Simple Bush Fern Plant Care
Arachniodes simplicior (Makino) Ohwi
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Arachniodes simplicior, the simpler East Indian hollyfern, East Indian holly fern, or variegated shield fern, is a species of fern in the family Dryopteridaceae.
Every 7–10 days
Filtered light, partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Simple Bush Fern?
Water Simple Bush Fern every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered light, partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Simple Bush Fern?
Simple Bush Fern (Arachniodes simplicior) belongs to the Dryopteridaceae family within the Arachniodes genus.
Simple Bush Fern displays a clumping, spreading fern growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Simple Bush Fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Simple Bush Fern?
Arachniodes simplicior 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 Simple Bush Fern Need?
Simple Bush Fern thrives in filtered light, partial shade. Avoid placing Simple Bush Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered light, partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Simple Bush Fern Prefer?
Arachniodes simplicior grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Simple Bush Fern prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Simple Bush Fern?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Simple Bush Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Simple Bush Fern?
Feed Simple Bush 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 Simple Bush Fern?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. 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 Simple Bush Fern?
Simple Bush Fern can be propagated through division of rhizomes, spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to aristate bristle fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Simple Bush Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Simple Bush 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 Simple Bush Fern?
Simple Bush 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 Simple Bush Fern Need?
Simple Bush Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Simple Bush Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Simple Bush 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 Arachniodes genus — compare its care with other Arachniodes species on PlantoScan.
Arachniodes is part of the Dryopteridaceae plant family — browse all Dryopteridaceae genera and species.
Simple Bush Fern produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Arachniodes simplicior (Makino) Ohwi, family Dryopteridaceae (first published in J. Jap. Bot. 37: 76. 1962) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Simple Bush 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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