Christmas fern

Christmas fern should be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Water about once a week or when the soil is dry to the touch, about 1-2 inches below the surface. Stop watering once the season changes to winter, when the plant becomes dormant. In the winter, Christmas fern should receive no additional watering.

Christmas ferns thrive in dappled sunlight or partial shade. A few hours of early morning or late afternoon sun is beneficial, while midday sun should be avoided. Direct sunlight should be avoided for long periods in hotter climates as it may damage the leaves. With adequate water and partial shade, a Christmas fern can easily grow and remain healthy. In the winter months, when light levels are lower, the fern may require little to no supplemental light.

Christmas ferns should be pruned any time after the new fronds emerge in early spring. For most plants, light pruning is best for maintaining growth and vigor. In the case of Christmas ferns, use your hands to remove any yellow or brown fronds or any dead leafy stems. Prune 1 to 2 stems at a time, taking care not to prune more than a third of the foliage to prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Trimming out spent fronds encourages the plant to put out more new ones.