Photo: ximangoCC BY 4.0via PlantoScanresized / cropped
Hartford fern Plant Care
Lygodium palmatum (Bernh.) Sw.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lygodium palmatum is the only species of its genus native to North America. Unlike most species in the genus, this one, called the American climbing fern, Hartford fern, or Alice's fern, is extremely hardy in temperate zones .The name "Hartford Fern" being derived from its former prevalence in Hartford and the surrounding Connecticut area.
Every 5–7 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Hartford fern?
Water Hartford fern every 5–7 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 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Hartford fern Native To?
What Is the Hartford fern?
Hartford fern (Lygodium palmatum) belongs to the Lygodiaceae family within the Lygodium genus. Hartford fern is native to North America. Hartford fern is also known as Climbing fern.
Hartford fern displays a vining, climbing fern growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Hartford fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hartford fern?
Lygodium palmatum requires watering every 5–7 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 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Hartford fern Need?
Hartford fern thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Hartford 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 Hartford fern Prefer?
Lygodium palmatum grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Hartford fern prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hartford fern?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Hartford fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hartford fern?
Feed Hartford 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 Hartford 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 Hartford fern?
Hartford fern can be propagated through spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to climbing fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Hartford fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hartford 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 Hartford fern?
Hartford 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 Hartford fern Need?
Hartford fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Hartford fern is native to North America. In cooler regions, grow Hartford fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Hartford 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 Lygodium genus — compare its care with other Lygodium species on PlantoScan.
Lygodium is part of the Lygodiaceae plant family — browse all Lygodiaceae genera and species.
Hartford 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: Lygodium palmatum (Bernh.) Sw., family Lygodiaceae (first published in Syn. Fil. (Swartz) 154. 1806 [Mar-Apr 1806] ; & HB. 436. Prantl, Schiz. 64. Chr. 353. NPfl. 365. 1806) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hartford 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: ximango, CC BY 4.0, PlantoScan — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, 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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