Photo: Licheng ShihCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Giant chain fern Plant Care
Woodwardia prolifera Hook. & Arn.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This fern's most distinctive feature is its large, lacy fronds that can reach up to 5 feet in length. Originating from North America, Woodwardia prolifera is sought after by plant collectors for its impressive size and elegant appearance, making it a prized addition to any botanical collection.
Every 3–5 days
Filtered sunlight to partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Giant chain fern?
Water Giant chain fern every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered sunlight to 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.
What Is the Giant chain fern?
Giant chain fern (Woodwardia prolifera) belongs to the Blechnaceae family within the Woodwardia genus. Giant chain fern is native to China, Japan and the Himalayas. Giant chain fern is also known as Netted chainfern.
Giant chain fern displays a large, spreading fern growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Giant chain fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Giant chain fern?
Woodwardia prolifera 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 Giant chain fern Need?
Giant chain fern thrives in filtered sunlight to partial shade. Avoid placing Giant chain fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered sunlight to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Giant chain fern Prefer?
Woodwardia prolifera grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Giant chain 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 Giant chain fern?
Rich, moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Giant chain fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Giant chain fern?
Feed Giant chain 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 Giant chain 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 Giant chain fern?
Giant chain fern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to giant chain fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Giant chain fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Giant chain 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 Giant chain fern?
Giant chain 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 Giant chain fern Need?
Giant chain fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Giant chain fern is native to China, Japan and the Himalayas.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Giant chain 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 Woodwardia genus — compare its care with other Woodwardia species on PlantoScan.
Woodwardia is part of the Blechnaceae plant family — browse all Blechnaceae genera and species.
Giant chain fern produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Woodwardia prolifera Hook. & Arn., family Blechnaceae (first published in Bot. Beechey Voy. 275, t.56. 1838 [Jul 1838]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Giant chain 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: Licheng Shih, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, 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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