Plant Care Dudley's Sword Fern

Dudley's Sword Fern

Also known as

Dudley's swordfern

Taxonomy

Polystichum dudleyi
Polystichum
Dryopteridaceae
Polypodiales

How to care for Dudley's Sword Fern

💦 Water

How often to water your Dudley's Sword Fern

Water needs for Dudley's Sword Fern
0.5 cups
every 7

Dudley's Sword Fern needs 0.5 cups of water every 7 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
7

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for Dudley's Sword Fern in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Dudley's Sword Fern: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

Dudley's Sword Fern love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Dudley's Sword Fern does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Dudley's Sword Fern in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Dudley's Sword Fern

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Dudley's Sword 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 Dudley's Sword Fern after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs
💦 Water Needs

Dudley's Sword Fern is sensitive to dry soil and should be watered frequently. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.


☀️ Sunlight Needs

Dudley's Sword Fern requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a 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 🏡.


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.


🪴 Soil

Dudley's Sword 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.


💩 Fertilizer

Dudley's Sword 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!


🧐 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.


Care Summary for Dudley's Sword Fern

Dudley's Sword Fern

Dudley's Sword Fern


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 7 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

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