Pinnate Ridge Fern Plant Care
Dicranopteris linearis (Burm.f.) Underw.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Dicranopteris linearis is a common species of fern known by many common names, including Old World forked fern, uluhe (Hawaiian), and dilim (Filipino). It is one of the most widely distributed ferns of the wet Old World tropics and adjacent regions, including Polynesia and the Pacific.
Every 3–7 days
Partial to full shade
60–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Pinnate Ridge Fern?
Water Pinnate Ridge Fern every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 60–80% humidity.
What Is the Pinnate Ridge Fern?
Pinnate Ridge Fern (Dicranopteris linearis) belongs to the Gleicheniaceae family within the Dicranopteris genus.
Pinnate Ridge Fern displays a spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Pinnate Ridge Fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Pinnate Ridge Fern?
Dicranopteris linearis requires watering every 3–7 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 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Pinnate Ridge Fern Need?
Pinnate Ridge Fern thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Pinnate Ridge Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pinnate Ridge Fern Prefer?
Dicranopteris linearis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Pinnate Ridge Fern prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pinnate Ridge Fern?
Well-draining sandy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Pinnate Ridge Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Pinnate Ridge Fern?
Repot every 1-2 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 Pinnate Ridge Fern?
Pinnate Ridge Fern can be propagated through spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to dicranopteris flexuosa plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Pinnate Ridge Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Pinnate Ridge 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 Pinnate Ridge Fern?
Pinnate Ridge Fern is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites. 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 Pinnate Ridge Fern Need?
Pinnate Ridge Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Pinnate Ridge Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Pinnate Ridge 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 Dicranopteris genus — compare its care with other Dicranopteris species on PlantoScan.
Dicranopteris is part of the Gleicheniaceae plant family — browse all Gleicheniaceae genera and species.
Pinnate Ridge Fern copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dicranopteris linearis (Burm.f.) Underw., family Gleicheniaceae (first published in Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 34: 250 (1907)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pinnate Ridge 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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