Soft shield fern Polystichum setiferum (Divisilobum Group) 'Herrenhausen'

Water

Soft Shield Fern should be watered thoroughly but less frequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Depending on indoor conditions, this may equate to watering every 7 to 10 days with about half a gallon for an average-sized pot, with adjustments made for hotter, drier periods or cooler, damper seasons. Ensure water penetrates the soil fully without leaving the plant in standing water, which can lead to root rot. During the winter, reduce watering to prevent soggy soil, as growth slows and the plant requires less moisture.

Light

Soft Shield Fern thrives in low to medium indirect light but can tolerate some shade, making it suitable for north-facing rooms or spots away from direct sunlight. It can also be placed near an east-facing window where it would receive some morning light but be protected from the harsh afternoon sun. Avoid placing it in areas with full, direct sunlight, as this may scorch the leaves.

Temperature

Soft Shield Fern prefers cool to moderate temperatures, thriving best between 55-75°F. It can survive brief periods outside this range but should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F or above 80°F for extended periods. The ideal conditions are a consistent temperature that mimics its natural woodland habitat.

Pruning

Prune the Soft Shield Fern to remove dead or damaged fronds and to maintain its shape. This can be done any time of the year as needed, but the best time for a more thorough pruning is in early spring before new growth starts. Pruning will help encourage healthy new growth and keep the plant looking its best.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Soft Shield Fern thrives in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A mix composed of garden loam, leaf mold or compost, and some perlite or vermiculite would suit it well. The ideal soil pH for Soft Shield Fern should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0.

Repotting

Soft Shield Ferns, being relatively slow-growing, do not require frequent repotting. It's typically sufficient to repot them every 3-4 years or when the plant has clearly outgrown its current container.

Humidity & Misting

Soft Shield Fern prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 60% to 80%. Consistently high humidity helps mimic the plant's natural forest habitat and supports its lush, green fronds.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in shaded spot with high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Part shade, moist soil, sheltered location.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

The Soft Shield Fern 'Herrenhausen' starts its life cycle as spores, which are produced under the fronds on spore-bearing structures called sori. When conditions are right, the spores germinate and grow into a tiny, heart-shaped gametophyte, which is the sexual stage of the plant. The gametophyte produces sperm and eggs, which, after fertilization, develop into a new sporophyte - the familiar fern plant. This fern grows slowly, establishing a root system and fiddleheads that unfurl into the mature fronds, which can reach their full size within a growing season. The mature Soft Shield Fern 'Herrenhausen' will continue to produce new fronds each year from the center of the plant, where the older, outer fronds die back naturally. The plant can live for many years, continuing this cycle of growth and reproduction, providing it is in a suitable environment with shade, moisture, and well-drained soil.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Soft Shield Fern (Polystichum setiferum Divisilobum Group 'Herrenhausen') is typically propagated by spores, which are usually ripe by late summer. However, the most popular method of propagation for this plant is by division, which is best done in early spring. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the fern, ensuring to keep as much root system intact as possible. The plant should then be gently pulled apart into smaller clumps, each having a section of crown and roots. These sections can be replanted at the same depth they were growing previously, in moist, well-drained soil. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method allows gardeners to quickly increase their stock of the fern without waiting for spore germination.