royal fern

To keep your Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis 'Cristata') happily growing, water them twice a week with 1-2 gallons of water. Water your fern at its roots, avoiding wetting its fronds (leaves). Soak the soil deeply each watering so that water reaches all roots. During periods of extended hot, dry weather, water more often if the soil appears dry. In winter, reduce watering frequency to once a week, as the fern is in its dormant period.

Royal Ferns should be kept in bright shade in order to receive adequate sunlight. These plants require at least 2 to 4 hours of direct sun each day, preferably in the morning. The indoor plants should be placed near an east facing window or patio door so they get plenty of exposure to the rising sun. However, it is important to protect them from the harsh afternoon sun. Variegated varieties of these ferns require more light than the normal species, but should still have plenty of light protection. The ideal temperature for Royal Ferns is between 55°F and 70°F (13°C and 21°C).

Royal ferns can be pruned during fall or early spring. Pruning should be done when the fronds turn brown and die. To maintain the shape of the fern, lightly trim back dead fronds. For plants suffering from overgrowth, a more drastic prune may be necessary. To prune back the masses of fronds, cut the plant back to the base of the crown, ensuring that the remaining crowns are rooted in the soil. Use sharp pruning shears or a knife to ensure a clean cut; shear back some of the fronds selectively to thin out the plant. Overall, no more than 1 third of the plant should be cut back.