How to Care for Leatherleaf Ferns

The Rumohra adiantiformis, commonly known as the Leatherleaf fern, is a true evergreen fern. It has dark green leaves, also known as fronds, that stem from a central clump. These fronds can grow as much as 3 feet high and are often used as cut greens in flower arrangements. The plant is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9B through 11. Leatherleaf also does well as a potted indoor plant as it does not require the high humidity most ferns do.

Things You'll Need

Rotted leaf mold
Fish emulsion fertilizer
16-ounce spray bottle

Ivory dish soap
Purified water

Instructions

- 1
  Place the fern in a shaded area. If the plant is indoors, place it in indirect light, never in direct sunlight. Outdoors, if you have inherited a Leatherleaf that has been planted in some sunlight, provide it shade by planting a larger shrub near it or dig it up and move it to a shady location.
- 2
  Water the plant slowly and deeply so the ground is soaked several inches deep. Indoors, water until the water runs out the bottom of the pot and into the tray. Do not water again until the soil has dried out to an inch deep.
- 3
  Apply a thin layer of rotted leaf mold to the soil under the fronds in April as the growing season begins. Fertilize with fish emulsion once a month from May to September. Follow manufacturer’s directions on fish emulsion for the amount to apply.
- 4
  Place 1 ounce of Ivory dish soap into a 16-ounce spray bottle and fill with purified water. Spray the leaves of the fern if you notice mealy bugs, scales or spider mites. Repeat once a week until the bugs are gone.
- 5
  Pull out dead or damaged fronds as soon as you notice them. This will not only keep the plant tidy but will also guard against fungus diseases.

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