Gardening Flowers Perennials Japanese Holly Fern By Viveka Neveln Viveka Neveln Instagram Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on September 17, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Japanese Holly Fern Overview Description Aptly named Japanese holly fern produces long fronds that resemble holly branches. That's because the fronds sport leaflets with sawtooth edges and a glossy, deep green, leathery appearance. Less fussy about humidity than most other ferns grown as houseplants, Japanese holly fern flourishes indoors without shedding. Outdoors it grows best in full shade but will tolerate some morning sun. Add it to a shade garden where it will contribute rich texture and evergreen foliage. In zones where this plant is not winter-hardy, site it in a sheltered location. Genus Name Cyrtomium falcatum Common Name Japanese Holly Fern Plant Type Houseplant, Perennial Light Part Sun, Shade Height 1 to 3 feet Width 2 to 3 feet Season Features Winter Interest Special Features Good for Containers Zones 10, 6, 7, 8, 9 Propagation Division Planting Partners In Zones 6-10, enjoy Japanese holly fern in the shade garden, where its lustrous leaves light up dark spaces. Pretty planting partners include easy-to-grow ligularia, which sports large leaves and yellow flowers, and ground-hugging lamium, which blankets soil with variegated foliage and petite flowers while suppressing weeds. Hosta's simple but lush foliage contrasts beautifully with the texture of Japanese holly fern's fronds. 23 of the Easiest Houseplants You Can Grow Japanese Holly Fern Care Must-Knows Japanese holly fern tolerates low humidity, which makes it a great houseplant. Plant it in a 12- to 18-inch container filled with a good quality potting mix. Site it in a room with medium light; direct sunlight can scorch this plant's foliage. When Japanese holly fern is grown as a houseplant, water it regularly to maintain moist but not soggy soil. Feed your fern every month, spring through fall, with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Expect it to grow about 2 feet tall and wide indoors. Divide the plant in spring when it outgrows its container, which should take a few years. Outside, plant Japanese holly fern in moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant grows best in all-day shade or a combination of morning sun and afternoon shade. Avoid planting spots where the soil stays wet for extended periods, which encourages root rot and is especially detrimental during winter. Water plants regularly during dry periods. Japanese holly fern is hardy in mild winter climates. In areas where the foliage turns brown in winter, cut it back to ground level in early spring before new growth begins. In Zones 6 and 7, cover Japanese holly fern with a layer of straw mulch in winter to protect it from extreme temperatures. Create a tranquil Japanese garden with these basic elements. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit