Parapolystichum acuminatum Plant Care
Parapolystichum acuminatum (Houlston) Labiak, Sundue & R.C.Moran
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Parapolystichum acuminatum, synonym Lastreopsis acuminata, is a small plant found in eastern Australia. Common names include creeping shield fern, glossy shield fern and shiny shield fern.
Every 5–7 days
Filtered light, avoid direct sun
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Parapolystichum acuminatum?
Water Parapolystichum acuminatum every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered light, avoid direct sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Parapolystichum acuminatum Native To?
What Is the Parapolystichum acuminatum?
Parapolystichum acuminatum (Parapolystichum acuminatum) belongs to the Dryopteridaceae family within the Parapolystichum genus. Parapolystichum acuminatum is native to eastern Australia.
Parapolystichum acuminatum displays a clumping fern with arching fronds growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Parapolystichum acuminatum produces non-flowering plant.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Parapolystichum acuminatum?
Parapolystichum acuminatum 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 Parapolystichum acuminatum Need?
Parapolystichum acuminatum thrives in filtered light, avoid direct sun.
Light Requirement
Filtered light, avoid direct sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Parapolystichum acuminatum Prefer?
Parapolystichum acuminatum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Parapolystichum acuminatum 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 Parapolystichum acuminatum?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Parapolystichum acuminatum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Parapolystichum acuminatum?
Feed Parapolystichum acuminatum 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 Parapolystichum acuminatum?
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 Parapolystichum acuminatum?
Parapolystichum acuminatum can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to parapolystichum microsorum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Parapolystichum acuminatum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Parapolystichum acuminatum, 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 Parapolystichum acuminatum?
Parapolystichum acuminatum 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 Parapolystichum acuminatum Need?
Parapolystichum acuminatum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Parapolystichum acuminatum is native to eastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Parapolystichum acuminatum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Parapolystichum acuminatum 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 Parapolystichum genus — compare its care with other Parapolystichum species on PlantoScan.
Parapolystichum is part of the Dryopteridaceae plant family — browse all Dryopteridaceae genera and species.
Parapolystichum acuminatum 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: Parapolystichum acuminatum (Houlston) Labiak, Sundue & R.C.Moran, family Dryopteridaceae (first published in Brittonia 67(1): 81. 2014 [1 Oct 2014] [epublished]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Parapolystichum acuminatum, 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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