Sticherus lobatus Plant Care
Sticherus lobatus Wakef.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Sticherus lobatus, known as the spreading fan fern, is a small fern found in eastern and southern Australia. It is a common and attractive plant, similar to S.
Every 3–5 days
Filtered sunlight
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Sticherus lobatus?
Water Sticherus lobatus 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 Sticherus lobatus Native To?
What Is the Sticherus lobatus?
Sticherus lobatus (Sticherus lobatus) belongs to the Gleicheniaceae family within the Sticherus genus. Sticherus lobatus is native to eastern and southern Australia.
Sticherus lobatus displays a fern-like, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Sticherus lobatus produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Sticherus lobatus?
Sticherus lobatus 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 Sticherus lobatus Need?
Sticherus lobatus thrives in filtered sunlight. Avoid placing Sticherus lobatus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered sunlight
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sticherus lobatus Prefer?
Sticherus lobatus grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Sticherus lobatus 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 Sticherus lobatus?
Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Sticherus lobatus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sticherus lobatus?
Feed Sticherus lobatus 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 Sticherus lobatus?
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 Sticherus lobatus?
Sticherus lobatus can be propagated through spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fan fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Sticherus lobatus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Sticherus lobatus, 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 Sticherus lobatus?
Sticherus lobatus 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 Sticherus lobatus Need?
Sticherus lobatus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Sticherus lobatus is native to eastern and southern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Sticherus lobatus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Sticherus lobatus 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.
Sticherus lobatus produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Sticherus lobatus Wakef., family Gleicheniaceae (first published in Vict. Naturalist 60: 110 (1943)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sticherus lobatus, 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.
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