Dryopteris aemula Plant Care
Dryopteris aemula (Aiton) Kuntze
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Dryopteris aemula, the hay-scented buckler-fern or hay-scented fern, is a species of perennial leptosporangiate fern.
Every 7–14 days
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Dryopteris aemula?
Water Dryopteris aemula every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered sunlight or 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 Dryopteris aemula?
Dryopteris aemula (Dryopteris aemula) belongs to the Dryopteridaceae family within the Dryopteris genus.
Dryopteris aemula displays a fern with spreading habit growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Dryopteris aemula produces non-flowering plant.
Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dryopteris aemula?
Dryopteris aemula 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 Dryopteris aemula Need?
Dryopteris aemula thrives in filtered sunlight or partial shade. Avoid placing Dryopteris aemula in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dryopteris aemula Prefer?
Dryopteris aemula grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Dryopteris aemula 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 Dryopteris aemula?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Dryopteris aemula to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dryopteris aemula?
Feed Dryopteris aemula 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 Dryopteris aemula?
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 Dryopteris aemula?
Dryopteris aemula can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to autumn fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Dryopteris aemula Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dryopteris aemula, 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 Dryopteris aemula?
Dryopteris aemula is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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 Dryopteris aemula Need?
Dryopteris aemula grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Dryopteris aemula as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Dryopteris aemula 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 Dryopteris genus — compare its care with other Dryopteris species on PlantoScan.
Dryopteris is part of the Dryopteridaceae plant family — browse all Dryopteridaceae genera and species.
Dryopteris aemula produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dryopteris aemula (Aiton) Kuntze, family Dryopteridaceae (first published in Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 812. 1891 [5 Nov 1891]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dryopteris aemula, 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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