Thelypteris pilosa Plant Care

Thelypteris pilosa (M.Martens & Galeotti) Crawford

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Stegnogramma pilosa, synonym Thelypteris pilosa, is a fern species in the family Thelypteridaceae. It is closely related to Stegnogramma burksiorum ; the two have been treated as a species complex.

🌿Ferns
Water

Every 3–5 days

Light

Filtered light, partial shade

Temp

60–75°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Thelypteris pilosa?

Water Thelypteris pilosa every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered light, partial shade. 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 Thelypteris pilosa Native To?

Native range3 countries

What Is the Thelypteris pilosa?

Thelypteris pilosa (Thelypteris pilosa) belongs to the Thelypteridaceae family within the Thelypteris genus. Thelypteris pilosa is native to Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras.

Thelypteris pilosa displays a fern with spreading rhizomes growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Thelypteris pilosa produces non-flowering fern.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Thelypteris pilosa?

Thelypteris pilosa 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 Thelypteris pilosa Need?

Thelypteris pilosa thrives in filtered light, partial shade. Avoid placing Thelypteris pilosa in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Filtered light, partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Thelypteris pilosa Prefer?

Thelypteris pilosa grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Thelypteris pilosa 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 Thelypteris pilosa?

Moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Thelypteris pilosa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Thelypteris pilosa?

Feed Thelypteris pilosa 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 Thelypteris pilosa?

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 Thelypteris pilosa?

Thelypteris pilosa can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes.

Is the Thelypteris pilosa Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Thelypteris pilosa, 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 Thelypteris pilosa?

Thelypteris pilosa is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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 Thelypteris pilosa Need?

Thelypteris pilosa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Thelypteris pilosa is native to Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. In cooler regions, grow Thelypteris pilosa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Thelypteris pilosa 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 Thelypteris genus — compare its care with other Thelypteris species on PlantoScan.

Thelypteris is part of the Thelypteridaceae plant family — browse all Thelypteridaceae genera and species.

Thelypteris pilosa produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Thelypteris pilosa (M.Martens & Galeotti) Crawford, family Thelypteridaceae (first published in Amer. Fern J. 41(1): 16, t.3. 1951 [10 Apr 1951]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Thelypteris pilosa, 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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