Dryopteridaceae
Male Fern - Dryopteris filix-mas
Dryopteris filix-mas
Grow in partial to full shade, in humus-rich, consistently moist but well-drained soil. Virtually free of serious pests and diseases; remove dead fronds to keep the clump tidy and healthy.
Every 7 days
Low light
5° - 24°C
50% - 70%
Categories
What is Male Fern?
Male Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) is a easy-care plant from the Dryopteridaceae family. The male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) is a hardy, deciduous fern native to temperate regions of Europe and North America. It forms an upright, shuttlecock-shaped clump of long, lance-shaped, bipinnate fronds in medium green. It is one of the easiest garden ferns to grow, tolerating dense shade and po...
Male Fern grows up to 1.5m, spread of 100cm, watering every 7 days, 5°C – 24°C, 50–70% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Male Fern tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Male Fern?
TLDR: Male Fern needs Low light, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 5-24°C with 50-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Male Fern?
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season. Once established, it tolerates short dry spells in shaded spots.
How Much Light Does Male Fern Need?
Prefers partial to full shade; can tolerate some morning sun if soil is kept moist.
What Is the Best Soil for Male Fern?
Adapts to almost any soil type (sandy, clay, or loam) as long as it is not waterlogged. Humus-rich soil encourages best growth.
What Pot Should You Use for Male Fern?
Wide, deep pots with good drainage, or directly in shaded garden beds.
Care Schedule
Misting
Every 3 days
What Is Male Fern and Where Does It Come From?
The male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) is a hardy, deciduous fern native to temperate regions of Europe and North America. It forms an upright, shuttlecock-shaped clump of long, lance-shaped, bipinnate fronds in medium green. It is one of the easiest garden ferns to grow, tolerating dense shade and poor soils, and holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.
How to Propagate Male Fern?
Clump division
Avoid dividing young plants under 3 years old; choose large, well-established clumps instead.
- 1 Dig up the entire clump in early spring before new fronds emerge
- 2 Split the rhizome into sections with a clean, sharp knife, ensuring each section has roots and a growth bud
- 3 Replant immediately at the same depth in rich, moist soil
- 4 Water thoroughly and keep moist until established
Materials needed:
Spore propagation
A slow, delicate process best suited for experienced growers.
- 1 Collect fertile fronds with mature sori (dark spots on the underside)
- 2 Let them dry on paper to release spores
- 3 Sprinkle spores over sterilized, moist growing medium
- 4 Cover and keep in a humid spot with indirect light until germination
Materials needed:
How Big Does Male Fern Grow?
TLDR: Male Fern can reach up to 1.5m tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
1.5m
Spread
1.0m
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Medicinal Uses
- Rhizome historically used as an anthelmintic (vermifuge), no longer recommended due to toxicity
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Male Fern?
TLDR: Male Fern is susceptible to 6 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Meaning & Symbolism
In the Victorian language of flowers, ferns symbolize sincerity and fascination; in European folklore, fern spores were linked to magic and invisibility.
Fun Facts
The name "male fern" does not refer to the plant's sex, but to the robustness of its fronds compared to the more delicate lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina)
Its rhizome was used for centuries as a dewormer before being deemed too toxic for safe use
It can take 5 to 10 years to reach full maturity
Frequently asked questions
Is the male fern toxic?
How much sun does the male fern need?
How do you propagate a male fern?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
