Dragon Scale Fern

The Dragon Scale Fern can tolerate a wide range of watering levels. During the summer months it should be watered thoroughly, but never allowed to sit in standing water. During the winter months, water lightly and gradually increase frequency once the plant goes into dormancy. Never let the potting soil get bone dry and don't let the roots sit in standing water.

The Dragon Scale Fern prefers bright, indirect light with some morning or evening direct sun. It does not do well in low light conditions and should be placed in close proximity to a bright window. This plant is also well-suited to a liquid fertilizer system so that it can receive additional light and a better environment. If possible, avoid direct midday sun and if necessary, provide some shade. This plant generally does better when placed close to a mild to bright source of filtered sunlight.

The Dragon Scale Fern is a tropical plant and prefers temperatures between 55-85°F (13-29°C). This temperature range should ensure success in most healthy home environments. It can tolerate brief dips below this range, but temperatures lower than 50°F (10°C) will cause foliage damage or death.

This fern prefers a high humidity level, and grows best in an environment that is 55-70% humidity. It can tolerate lower levels of humidity, such as in air-conditioned homes, but misting of the foliage is beneficial. To keep the air humid around the fern, a humidifier or pebble tray can help create a humid micro-climate for the plant. To keep even more moisture around the plant, utilize grouping of other house plants.

The Dragon Scale Fern prefers a potting mix that is mostly peat moss or sphagnum moss, plus some compost or coco coir. Ensure that the mix is well-aerated with excellent drainage, and use a light, airy material such as perlite to form the base. The mix should be moistened before potting and be able to break apart easily when gently squeezed.

This fern requires a balanced liquid fertilizer applied once every other month in spring and summer. Avoid applying too much fertilizer as this may lead to root burn. Fertilizer should be discontinued during the winter months when the fern is in its dormant period, and it should be avoided altogether if the plant is in a state of shock. Vegan varieties of liquid fertilizer can be used to provide an extra boost of nutrients to the fern.

Insect pests can be an issue with Dragon Scale Ferns, especially spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. Check your fern regularly for signs of possible infestations, such as yellowing, faded or wilting foliage, as well as white or grey spots or webbing. To get rid of pests, use horticultural oil or rubbing alcohol with a Q-tip or cotton swab to wipe them off the leaves. You can also use neem oil to discourage future infestations.

The Dragon Scale Fern should be repotted every year during the spring months, or when the soil is just about to dry out. To figure out when to repot, look for signs of crowding of the roots which will be visible if you take off the plant from the pot. When deciding on the type of pot and the soil combination, ensure that the top 3 inches of the potting mixture is mostly peat moss and also contains compost, sand, or other ingredients to improve drainage. Before repotting, it is necessary to soak the roots in lukewarm water for about an hour.

Prune the Dragon Scale Fern when it starts to outgrow its pot or take up too much space. Remove the affected fronds and stem with a pair of scissors or pruners when the plant starts to look lanky or out of shape. Cut back the tallest stems to the desired length and express a special care when handling the fern as it is very delicate.

Mulching the Dragon Scale Fern helps to protect the roots from temperature extremes and regulate air circulation. A 2-3 inch layer of mulch such as bark or compost should be added to the top of the Potting Mixture. The mulch should be placed over the soil and not directly against the stems of the plant, as this may lead to rot.

The Dragon Scale Fern can be propagated through division or by spore propagation. One method of division is to remove the side shoots and repot the new plantlets individually in new pots. For spore propagation, collect spores from the undersides of the fronds and use these to start new plants. Ensure that the spores are sprinkled into around 2.5 centimeters of soil or peat moss and kept incredibly moist. To aid in growth, mist the surface of the potting mix daily.

The fronds of the Dragon Scale Fern are long and need to be supported to look neat and attractive. Stakes can be used to provide support for the fronds, which can then be tied with twine or cotton.The stakes should be cut to the desired frond length to keep the overall size of the fern compact. Choosing suitable stakes is important to ensure that they don’t draw too much attention away from the fern’s delicate foliage.

The Dragon Scale Fern does not require a rest period during the winter months, but like all indoor plants it does need a period of dormancy. To help your fern enter its dormancy period, reduce watering and apply a light fertilizer once every other month. Additionally, move the fern to a position of lower light intensity in the home.

The Dragon Scale Fern is generally non-toxic to pets, so it is a suitable choice for households with animals.