Troubleshooting
Leather Polypody problems — and how to fix them
Leather Polypody (Polypodium scouleri) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Frost and cold-wind damage
Unlike Polypodium vulgare this species is not fully frost hardy; hard frosts blacken the fronds. In the UK, grow in a sheltered west- or south-facing spot and mulch the rhizome with straw or dry leaves before cold spells, or overwinter in a cool frost-free greenhouse.
Frond desiccation in low humidity
The thick fronds resist drying better than other ferns, but in centrally heated rooms the leaf margins curl and brown. Increase humidity with a pebble tray or room humidifier and move away from heat sources.
Prevent leather polypody problems before they start
Most leather polypody issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Leather Polypody problems — FAQ
Why is my leather polypody frost and cold-wind damage?
Unlike Polypodium vulgare this species is not fully frost hardy; hard frosts blacken the fronds. In the UK, grow in a sheltered west- or south-facing spot and mulch the rhizome with straw or dry leaves before cold spells, or overwinter in a cool frost-free greenhouse.
Why is my leather polypody frond desiccation in low humidity?
The thick fronds resist drying better than other ferns, but in centrally heated rooms the leaf margins curl and brown. Increase humidity with a pebble tray or room humidifier and move away from heat sources.