Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

Photo by plant lust

Show all photos

Buy Arachniodes simplicior

Also Known As

Arachniodes aristata 'Variegata'
Arachniodes simplicior 'Variegata'
Arachniodes simplicor 'Variegata'
East Indian Holly Fern
East Indian Holly Fern
Indian Holly Fern
Simplicior Holly Fern
Variegated East Indian Holly Fern
Variegated Shield Fern

Plant type

fern

size

H: 12"-18"
W: 18"-24"

planting zones

6a-12

3.5" | $16

Ships USPS, based on weight/location

Fewer than 8 at Secret Garden Growers

Mature Division--Bare Root | $12

Ships as soon as new growth is hardened off

30 at Sebright Gardens

More Options

Arachniodes simplicior plant details

Arachniodes simplicior is an evergreen or semi-evergreen fern with chartreuse, gold, green and variegated foliage. Features glossy texture. Grows well with bright shade - shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in alkaline, average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Arachniodes simplicior

Plant type: fern
Plant family: dryopteridaceae
Foliage: evergreen or semi-evergreen chartreuse, gold, green and variegated
Mature size: 18 IN - 24 IN - wide, 12 IN - 18 IN - tall
Uses: container plant, woodland garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Arachniodes simplicior

USDA Zones: 6a - 12
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: alkaline, average, rich and well-drained

We independently publish plant data to search multiple nurseries at once. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases when you buy through our links.

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Arachniodes simplicior 'Variegata' is a stunning Indian Holly fern with a unique yellow streak running down its gorgeous waxy, dark green, evergreen fronds. A hardy evergreen fern, this one is sure to raise eyebrows. Reaching 12-18 inches high and 18-24 inches wide, it is one of the few variegated ferns and is perfect for adding intrigue and brightness in the shade garden. You can also grow it as a lovely potted houseplant! Deer and rabbit resistant, but hopefully that won't matter if you grow it indoors!

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Popular (with reason), the 1-3' glossy green fronds of this attractive slow grower have a showy yellow band on each side of the midrib. PSh/M

By: Forestfarm

(INDIAN HOLLY FERN) This slow growing fern is the most asked about fern in our garden! The shiny green leaves are held horizontally and each leaf has a golden yellow stripe right down the center! Surreal looking…evergreen, 12-18” tall and eventually 18-24” wide. