Genus guide
Polystichum — 33 species
Part of the Ferns family (Polypodiopsida)
Polystichum — the shield and holly ferns — are elegant, evergreen or semi-evergreen ferns suited to shaded gardens and indoor spaces with indirect light. They thrive in dappled to full shade and need consistently moist, humus-rich, well-draining soil; even brief dry spells can cause frond tip scorch. Cultivars like Polystichum setiferum 'Divisilobum' and Tsusima Holly Fern bring finely cut, architectural texture to low-light corners. According to the ASPCA, Polystichum species are non-toxic to both cats and dogs, making them a genuinely pet-safe foliage choice.
All Polystichum species we cover
- Anderson's Holly Fern
- Anderson's Holly Fern
- Braun's Holly Fern
- Braun's Holly Fern
- California Shield Fern
- Christmas Fern
- Crested Christmas Fern
- Divisilobum Soft Shield Fern
- Herrenhausen Shield Fern
- Imbricate Sword Fern
- Japanese Shield Fern
- Japanese Stiff Shield Fern
- Japanese Tassel Fern
- Korean Rock Fern
- Mourning Holly Fern
- Northern Holly Fern
- Plumose Shield Fern
- Plumose Soft Shield Fern
- Polystichum aculeatum
- Polystichum makinoi
- Polystichum neolobatum
- Polystichum setiferum 'Divisilobum'
- Polystichum setiferum 'Plumosum Densum'
- Prickly Shield Fern
- Richard's Shield Fern
- Scaly-Stemmed Holly Fern
- Sharp-Lobed Shield Fern
- Soft Shield Fern
- Tasmanian Holly Fern
- Tassel Fern
- Tsusima Holly Fern
- Western Sword Fern
- Wollaston's Holly Fern
Polystichum — frequently asked questions
Are Polystichum plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Polystichum are pet-safe. Of the 33 Polystichum species we cover, 33 are non-toxic on the ASPCA list and 0 carry a toxic or mildly-toxic rating. Even so, confirm the individual species before trusting it around pets.
How much light do Polystichum plants need?
Most Polystichum do best in medium indirect light. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Polystichum easy to care for?
Many Polystichum are beginner-friendly — they tolerate lower light and forgiving watering. Water to how fast the pot actually dries rather than a fixed calendar and most will thrive.
How many Polystichum varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 33 Polystichum species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Polystichum, the rest follow closely.
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