Photo: Roberto JovelCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Giant Fern Plant Care
Angiopteris evecta (Forst.) Hoffm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive visual feature is its massive, glossy, deep green fronds that can reach up to 12 feet in length. Originating from Australia, Angiopteris evecta is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking appearance and impressive size, making it a coveted addition to any tropical garden or indoor space.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Giant Fern?
Water Giant Fern every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Giant Fern Native To?
What Is the Giant Fern?
Giant Fern (Angiopteris evecta) belongs to the Marattiaceae family within the Angiopteris genus. Giant Fern is native to most parts of Southeast Asia and Oceania. Giant Fern is also known as King Fern.
Giant Fern displays a large, spreading fern growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Giant Fern produces non-flowering plant.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Giant Fern?
Angiopteris evecta requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Giant Fern Need?
Giant Fern thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Giant Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Giant Fern Prefer?
Angiopteris evecta grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Giant Fern prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Giant Fern?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Giant Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Giant Fern?
Feed Giant Fern every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Giant Fern?
Repot every 2-3 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Giant Fern?
Giant Fern can be propagated through spores.
Is the Giant Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Giant Fern, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Giant Fern?
Giant Fern is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Giant Fern Need?
Giant Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Giant Fern is native to most parts of Southeast Asia and Oceania. In cooler regions, grow Giant Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Giant Fern is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Angiopteris genus — compare its care with other Angiopteris species on PlantoScan.
Angiopteris is part of the Marattiaceae plant family — browse all Marattiaceae genera and species.
Giant Fern thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Angiopteris evecta (Forst.) Hoffm., family Marattiaceae (first published in Commentat. Soc. Regiae Sci. Gott. 12: 29 (1794)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Giant Fern, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Roberto Jovel, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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