How Do You Care For Dryopteris Wallichiana?

How Do You Care For Dryopteris Wallichiana?

When established, Dryopteris Wallichiana (wood ferns) are low-maintenance, slow-growing plants that require little effort. Provide just enough water to prevent the soil from becoming completely dry. Many species of wood fern are tolerant of damp circumstances and can even be seen growing near streams and ponds.

Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) will not grow in the shade, however, they will tolerate low-light conditions. They do well in areas that receive dappled sun or light shade.

They prefer moist, humusy soils but will adapt to most garden soils if properly watered and fertilized. The following are the factors to consider when caring for Dryopteris Wallichiana;

Sunlight

Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood Ferns) can tolerate dappled sunlight but prefer partial shade. Position in an area where they receive indirect light but are shielded from hot afternoon sun. Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) will still remain healthy and attractive with their fronds growing in just 6-hour intervals per day.

Soil

The soil that Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) are planted in should be friable (loosely packed but not soggy). The plants should be watered thoroughly and evenly on a regular basis to insure good root development. In addition, be sure to fertilize the soil regularly to improve overall health.

Watering

Although Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) are not particular when it comes to watering, they do appreciate being kept moist. Watering every 3-4 weeks will insure proper soil moisture levels, as well as provide a space for the roots to form healthy new growth.

This plant will not tolerate standing water for extended periods of time. When watering, be sure that the soil is fully saturated and then allow the water to drain through the plant’s root system.

Temperature

Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) are not particularly particular about temperature. They tolerate a wide range of temperature variations. Although this plant prefers cooler weather, it will tolerate warmer temperatures to a point.

As the weather becomes hotter, the fronds will begin to brown and die back. This species is frost-tolerant and is able to survive temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius (-22 F).

Humidity

Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) prefer a moderate amount of humidity. They are not prone to mildew but will benefit from being misted or soaked periodically throughout the year. Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) are tolerant of varying humidity levels, but will not tolerate damp conditions for prolonged periods of time.

Fertilizing

Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood Ferns) should be fertilized at the beginning of each season to promote strong growth. It is ideal to fertilize in early spring just as new fronds are emerging from the ground. Applying a balanced fertilizer will help to promote vigorous growth and compact, attractive fronds that remain upright and dark green.

Propagation

Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) are propagated from sowing spores and division. The seeds are sown in pots or trays of 1:1 peat moss and sand. The surface should be lightly sprinkled with sand to cover the seeds and then moistened.

Do not place the pot in an overly hot location as this plant is prone to rot. New fronds should emerge from the soil within two weeks. Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) can be propagated by division after they have formed a mat of foliage approximately 16″-24″ across.

Repotting

Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) should be repotted every 2 years. The plants should be placed in a small, pot that is just big enough for their roots to grow.

If the root system is allowed to become too large, only part of the plant’s root system will remain healthy and the plant may begin to develop a lot of unhealthy fronds and dry out. Repotting should be performed in late spring or early summer when the new leaves are still tight and compact.

Pruning

The graceful, wavy fronds of Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) should be pruned regularly to shape. To do so, remove any dead or damaged leaves and check to see if your fern is growing up too high.

If it is getting too tall, remove the uppermost top frond by cutting it off at the base where its stem connects with the frond. This will help to keep it in proportion with other plants as well as improve its color and fertility in the soil.

Are Dryopteris Wallichiana Evergreen?

Dryopteris Wallichiana is evergreen. As long as you provide it with all of the sunlight, water and fertilizer that it needs in order to grow, it will stay green all year long. It will be dormant during the winter months which is a good thing because that is when it produces its seeds.

Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) will also remain green in the shade because of the high proportion of microscopic chlorophyll in their fronds. The thick layer of this substance absorbs sunlight.

When it detects light, this substance pushes water up its stalks to be released through a number of tiny pores as little droplets which enable Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) to survive in places that other plants cannot tolerate. Its fronds remain green during cold weather, but their posture changes from erect to prostrate during winter.

