Holly fern care guide
Cyrtomium falcatum
Quick answer
Water your holly fern when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry: ferns don’t like drying out. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days.
- WateringEvery 6 to 8 days · summer
Every 11 to 17 days · winter - LightBright, indirect light
- Climate10–24 °C (50–75 °F)
- Pet safetyPet-safe (non-toxic)
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
3 cm (1.2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 11 to 17 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright, indirect light
Holly fern thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Feeding
Feed your holly fern every 30 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate10–24 °C (50–75 °F)
Humidity50–70%
Holly fern is comfortable between 10 and 24 °C (50–75 °F). It handles a cool room well, even in winter, as long as it stays above 0 °C (32 °F).
It does best at 50–70% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
No. Pet-safe.
Holly fern is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Common questions
How often should I water a holly fern?
Water your holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry: ferns don’t like drying out. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days.
How much light does a holly fern need?
Holly fern thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Is holly fern safe for cats and dogs?
Holly fern is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Why is my holly fern turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources
- This guide follows established plant-care guidance and official ASPCA pet-safety references. How we verify our plant data →
- How we check our plant advice
Last reviewed:
