Photo: Nicolas OlejnikCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
umbrella fern Plant Care
Sticherus quadripartitus (Poir.) Ching
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This fern's fronds are characterized by their four distinct parts, giving them a unique and striking appearance. Hailing from Australia, it is a favorite of plant collectors for its rare and exotic qualities, making it a coveted addition to any collection. Its elegant and intricate fronds make it a show-stopping addition to any indoor garden.
Every 3–5 days
Filtered sunlight
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for umbrella fern?
Water umbrella 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.
What Is the umbrella fern?
umbrella fern (Sticherus quadripartitus) belongs to the Gleicheniaceae family within the Sticherus genus. umbrella fern is native to Chile with a natural distribution ranging from the latitude of Concepción in the north to Magallanes Region in the south including adjacent parts of Argentina. umbrella fern is also known as forked fan fern.
umbrella fern displays a fern-like, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. umbrella fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a umbrella fern?
Sticherus quadripartitus 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 umbrella fern Need?
umbrella fern thrives in filtered sunlight. Avoid placing umbrella fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered sunlight
What Temperature and Humidity Does the umbrella fern Prefer?
Sticherus quadripartitus grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. umbrella 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 umbrella fern?
Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for umbrella fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a umbrella fern?
Feed umbrella 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 umbrella 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 umbrella fern?
umbrella fern can be propagated through spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fan fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the umbrella fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list umbrella 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 umbrella fern?
umbrella 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 umbrella fern Need?
umbrella fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. umbrella fern is native to Chile with a natural distribution ranging from the latitude of Concepción in the north to Magallanes Region in the south including adjacent parts of Argentina.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
umbrella 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.
umbrella fern produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Sticherus quadripartitus (Poir.) Ching, family Gleicheniaceae (first published in Sunyatsenia 5: 284 (1940)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list umbrella 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: Nicolas Olejnik, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 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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