PlantsPicker Logo
person Sign In
Dryopteris filix-mas
filter_vintage Dryopteridaceae Plants yard Outdoor plants

Dryopteris filix-mas

Male Fern

WhatsApp
A robust deciduous fern native to temperate zones, featuring arching fronds with brown sori on the undersides of the leaves. Prefers cool, moist conditions and filtered light.
yard Outdoor plants wb_sunny Shade / Half-shade pets Not pet-safe
info

Plant Details

Common Name Male Fern
Family Dryopteridaceae
Genus Dryopteris
Species Dryopteris Filix-Mas
Origin Europe, Asia
Blooming Non-flowering; produces spores on the undersides of fronds in summer
Leaf Color Dark green to yellow-brown (deciduous)
Sunlight Shade / Half-shade
Category Outdoor plants
Pet Friendly close No
yard

Care & Maintenance

terrain
Soil

Rich humus soil mixed with leaf mold and peat; must retain moisture without waterlogging

water_drop
Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during growing season. Reduce watering in winter dormancy. High ambient humidity required indoors.

light_mode
Sunlight & Care

Prefers deep shade or dappled light. Direct sun scorches fronds rapidly.

science
Fertilization

Apply diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during spring and summer growth period only

content_cut
Pruning

Remove dead or damaged fronds at the base in early spring before new growth emerges

Pest Control Mealybug Scale Insect Slug Snail

These are the insects and pathogens that commonly interact with this plant, including pests, parasites, and organisms typically associated with its care.

calendar_month

Seasonal Periods

eco Leaf Persistence 12 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
thermostat

Growing Parameters

thermostat
Temperature
50° – 75°
Fahrenheit
Ideal ambient air temperature range for healthy growth
water_drop
Humidity
60% – 80%
% relative
Optimal relative air humidity the plant thrives in
light_mode
Light (LUX)
400 – 2500
Lux
Ambient illuminance level at the plant's surface
wb_sunny
Light (PAR)
300 – 1500
mmol/m²/s
Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intensity
water
Soil Moisture
50% – 70%
% volumetric
Water content in the growing medium
bolt
Soil EC
400 – 1200
mS/cm
Electrical conductivity (nutrient concentration in soil water)
local_hospital

Common Problems

Something wrong with your Dryopteris filix-mas? Select a symptom to diagnose and fix the issue.

eco Brown Leaf Tips chevron_right

Related Plants

You might also like these plants

Browse All ›
Dryopteris bushiana
parkOutdoor plants
Dryopteris bushiana

Bush Fern

account_treeDryopteridaceae location_onTemperate Asia and Europe

info Price unavailable

light_mode Shade, Half-shade thermostat 41-86°F water_drop 45–80%
Dryopteris erythrosora
parkOutdoor plants petsPet friendly
Dryopteris erythrosora

Japanese Painted Fern

account_treeDryopteridaceae location_onJapan / China
from $43
check_circleIn Stock
yard5-6 in
light_mode Shade, Half-shade thermostat 50-79°F water_drop 50–90%
Cornus mas
parkOutdoor plants petsPet friendly
Cornus mas

Cornelian Cherry

account_treeCornaceae location_onSouthern Europe / Southwest Asia
from $70
check_circleIn Stock
light_mode Half-shade, Sun thermostat 5-95°F water_drop 20–90%
Athyrium filix-femina
parkOutdoor plants petsPet friendly
Athyrium filix-femina

Lady Fern

account_treeAthyriaceae location_onTemperate Northern Hemisphere (Europe, Asia, North America)
from $15
check_circleIn Stock
yard3-4 in
light_mode Half-shade thermostat 50-75°F water_drop 50–85%
favorite