Photo: John BrewCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Leathery Sword Fern Plant Care
Polypodium scouleri Hook. & Grev.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognizable by its long, leathery, deeply lobed fronds that give it a unique and tropical appearance. Originating from the western coast of North America, Polypodium scouleri is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking foliage and ability to thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to low light
60–75°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Leathery Sword Fern?
Water Leathery Sword 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 Leathery Sword Fern Native To?
What Is the Leathery Sword Fern?
Leathery Sword Fern (Polypodium scouleri) belongs to the Polypodiaceae family within the Polypodium genus. Leathery Sword Fern is native to coastal western North America from British Columbia to Guadalupe Island off Baja California. Leathery Sword Fern is also known as Coastal Sword Fern.
Leathery Sword Fern displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Leathery Sword Fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Leathery Sword Fern?
Polypodium scouleri 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 Leathery Sword Fern Need?
Leathery Sword Fern thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Leathery Sword 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 Leathery Sword Fern Prefer?
Polypodium scouleri grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Leathery Sword 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 Leathery Sword Fern?
Loose, well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Leathery Sword Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Leathery Sword Fern?
Feed Leathery Sword 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 Leathery Sword 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 Leathery Sword Fern?
Leathery Sword 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 Leathery Sword Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Leathery Sword 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 Leathery Sword Fern?
Leathery Sword 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 Leathery Sword Fern Need?
Leathery Sword Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Leathery Sword Fern is native to coastal western North America from British Columbia to Guadalupe Island off Baja California.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Leathery Sword 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.
Leathery Sword 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 scouleri Hook. & Grev., family Polypodiaceae (first published in Icon. Filic. t. 56. 1828; HB. 342. Chr. 84 (1828)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Leathery Sword 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: John Brew, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Leathery Sword Fern 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