Holly Fern
Cyrtomium falcatum
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Jul 19, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Holly Fern
Cyrtomium falcatum, holly fern, is an East Asian fern with bold, arching fronds of glossy, deep green, holly-shaped pinnae that give it a distinctly leathery and lustrous appearance. More tolerant of dry conditions and lower humidity than most ferns, it is a reliable choice for shaded borders, containers, and indoor spaces. Starting at $44.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Non-flowering
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Loam, Acidic, Well-drained, Organic-rich
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Holly fern thrives in partial to full shade — ideal under the canopy of live oaks or along the north side of structures in NE Florida. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which scorches the glossy fronds.
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained; wet, waterlogged soil causes root rot. More drought tolerant than most ferns, but water weekly during dry periods. Mulch heavily to retain soil moisture in Florida's sandy soils.
Plant in humus-rich, slightly acidic, well-draining soil amended with compost. In NE Florida's sandy soils, incorporate generous organic matter. Fertilize lightly with a slow-release palm or general-purpose fertilizer in spring and summer.
Similar needs
Wild Coffee
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, loam, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
Heartleaf Philodendron
Shares 5 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
Liriope
Shares 5 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
Cast Iron Plant
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, loam, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
Oyster Plant
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, loam, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
Podocarpus
Shares 5 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
You may also like
Common questions
Is Holly Fern a good plant for St. Augustine?
Holly Fern is a fern for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with medium salt tolerance, reaching 1-2 feet × 2-3 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.