soft shield fern

The Soft Shield Fern, Polystichum setiferum (Divisilobum Group) 'Herrenhausen', prefers moist, shady spots and will thrive when you provide evenly moist soil. Water your fern deeply about once or twice a week, or until the soil is damp to the touch and the top inch of soil feels moist. During hot, dry or windy days, water more often. If you fertilize your fern, reduce watering frequency. If the fern is in a pot or container, water it more frequently. Let the top 3 inches of potting mix dry out, then water completely until the water runs out the bottom of container. The potting soil should not be soggy but it should not dry out. In the summer, mist the foliage of the fern to increase humidity. In winter months, reduce watering as the plant is dormant. In summary: Water the Soft Shield Fern once or twice a week, or until the soil is damp to the touch and the top inch of soil feels moist. Water more frequently during hot, dry or windy days, and mist the foliage to increase humidity. In winter months, reduce watering as the plant is dormant. Water more frequently if the fern is in a pot or container, and make sure the top 3 inches of potting mix are allowed to dry out before re-watering.

Soft shield ferns (Polystichum setiferum (Divisilobum Group) 'Herrenhausen') require bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth and health. They should be placed in a spot in the garden that receives at least 4 hours of sunlight per day, such as a north-facing window or a spot that gets some morning and/or evening sun but avoids direct afternoon sun. While they prefer bright light, they can also tolerate partial shade, making them a great plant for shady spots in the garden. The amount of light the plant receives will also influence how much water and fertilizer the fern requires, as plants in bright light need less water and fertilizer than plants in lower light.

Soft shield fern (Polystichum setiferum (Divisilobum Group) 'Herrenhausen') should be gently pruned in late winter or early spring. Start by removing any browned or dying fronds, which will help maintain an attractive appearance and encourage new growth. Prune the fern slightly above the center of the crown before it begins growing again in the spring. Taking care not to remove more than 1-third of the fronds at any 1 time helps reduce shock and stress. Pruning any new growth at the perimeter of the fern in summer also helps to retain its shape and size.