Christella spp.

maiden ferns

Thelypteridaceae

Pantropical - tropical Asia, Africa, Australia, the Pacific, and the Americas

Deer Resistant Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterHigh

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Christella spp. is a genus of about 50 to 70 terrestrial ferns in the family Thelypteridaceae, sometimes included within the broader genus Thelypteris spp.. Plants grow from short- to long-creeping rhizomes that form spreading colonies, producing arching, once-pinnate fronds 12-48 inches (30-120 cm) long. Each frond is divided into many narrow, tapering segments, and the lower pinnae are often reduced in size. The undersides of fertile segments bear small round sori along the veins. Most species occupy moist, shaded ground along streambanks, forest margins, ditches, and disturbed clearings throughout the tropics and subtropics of Asia, Africa, Australia, the Pacific, and the Americas. Short hairs clothe the frond axes and separate the group from smoother-stemmed relatives. Christella spp. spreads readily by rhizome and spore and can colonize damp open ground quickly, which makes some species weedy in cultivation. The fronds are sensitive to drought and to hard frost, browning when the soil dries out or temperatures fall below freezing.

Native Range

Christella spp. is pantropical, native across tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa, Australia, the Pacific Islands, and the Americas. A few species reach the warm southern margins of North America, including Florida.

Suggested Uses

Used as a groundcover fern in shaded, moist borders and along pond and stream margins in frost-free climates, and as a foliage houseplant elsewhere. Plants are spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart to let the colony knit together. The arching fronds add texture to shaded plantings.

How to Identify

Identified by arching, once-pinnate fronds 12-48 inches (30-120 cm) long with many narrow, gradually tapering segments and somewhat reduced lower pinnae. Short hairs clothe the stalk and main axis, and round sori line the veins on the underside of fertile segments. The creeping rhizome and colony-forming habit separate Christella spp. from clump-forming wood ferns.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 4'

Width/Spread1' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Foliage Colors

green

yellow green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Ferns in this genus do not flower. Reproduction is by spores released from round sori on the frond undersides, which ripen mainly through the warm, humid months from late spring into autumn. Spore production is heaviest on mature, well-watered fronds.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

medium to yellow-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-3 years to reach full frond size

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Christella spp. in part to full shade in consistently moist, humus-rich soil with a pH around 5.0-7.0. Drying wind scorches the frond margins, so plants are placed in sheltered, shaded spots. Water regularly so the root zone never dries fully, and mulch to conserve moisture. Most species are frost-tender and are grown as houseplants or under glass outside the tropics, where temperatures stay above about 50F (10C). The creeping rhizome can spread beyond its intended space, so container culture or a root barrier limits its reach. Tattered fronds are removed as they age.

Pruning

Pruning is limited to removing dead, damaged, or tattered fronds at the base through the year. Cutting back deciduous species after the fronds die down in cold weather keeps colonies tidy. No shaping is required.