Dryopteris cristata (Crested Wood Fern)

Dryopteris cristata is a species of fern native to wetlands throughout the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe and Russia. It is known as crested wood fern or crested buckler-fern. Gorgeous light green foliage that start rolled then unfurls to reveal long delicate arching fronds. Loves a closed terrarium.

Care Difficulty: Moderate care needs.

Light requirements: Prefers bright indirect light to semi shade. North or east facing window is best. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn.

Watering: Water thoroughly but allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Avoid watering the centre nest as the can cause the plant to rot.

Humidity: Loves humidity. Grouping humidity-loving plants together can help, as can placing pots of a wet pebble tray. You can mist the area around the foliage although this will only increase humidity temporarily. Be cautious to not mist excessively as this can lead to fungal issues. Humidifiers are also beneficial to increase humidity.

Toxicity: Toxic to humans and pets

Feeding: Enjoys being fed during Spring- Summer growth period once a month. Always follow the instructions on your feed of choice.

Repotting: Repot around once a year -check to see if the roots are coming out the bottom of the pot or when the plant is to large!