Goldfern Plant Care
Pentagramma triangularis (Kaulf.) Yatsk., Windham & E.Wollenw.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pentagramma triangularis, commonly known as the gold fern or the goldback fern, is a species of fern in the family Pteridaceae, native to Western North America, with highest abundance in the state of California. Its common name "goldback" refers to the light yellow color of the fern's protective coating which inhibits moisture loss.
Every 5–7 days
Filtered light, partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Goldfern?
Water Goldfern every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered light, 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.
Where Is the Goldfern Native To?
What Is the Goldfern?
Goldfern (Pentagramma triangularis) belongs to the Pteridaceae family within the Pentagramma genus. Goldfern is native to Western North America, with highest abundance in the state of California. Goldfern is also known as California Goldfern.
Goldfern displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Goldfern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Goldfern?
Pentagramma triangularis 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 Goldfern Need?
Goldfern thrives in filtered light, partial shade. Avoid placing Goldfern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered light, partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Goldfern Prefer?
Pentagramma triangularis grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Goldfern 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 Goldfern?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Goldfern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Goldfern?
Feed Goldfern 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 Goldfern?
Repot every 1-2 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 Goldfern?
Goldfern can be propagated through spores.
Is the Goldfern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Goldfern, 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 Goldfern?
Goldfern is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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 Goldfern Need?
Goldfern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Goldfern is native to Western North America, with highest abundance in the state of California. In cooler regions, grow Goldfern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Goldfern 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 Pentagramma genus (family Pteridaceae) — search all Pentagramma species in the plant lookup.
Goldfern produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pentagramma triangularis (Kaulf.) Yatsk., Windham & E.Wollenw., family Pteridaceae (first published in Amer. Fern J. 80: 15. 1990) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Goldfern, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Goldfern Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species