About
Pellaea falcata, the sickle fern, is an evergreen, tufted fern producing erect, dark-green, glossy fronds up to 75 cm long divided into short, oblong to curved leaflets with sometimes wavy margins. A rewarding and ornamental fern for a warm, moist, shaded greenhouse or sheltered garden.
About the genus
Pellaea are evergreen or deciduous, tufted ferns with pinnate to tripinnate fronds on dark, wiry stalks. Grown in well-drained, sheltered, partly shaded positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand, Clay
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitTufted, Clump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toIndia to Australasia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. See how to grow ferns for further advice
PruningRemove dead or damaged fronds
PropagationPropagate by spores
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free