Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern
Astrolepis windhamii
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
4 inches
Width
8 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Prefers dry conditions
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Southwestern U.S. and Mexico
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Astrolepis windhamii is a small, tufted rock fern with star-shaped scales on its fronds, adapted to dry, rocky, alkaline environments. This fern is highly drought-tolerant and ideal for rock gardens or crevice plantings in arid climates. Its silvery-green appearance is due to a covering of distinctive star-shaped scales.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a shaded spot with moist, well-drained soil.
- Tuck fern spores or divisions into soil, keeping roots moist, for 4-6 weeks.
- Mist regularly to maintain humidity and encourage growth.
- Transplant when roots are established, typically after 6 weeks.
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Water consistently, especially during dry spells.
Pro Tip
Keep soil consistently moist and provide indirect light for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Maintain evenly moist soil 🌱
- Provide indirect shade
- Mulch to retain moisture
- Fertilize lightly in spring
Don't
- Avoid direct sunlight ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid heavy, compacted soil
- Do not over-fertilize
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern questions
What zones can Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern grow in?
Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern bloom?
Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern typically blooms in late fall through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern need full sun?
Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
