23 of the Easiest Houseplants You Can Grow
Japanese Holly Fern Care Must-Knows
Japanese holly fern tolerates low humidity, which makes it a great houseplant. Plant it in a 12- to 18-inch container filled with a good quality potting mix. Site it in a room with medium light; direct sunlight can scorch this plant’s foliage. When Japanese holly fern is grown as a houseplant, water it regularly to maintain moist but not soggy soil. Feed your fern every month, spring through fall, with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Expect it to grow about 2 feet tall and wide indoors. Divide the plant in spring when it outgrows its container, which should take a few years. Outside, plant Japanese holly fern in moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant grows best in all-day shade or a combination of morning sun and afternoon shade. Avoid planting spots where the soil stays wet for extended periods, which encourages root rot and is especially detrimental during winter. Water plants regularly during dry periods. Japanese holly fern is hardy in mild winter climates. In areas where the foliage turns brown in winter, cut it back to ground level in early spring before new growth begins. In Zones 6 and 7, cover Japanese holly fern with a layer of straw mulch in winter to protect it from extreme temperatures. Create a tranquil Japanese garden with these basic elements.
