glade fern should generally be kept moist and not allowed to dry out completely. It prefers to be watered once or twice a week, depending on the level of humidity. During the warmer months, the soil should be moist but not soggy. During the cooler months, water lightly but regularly, allowing the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. To determine when to water, place your finger in the top inch of soil. If it is dry, then it is time to water.

Glade ferns, also known as Diplazium pycnocarpon, thrive best in bright, filtered shade to full sun. In optimal lighting conditions, these plants can receive up to 8 hours of direct sun per day. In less than ideal lighting conditions, glade ferns can tolerate 3-6 hours of direct sunlight. The plants are also tolerant of shadier spots, though they may not flower or produce fronds as abundantly in areas with little to no direct sunlight. Depending on the time of year, the amount of direct sunlight is also variable. In the summer months, when the sun is typically higher in the sky, glade ferns may need less direct light than in the winter, when the sun is lower and the day is shorter. Ultimately, it is best to adjust the amount of direct light your glade fern receives by season and to always be attentive to any signs of stress the plant may display due to too much or too little light.

Glade ferns (Diplazium pycnocarpon) should be pruned twice a year, once in late winter and once in mid-summer. In late winter, you should prune away any dead or damaged foliage, and you may also need to remove any stem tips that have grown too long. In mid-summer, you should remove any tall, unruly shoots and divide congested fronds in overcrowded clumps of ferns. When you are done pruning, make sure to lightly fertilize the plants with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to ensure healthy growth.