Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Ostrich Fern Plant Care
Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Tod.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Matteuccia is a genus of ferns with one species: Matteuccia struthiopteris. The species epithet struthiopteris comes from Ancient Greek words στρουθίων (strouthíōn) "ostrich" and πτερίς (pterís) "fern".
Every 3–5 days
Shade to part shade
50–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Ostrich Fern?
Water Ostrich Fern every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it shade to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Ostrich Fern?
Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) belongs to the Aspleniaceae family within the Matteuccia genus. Ostrich Fern is also known as Common Ostrich Fern, European Ostrich Fern, Flowering Fern.
Ostrich Fern displays a large, clumping fern growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Ostrich Fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ostrich Fern?
Matteuccia struthiopteris requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Ostrich Fern Need?
Ostrich Fern thrives in shade to part shade. Avoid placing Ostrich Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Shade to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ostrich Fern Prefer?
Matteuccia struthiopteris grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Ostrich Fern prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ostrich Fern?
Rich, moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Ostrich Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ostrich Fern?
Feed Ostrich Fern every 8 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 8 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 Ostrich Fern?
Divide and repot every 3-5 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 Ostrich Fern?
Ostrich Fern can be propagated through division of rhizomes.
Is the Ostrich Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ostrich 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 Ostrich Fern?
Ostrich Fern is susceptible to slugs, snails. 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 Ostrich Fern Need?
Ostrich Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 2a – 7b. It survives winters down to planting zone 2a.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 2a – 7b
Keep exploring plants
Ostrich 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 Matteuccia genus — compare its care with other Matteuccia species on PlantoScan.
Matteuccia is part of the Aspleniaceae plant family — browse all Aspleniaceae genera and species.
Ostrich 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: Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Tod., family Aspleniaceae (first published in Giorn. Sci. Nat. Econ. Palermo 1: 235. 1866 ; Syn. Pl. Acot. Vasc.: 30 [Jan-Sep 1866] (a pre-print or re-print of the journal)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ostrich 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 2a – 7b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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