Photo: jodepagecorneyCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Fan Fern Plant Care
Sticherus flabellatus (R.Br.) St.John
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its unique fan-shaped fronds, Sticherus flabellatus, originating from Australia, is a striking addition to any plant collection. Plant collectors are drawn to its delicate and intricate foliage that adds a touch of elegance to indoor or outdoor gardens.
Every 3–5 days
Filtered sunlight
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Fan Fern?
Water Fan Fern every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered sunlight. 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 Fan Fern Native To?
What Is the Fan Fern?
Fan Fern (Sticherus flabellatus) belongs to the Gleicheniaceae family within the Sticherus genus. Fan Fern is native to eastern Australia and in New Zealand, northwards from the north-west of the South Island. Fan Fern is also known as Green Fan Fern.
Fan Fern displays a fern-like, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Fan Fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Fan Fern?
Sticherus flabellatus requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Fan Fern Need?
Fan Fern thrives in filtered sunlight. Avoid placing Fan Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered sunlight
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Fan Fern Prefer?
Sticherus flabellatus grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Fan Fern 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 Fan Fern?
Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Fan Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Fan Fern?
Feed Fan Fern 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 Fan 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 Fan Fern?
Fan Fern can be propagated through spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to umbrella fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Fan Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Fan 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 Fan Fern?
Fan 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 Fan Fern Need?
Fan Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Fan Fern is native to eastern Australia and in New Zealand, northwards from the north-west of the South Island. In cooler regions, grow Fan Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Fan 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 Sticherus genus — compare its care with other Sticherus species on PlantoScan.
Sticherus is part of the Gleicheniaceae plant family — browse all Gleicheniaceae genera and species.
Fan Fern produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Sticherus flabellatus (R.Br.) St.John, family Gleicheniaceae (first published in Occas. Pap. Bernice Pauahi Bishop Mus. 17: 81 (1942)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Fan 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: jodepagecorney, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, 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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