Jurassic Gold Wallich's Wood Fern (Dryopteris wallichiana 'Jurassic Gold')

Jurassic Gold Wallich's Wood Fern

Dryopteris wallichiana 'Jurassic Gold'

Golden young fronds glow like filtered sunlight. Evergreen clumping fern with vibrant seasonal foliage.

Partial sun
2–3/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Thrives in dappled shade or bright indirect light; avoid harsh midday direct sun which can scorch fronds
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Watering Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid allowing the root ball to dry out completely
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Temperature Prefers cool to temperate conditions; protect from frost below 5°C and extreme heat above 28°C
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Characteristics

  • Frond: Arching bipinnate fronds; young foliage is bright golden-yellow, maturing to deep glossy green
  • Rhizome: Short, scaly underground creeping rhizome that forms dense clumps
  • Sori: Small brown spore clusters on undersides of mature frond pinnae
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Care Guide

Watering

Maintain consistent soil moisture; mist fronds to boost humidity in warm weather

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause frond browning

Composted banana peel tea:Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestations
Pruning
  • Trim brown, dead fronds at the base to maintain a tidy appearance
  • Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to encourage new golden frond growth
  • Remove damaged or yellowing fronds to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity symptoms

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental shade plant for woodland gardens, container displays, or indoor low-light decor