Peacock Fern

The Peacock Fern requires frequent and consistent watering. The soil should be kept moist, but not overly saturated. To keep the humidity levels around the fern high, water it every 3-4 days or when the soil feels dry. It is important to make sure to pour out any excess water to ensure that the roots don’t get water-logged.

The Peacock Fern prefers bright indirect sunlight and does best with 12-14 hours of high-quality, indirect light each day. Too much direct sun can harm the fern and cause its leaves to burn, so it's best to keep it out of direct sunlight. When direct sunlight is unavoidable, brief indirect sun exposure is better than none at all. The fern can tolerate some periods of partial shade.

The Peacock Fern prefers temperatures between 60–85 °F (15–29 °C). It is important to keep temperatures consistently in this range to ensure that the Peacock Fern is vibrant and healthy. It is also important to avoid drastic temperature changes.

The Peacock Fern does best in high humidity levels between 50-70 percent, as it is native to tropical regions. To keep the humidity levels high, mist the fern with water daily and introduce a humidifier if possible.

The Peacock Fern prefers a light, well-draining soil. A potting mix with peat moss, perlite, and organic matter is best. Be sure to provide ample drainage to prevent root rot. If the soil does not contain enough organic matter, a thin layer of compost can be added to give it an extra boost.

The Peacock Fern should be fertilized once a month during the growing season (spring-fall) with an organic houseplant fertilizer. The fertilizer should be mixed into the soil at half the recommended rate and diluted to essential concentrations. To ensure healthy growth, avoid fertilizing during the winter months.

The Peacock Fern is prone to pests, such as spider mites, aphids, scale, and mealybugs. Spider mites are the most common pest and can be identified by their webs and tiny yellowish-green spots on the foliage. To get rid of pests, wipe the leaves periodically with a damp cloth, isolate the plant, and introduce an insecticidal soap or systemic insecticide.

Repot the Peacock Fern when it begins to outgrow its current container. It should be repotted at least once a year, usually during early spring. Make sure to choose a pot that is large enough for the root ball and has ample drainage holes. Use well-draining potting soil and place the fern in bright indirect light after repotting.

The Peacock Fern should be pruned regularly to encourage aesthetically pleasing shape and fullness. Use a pair of scissors, clean razor, or pruning shears to remove any yellow, brown, dead leaves and stems. Make sure to be gentle, so as not to damage new growth. Be sure to only prune the dead or yellowing regions of the plant and not the green, healthy foliage.

The Peacock Fern benefits from mulching. The mulch retains moisture and helps protect the fern from extreme temperatures and pests. Use bark chips, shredded leaves, or peat moss for the most effective results.

The Peacock Fern can be propagated through division or stem cuttings. To propagate with stem cuttings, cut a 3- to 4-inch section of stem that has at least 3 leaf nodes. Dip the cutting in root hormone and place it in damp soil. Keep the soil moist and provide bright indirect light. In 4-6 weeks, the cutting should have rooted and be ready to transplant.

The Peacock Fern needs support to climb and form its star-like shape. A moss pole or trellis can be used to provide the necessary support. Make sure to not allow the fern to become too heavy to be supported by the structure.

The Peacock Fern does not have a true rest period, but it will slow its growth in cooler temperatures during the winter months. During this time, it should receive reduced light and water compared to the summer months. Direct sun and extremely cold temperatures should be avoided.

The Peacock Fern is not toxic to pets, but it can cause skin irritation if it comes into contact with the skin. If ingested, it does not typically cause any serious symptoms, but mild gastrointestinal distress can occur in some cases.