Photo: Ed AlversonCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Licorice fern Plant Care
Polypodium glycyrrhiza D.C.Eaton
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This fern species is characterized by its unique fronds that resemble a ladder. Originating from Southeast Asia, Polypodium glycyrrhiza is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking appearance and ability to thrive in low light conditions. Its cascading foliage adds a touch of elegance to any indoor garden.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to low light
60–75°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Licorice fern?
Water Licorice fern every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to low light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Licorice fern Native To?
What Is the Licorice fern?
Licorice fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) belongs to the Polypodiaceae family within the Polypodium genus. Licorice fern is native to northwestern North America. Licorice fern is also known as Smooth sweet root.
Licorice fern displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Licorice fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Licorice fern?
Polypodium glycyrrhiza requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Licorice fern Need?
Licorice fern thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Licorice fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to low light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Licorice fern Prefer?
Polypodium glycyrrhiza grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Licorice fern prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Licorice fern?
Loose, well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Licorice fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Licorice fern?
Feed Licorice 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 Licorice fern?
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 Licorice fern?
Licorice fern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to appalachian polypody plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Licorice fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Licorice 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 Licorice fern?
Licorice 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 Licorice fern Need?
Licorice fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Licorice fern is native to northwestern North America.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Licorice 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 Polypodium genus — compare its care with other Polypodium species on PlantoScan.
Polypodium is part of the Polypodiaceae plant family — browse all Polypodiaceae genera and species.
Licorice fern copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Polypodium Species
Other Polypodium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Polypodium glycyrrhiza D.C.Eaton, family Polypodiaceae (first published in Amer. J. Sci. Arts , ser. 2, 22: 138 (1856)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Licorice 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: Ed Alverson, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 9b, 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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