broad buckler fern

The Broad Buckler Fern (Dryopteris dilatata 'Lepidota Cristata') should be watered regularly to ensure its success. It should be watered twice a week during its active growing season with about 2-3 inches of water. During the hotter months, in the summer, it may need to be watered 3 times a week. In the winter months, when the plant is dormant, watering should be reduced to once per month. It is important to make sure the soil in which the plant is planted is well-draining to keep the roots from staying too wet. The soil should be kept moist but not too wet, as standing water can cause root rot. When watering, make sure the entire root zone is thoroughly saturated but then allowed to dry out in between waterings. If you are unsure if the plant needs watering, check a few inches down into the soil to see if the soil is dry or if it still holds moisture.

Broad buckler ferns require 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day, preferably in the morning and late afternoon. When providing light, it is important to avoid exposing the plants to too much direct sunlight, which can result in dry and scorched fronds. It is best to provide bright, indirect sunlight, with temperatures not exceeding 86°F (30°C). Too little light can lead to poor and sparse fronds, so make sure to check and adjust the light levels regularly.

Broad buckler ferns should be pruned twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. In the spring, trim back any dead or damaged fronds. Trimming too much may reduce the plant’s vigor, so it is best to remove no more than 1-third of the overall foliage. In the fall, cut back any fronds that have become discolored or have begun to turn yellow. Again, take care to remove no more than 1-third of the foliage. Cut back all fronds to just above the basal crown. This species is particularly tolerant of pruning, so it should respond well to this procedure.