Strap Fern Plant Care
Drynaria rigidula (Sw.) Bedd.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Drynaria rigidula is a species of tropical fern in genus Drynaria widely distributed throughout Southeast Asia, from Southwest China to Queensland and New South Wales in Australia. Growing as an epiphyte or lithophyte, its green fronds are up to 1.22 metres in length.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to low light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Strap Fern?
Water Strap Fern every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to low light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Strap Fern?
Strap Fern (Drynaria rigidula) belongs to the Polypodiaceae family within the Drynaria genus. Strap Fern is also known as Basket Fern.
Strap Fern displays an epiphytic, spreading fern growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Strap Fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Strap Fern?
Drynaria rigidula requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Strap Fern Need?
Strap Fern thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Strap Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to low light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Strap Fern Prefer?
Drynaria rigidula grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Strap Fern prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Strap Fern?
Well-draining, acidic soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Strap Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Strap Fern?
Feed Strap 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 Strap 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 Strap Fern?
Strap Fern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to drynaria bonii plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Strap Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Strap 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 Strap Fern?
Strap 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 Strap Fern Need?
Strap Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Strap Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Strap 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 Drynaria genus — compare its care with other Drynaria species on PlantoScan.
Drynaria is part of the Polypodiaceae plant family — browse all Polypodiaceae genera and species.
Strap Fern copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Drynaria Species
Other Drynaria species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Drynaria rigidula (Sw.) Bedd., family Polypodiaceae (first published in Ferns Brit. India t. 314. 1869. NPfl. 330) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Strap 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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