Cyrtomium falcatum (Holly Fern) Indoor Care, Propagation and Common Problems

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Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) blossoms in medium to bright indirect light, average warmth, moderate humidity and consistently moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.

Cyrtomium falcatum also called Japanese Holly Fern is one of the popular fern plants with toothed, sharp-tipped, holly-like leaves which tolerates lower light and saline conditions better than most ferns.

Each leaflet may be flat, wavy or slightly toothed along the edges and it bears a large light brown rhizome. The leaves are about 1.6 feet long and are made up of 6-10 pairs of shiny bright green leaflets. It is easily propagated by spores or by division of the undeground rhizome.

Botanical name: Cyrtomium falcatum
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Common names: Holly Fern, Japanese Holly Fern

Origin

Cyrtomium falcatum is native to eastern Asia where it grows from crevices in coastal cliffs, stream banks, rocky slopes and other moist areas.

Size

Japanese Holly Fern is a large fern which grows to a height of 2 feet with a spread of about 3 feet which makes it one of the best plants for an office desk without sunlight and other low-light limited spaces.

Toxicity

Cyrtomium falcatum is non-toxic to humans and pets as indicated by ASPCA. It is safe to grow in any space.

Where to Buy

Holly Ferns are a great addition to any plant collection, check the out on Etsy (Link to Etsy).

Cyrtomium falcatum Care Indoors

Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) blossoms in medium to bright indirect light (filtered light), average warmth of 15-24⁰C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained, all purpose soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.

Cyrtomium falcatum requires timely repotting as overcrowding can result in wilting and eventual death of the fern. Pruning is necessary to keep it neat as well as reduce pests and diseases. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

Watering

For optimum growth of Holly Fern, keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season. Water the soil when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch.

Reduce watering during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time but never allow the soil to dry out completely.

Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting. Learn more on how to water indoor plants the right way.

Light Requirements

Holly Fern grows best in medium to bright indirect light. Keep it away from direct sunlight as it may scorch the fronds.

Japanese Holly Fern can also be grown under grow lights where natural light is not adequate. Check out these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.

Turn the pot regularly to ensure that the fern receives light on all sides for even growth.

Temperature and Humidity

Average warmth of 15-24⁰C is ideal for Holly Fern. Room temperatures that are comfortable for you are ideal fot this fern.

Japanese Holly Fern thrives under average room humidity of 50-55%. If the air is too dry especially where the room temperatures are high, set the pot on a wet pebble tray to increase humidity. Learn more on how to elevate humidity for houseplants.

Fertilizer

Feed Holly Fern with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing period for lush growth. Withhold feeding during the cold season as growth is reduced at this time.

Potting Soil

The best soil for Holly Fern should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. All purpose potting mixes are ideal for this fern.

Repotting

Repot Japanese Holly Fern every 2-3 years at the beginning of the growing season to provide adequate room for the growth of the rhizome.

One sign of an overcrowded Holly Fern is wilting leaves. Failure to repot an overcrowded Fern can result in death of the plant.

Repot into a pot that is 1 size larger and one that has drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.

You can also be divide a large plant into several sections during repotting and pot the sections individually. Take a look at these pots with a saucer on Amazon.

Pruning

Remove dead and damaged fronds from Holly Fern to keep it neat and discourage pest and disease infestations. As it ages, the older fronds turn brown. Cut them off at the base to maintain the plant neat and tidy.

Propagation

Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) propagation can be done by division at the beginning of the growing season by plant division or by germinating the spores.

How to propagate Holly Fern by plant division

Carefully take the Holly fern out of its pot and divide the rhizome into several sections. Ensure each section has adequate roots.

Pot these sections into individual pots while ensuring that you do not bury the rhizomes too deep but maintain the soil level that were at.

Place the pots in a warm, well-lit place and maintain the soil moist through out until the new Holly Ferns are well established.

How to propagate Holly Ferns from spores

Spores are brown dots on the underside of the fronds. When they ripen, the cases open and tiny dust-like spores fall out.

Cut the Holly Fern frond and place it on a piece of paper with the spores side down.

Allow time for the spores to fall out of the cases onto the piece of paper.

The spores can also be obtained by shaking the frond occasionally.

Thinly spread the spores on moist soil and cover the set up with clear polythene to maintain humidity and warmth.

Place the set up in a brightly lit area. The spores should sprout in 1-2 months.

Allow the new Holly Ferns to be well established before transplanting after which routine care can begin.

Cyrtomium falcatum Common Problems

Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) growing problems include yellowing, brown leaf tips, wilting leaves, leaf drop, pests and diseases among others. Continue reading for more on these growing problems and how to fix them.

Pests

Common pests in Holly Fern are scales and mealy bugs. Isolate the affected fern to avoid spread to other houseplants and treat it with a horticultural oil as per the manufacturer's recommendations.

Brown shells scattered on fronds

Brown shells scattered on fronds of Holly Fern is an indication of a scales infestation. Isolate the affected fern to avoid spread to other plants and treat it with a horticultural oil as per the manufacturer's recommendations.

Brown dots or lines on the underside of fronds

These are spores which can be used for propagation of new Holly Ferns. They indicate that the frond is mature and healthy. In their natural environment, these spores drop to the soil and grow into new Ferns.

Yellowing fronds, brown leaf tips and is no growth

The cause of yellowing fronds, brown tips and no new growth in Holly Fern is dry air. Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to raise humidity to raise humidity.

Yellowing leaves

Soggy soil is the cause of yellowing leaves in Holly Fern. Ensure the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to avoid getting soggy soil.

Wilting leaves

Wilting leaves in Holly Fern is an indication of overcrowding in the current pot. Repot the Fern into a larger pot or divide it up for more ferns.

Excessive leaflet drop

Leaflets drop in Holly Fern is indicative of too dry soil. Maintain the soil consistently moist during the growing season and slightly moist in the cold season but do not leave it to dry out completely.

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