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Monarch Fern

Also known as

Chrysopteris longipes, Chrysopteris peltidea, Chrysopteris phymatodes, Chrysopteris terminalis, Drynaria longipes, Drynaria phymatodes, Drynaria vulgaris, Microsorium scolopendrium, Microsorum alternifolium, Phymatodes banerjiana, Phymatodes longipes, Phymatodes peltidea, Phymatodes phymatodes, Phymatodes scolopendria, Phymatodes terminalis, Phymatodes vulgaris, Phymatosaurus scolopendria, Phymatosorus banerjianus, Phymatosorus scolopendria, Pleopeltis phymatodes, Pleopeltis schneideri, Polypodium fuentesii, Polypodium longipes, Polypodium madagascariense, Polypodium madascariense, Polypodium peltideum, Polypodium phymatodes, Polypodium phymatodes partitum, Polypodium scutifrons, Polypodium terminale, Pteris lobata, ? scolopendrium, Tectaria phymatodes and ? terminalis

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Microsorum scolopendria

Genus

Microsorum

Family

Polypodiaceae

Order

Polypodiales

How to care for Monarch Fern

💦 Water

How often to water your Monarch Fern

Monarch Fern needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Monarch Fern in your home

Monarch Fern can tolerate being far from a window and light source.

Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Monarch Fern in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Monarch Fern

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Monarch Fern: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Monarch Fern after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #Microsorum

💡 FAQs

💦 Water Needs

Monarch Fern prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Monarch Fern Water Frequency →

Monarch Fern Root Rot →

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Monarch Fern can tolerate being far from a window and light source. Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Monarch Fern Light Requirements →

Monarch Fern Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Monarch Fern is not known to cause harm to humans or pets. Regardless, if you, a family member, a cat, or dog has ingested any plant material, please consult a doctor or a veterinarian.

💨 Humidity

Monarch Fern enjoys lots of humidity. Provide humidity for your plant by watering regularly and thoroughly, since plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves. They may also benefit from being placed next to a humidifier.

Monarch Fern Humidity Needs →

🪴 Soil

Monarch Fern is very sensitive to dry soil, so choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil will still drain well and contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir or sphagnum moss.

Best Soil Mix for Monarch Fern →

Best Pots for Monarch Fern →

When and How to Successfully Repot Monarch Fern →

What Are Healthy Monarch Fern Roots →

💩 Fertilizer

Monarch Fern should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize Monarch Fern →

🌎 Native Region

Monarch Fern is native to Temperate and Tropical Old World.

🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Monarch Fern can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

Monarch Fern Temperature Tolerance →

Monarch Fern Hardiness Zones →

Landscaping Ideas with Monarch Fern →

When to Plant Monarch Fern →

How to Plant Monarch Fern →

Where to Plant Monarch Fern →

Winter Care for Monarch Fern →

Best Companion Plants for Monarch Fern →

Is Monarch Fern a Weed? →

🍂 Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.

Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Monarch Fern, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.

Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.