Smooth Woodsia Plant Care

Smooth Woodsia (Woodsia glabella) belongs to the Woodsiaceae family within the Woodsia genus. Smooth Woodsia is native to the Holarctic realm.

Smooth Woodsia displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Smooth Woodsia produces non-flowering.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Smooth Woodsia every 3–5 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.

Smooth Woodsia thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Smooth Woodsia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Woodsia glabella tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Smooth Woodsia prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Smooth Woodsia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Smooth Woodsia 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 partial to full shade and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Smooth Woodsia is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Smooth Woodsia 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 Smooth Woodsia 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.

Smooth Woodsia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Smooth Woodsia can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes.

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

Smooth Woodsia 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.

Smooth Woodsia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Smooth Woodsia is native to the Holarctic realm. In cooler regions, grow Smooth Woodsia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.