Free Japanese Holly Fern Plants

The botanical name to the Japanese holly fern is cyrtomium falcatum. It has its origin from China and Japan. This indoor plant appears wonderful when it is mixed with other colorful plants. One of the most special features of the Japanese holly fern is that the plant is an evergreen perennial. You will get to see this plant even during the harshest of the winter months. The Japanese holly fern can grow up to the height of 2ft. The plant tends to spread wide more than growing to a vertical height. The Japanese holly fern or cyrtomium falcatum is known by quite a lot of common names. They are often termed in one of these names—Japanese holly fern,house holly fern, holly fern etc. It has been discovered that this plant has its origin from the family Dryopteridaceae.

Distribution : The plant Japanese holly fern has its native land in the eastern Asian countries such as China, Japan, Hong Kong, Nepal, India etc. The plant is commonly seen growing on a coastal cliff, rocky slopes, stream banks etc. Mostly the plant is seen growing in the moist environmental condition.

Foliage : The Japanese holly fern produces shiny green foliages. Foliage adds an extra resistance and beauty to the Japanese holly fern. It appears dark green in color, has shiny texture and is leathery. This leathery foliage is found to be deer resistant.

This glossy foliage is the major beauty of this plant. In order to maintain this glossy appearance in a leaf, you will need to clean this leaf with a damp cloth or spray some water over the leaves.

Growing Japanese holly fern : The Japanese holly fern needs a little attention from you during its growing stage. It has few needs that you will need to consider upon when planting.

Light : The Japanese holly fern like most of the indoor plant prefers to grow in a shady environment. A partial shade will do. Although this plant prefers to grow in a shady location, you should make sure that the plant receives some amount of light during the day time.

Soil : The kind of soil needed by the holly fern is similar to most of the other plants. It requires/prefers to grow in a well drained soil rich in humus. The soil needs to be fertile for best result. Also, make sure that the soil is not over watered. When kept in a pot, choose a pot that has good water holes. Also, make sure that the water collected in the pot saucer is drained out to prevent root rotting.

Water : The Japanese holly fern requires some amount of water to survive but not in access. Make sure that the plant is not left dry especially during the active growing season, that is during the summer months. Mist the plant in case you find the leaves drying out or is too dusty. It is good to maintain an average humidity to the plant.

Temperature : The Japanese holly fern can grow in 10 degree Celcius to 21 degree Celsius. This indicates that the plant can grow in a normal temperature. The plant will not survive a temperature below 10 degree Celsius. If the plant needs to survive in the heat above 21 degree, you will need to provide extra moisture by misting water on the leaves in order to avoid access dryness.

Fertilizer : Adding some amount of fertilizer to a plant can help boost its growing capacity. Thus, the Japanese holly fern also requires some attention with the fertilizer. Although, some amount of compost manure can act as a substitute for this plants growth, you can at times treat this plant with some amount of liquid fertilizer that is half diluted.

Caution : Not all plants are meant for human and animal consumption. It is suggested that you or even animals stay away from eating this plant.

Repotting : Want to repot your Japanese holly fern? Spring months are the best time to repot this plant. The plant is in its best growing stage during the summer months, thus, you will need to choose spring to repot this plant. If you want to divide the plant, this is also the best time to do so.

Propagation : The Japanese holly fern has the ability to propagate as well. It is during the spring months when you are in process of repotting the plant, you can follow the process of propagation before repotting it. This plant can propagate through the division method. While dividing the rhizome, make sure that each of the cut parts have a growing tip along with some fronds.

Pests : The Japanese holly fern is often attacked by scale insects. It is suggested that you get rid of this insect either by using you finger nails or use a blunt edge knife to scale off the insect. Do not use pesticides or insecticides to avoid the insect attacks. The plant is sensitive to chemicals.

The plant often suffers from fungal spots. To prevent this, you will need to treat the plant with some fungicide.

Use : The Japanese holly fern has some good uses like any other plants. This plant being an evergreen plant can be used throughout the year. This dark green leaved plant appears beautiful when kept in a container. This plant when kept indoors provides a lush atmosphere with its shiny dark green leaves. It increases the beauty of your home environment and makes it nature friendly. The plant is found tolerant to dry air and summer heats. It can survive in chemical smell such as perfume and gas, unlike the other ferns. Thus, this is a better indoor fern.