The aptly namedJapanese holly fernproduces long fronds with sawtooth leaflets that resemble holly leaves.
As a houseplant, Japanese holly fern is low-maintenance and less fussy about humidity thanother indoor ferns.
Outdoors, Japanese holly fern is often found in wildlife,woodland,rock, andshade gardens.
Credit: Janet Loughrey
In zones where this plant is not winter-hardy, site it in a sheltered location.
Japanese holly ferns are native to the moist hardwood forests of southern Asia.
So, they are perfectly at home in woodland gardens,shade gardens, andtree-filled landscapes.
Credit: Janet Loughrey
Japanese holly ferns prefer moist conditions but do not tolerate soggy soil.
They contribute rich texture and evergreen foliage to shadowy corners or areas where sun-loving plants wont grow.
They prefer fertile, well-drained soil, somake any necessary amendmentsa few weeks before planting.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
When ready, dig a hole slightly more shallow than your plant’s container.
Remove the plant from its container and place your plant in the hole.
Backfill the hole and tamp down the soil leaving the crown of the roots slightly exposed.
Credit: David Nevala
If you are planting more than one fern, place them approximately 18 to 24 inches apart.
It is, however, capable of self-spreading via spores.
Be cautious of planting it in areas where it may displace native plant life.
Light
Japanese holly ferns grow best in full shade but will tolerate some morning sun.
Avoid planting your fern in full afternoon sun as it will likely scorch.
Avoid planting spots where the soil stays wet for extended periods.
Credit: Julie Mikos
Wet soil encourages root rotwhich is especially detrimental during winter months.
Water your fern whenever the soil feels dry to the touch and more regularly during dry periods.
In mild climates, the glossy, deep green foliage of Japanese holly fern stays reliably evergreen.
In colder climates, Japanese holly ferns are deciduous and may lose color and foliage over the winter months.
Potting and Repotting
Japanese holly ferns tolerate low humidity, which makes them great houseplants.
Happy indoor ferns will eventually grow about 2 feet tall and wide, so plan accordingly.
Avoid sunny windows as direct sunlight can scorch this plant’s foliage.
When grown as a houseplant, Japanese holly ferns needregular wateringto maintain moist (but not soggy) soil.
Feed your fern with abalanced liquid fertilizer(diluted by half) every month from spring through fall.
Choose a pot with ample drainage that is just 1 to 2 inches larger than the previous one.
Overly large containers could lead to soggy soil.
you’re able to also divide the plant in spring when it outgrows its container.
When checking for these issues, dont mistake thespores on the undersides of the leavesfor pests.
Fungal spots and root rot can also be a problem in poorly drained or overwatered soil.
Replant each section in a separate pot.
Wrap the container with plastic wrap and spritz the soil regularly to keep it evenly moist.
If you are successful, your spores should begin to sprout in 2 to 3 months.
It features glossy, dark evergreen fronds with deeply-toothed, serrated leaf margins.
They are hardy in zones 7-9 and feature glossy green leaves.
It typically grows 12 to 24 inches tall and wide and features serrated leaflets.
Like Japanese holly fern, heartleaf brunnera thrives in locations with partial shade and moist but well-drained soil.
Hosta
You cant talk about showstopping shade plants without talking abouthostas.
Hostas offer lush foliage and are easy to care for once established.
Like Japanese holly ferns, hostas love fertile, moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
They are hardy in zones 3 to 9.
Wild Ginger
Wild ginger(Asarumspp.)
is a low-growing perennial that (like Japanese holly fern) thrives in moist, shady places.
It’s also deer-resistant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Japanese holly spreads easily via spores and has been known to displace native species.
That said, it is not officially classified as invasive.
It is, however, recognized by the U.S. Park Service as an environmental weed.
For this reason, planting is not recommended in several statesincluding Texas, Georgia, Hawaii, and Virginia.
With proper care and placement, Japanese holly ferns can live as long as 10 years.
