Whisk fern Plant Care

Whisk fern (Psilotum nudum) belongs to the Psilotaceae family within the Psilotum genus. Whisk fern is also known as Skeleton weed, Giant whisk fern.

Whisk fern displays a low, spreading fern-like growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Whisk fern produces non-flowering.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Whisk fern every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Whisk fern thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Whisk fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Psilotum nudum tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Whisk fern prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Whisk fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Whisk fern every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining sandy soil mix with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Whisk fern is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Whisk fern can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Whisk fern while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Whisk fern is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Whisk fern can be propagated through spores, rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to flattened whisk fern plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Whisk fern is susceptible to mealybugs, 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.

Whisk fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Whisk fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.