Species netted chain fern

netted chain fern

Woodwardia areolata

Netted chain fern (Woodwardia areolata) is an evergreen perennial fern native to North America. The striking foliage has generative dark green fronds with a distinctive reticulate pattern, giving it an intricate, lacy look. This fern tolerates a wide range of habitats and grows from 2 to 3 feet in height. It likes moist soil and filtered light in the warmer months and appreciates a gradually drying period during the winter. The netted chain fern looks beautiful when mass planted or paired with other ferns in a woodland or shade garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Spore Propagation,Spore Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Netted Chain Ferns should be watered when the top inch of the soil has dried out. The soil should be moist, not soggy, at all times. During the spring and summer, Water the plant once or twice a week. During the fall and winter, Water only when the surface soil has become completely dry. Water until the soil is evenly moist but not over-saturated. Allow the soil to dry out more in-between waterings in the cooler months. Reduce watering during the winter months while the plant is dormant.

sunlight

Netted chain ferns, or Woodwardia areolata, require bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade for healthy growth. They prefer a majority of the day to be shaded with just a few periods of direct sunlight. In optimum conditions, direct sunlight should be limited to 2 to 3 hours a day, ideally in the morning hours. This fern thrives best in high humidity, making it an ideal choice for tropical climate environments. When grown indoors, regular misting is generally recommended and regular watering is necessary.

pruning

Netted Chain Fern (Woodwardia areolata) should be pruned in early spring before new growth begins. Pruning should be done moderately, removing any fronds that are dead or broken, as well as any dead growth on the stem. The fern should also be thinned out, pruning some of the older and lower fronds to allow newer and healthier fronds to take their place. In general, no more than 1/3 of its total length should be removed when pruning the fern. Pruning any more than this may result in a drastic reduction in the plant’s foliage and create an imbalance in its growth.

Hardiness Map