Dryopteris Wallichiana is not a cold hardy plant and will only survive if it is protected from the cold by row cover or a covered structure. If the temperature dips below -15°F, the Dryopteris Wallichiana will begin to rot, leaving behind a mess of dead leaves and stems.

The soil beneath this plant will also freeze in low temperatures and become compacted by all of the snow that you should put under it every year.

Is Dryopteris Wallichiana Hardy?

Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) is a very cold-hardy plant that will survive even in the northern reaches of the United States. In USDA Hardiness Zones 5 and 10, these plants can be left outside during winter months, however, they should be covered if sub-freezing temperatures are expected.

In USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 9 begin by mulching the plants heavily in the fall and continue to do so until spring. Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) can also be brought indoors in a pot during the winter months. Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) are easy to care for and low-maintenance, so they make a good choice for the forester’s needs.

Are Dryopteris Wallichiana Good For Indoors?

Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) are great for the indoors. They can survive in low light with the right care, but they thrive in medium to full sunlight. A little sunlight is okay, too. Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) should be kept away from drafts and cold air that will kill them.

Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) should be placed in a location where the temperature will stay between 50-55°F. Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) can also be placed in a spot that gets filtered sunlight for about 4 hours a day.

Dryopteris Wallichiana are low-maintenance. They need no special soil that must be changed every year, but they do require consistent watering. If the soil has dried out between watering, mist it lightly to moisten the potting mix.

Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) are easy to take care of. When growing Dryopteris Wallichiana indoor, remember to keep them in a humid environment. Although they grow indoors, their fronds need moisture in the air and the soil.

Are Dryopteris Wallichiana Toxic?

Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) are toxic to humans or animals. When ingested, they will cause vomiting, paralysis and death. Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) are dangerous to livestock because they may be poisoned by the plant’s sap.

Please keep this in mind if you want to raise animals such as rabbits, chickens or guinea pigs in your yard. Dryopteris Wallichiana can also be dangerous to children and pets so keep this plant away from them.

Dryopteris Wallichiana contains substances called ptaquilosides and saponins which are toxic. These substances can cause nausea and damage to the nervous system.

Ptaquilosides, a glycoside, is found in Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns). It’s also found in yew leaves and it may be dangerous if eaten. Ptaquilosides causes nausea, hallucinations and paralysis.

What Kind Of Soil Does Dryopteris Wallichiana Like?

Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood Ferns) do best in well-draining soil. The pH level of the soil should be around 6.0 to 7.0, although species from the more acidic end of the spectrum are tolerant of slightly higher levels than those from the more alkaline end.

Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood Ferns) prefer a soil that is rich in organic matter and low in nitrogen. The soil should be moist but never soggy or waterlogged. Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) should be fertilized every few months above ground to keep the fronds strong and healthy.

If you see signs of yellowing, it means your plant is receiving too much or too little nitrogen. You can solve this problem by changing the fertility of your soil or changing the pH level to a more acidic range of 5.

How Often Should I Water A Dryopteris Wallichiana?

Dryopteris Wallichiana should be watered weekly. If the soil remains dry for a week, you will need to water it more frequently. Keep in mind that if Dryopteris Wallichiana does not receive enough water during extended dry periods, it will begin to wilt instead of decomposing.

Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) do best when they are watered regularly. Watering too much will cause the leaves to brown, however, if you water them too little, the plant may begin to wilt or die. You should not allow the fronds to become completely dry, but it is okay if they start to turn brown.

Dryopteris Wallichiana (Wood ferns) should be watered when the top of the soil is dry; about an inch below the surface. You should also water your plant if there is a chance it will receive less than an inch of rain per week.

Watering early in the morning is better than watering later in the day, because it will help to prevent wilting on hot days. It is important that you harvest the fronds before you water them and when you do water them, water thoroughly.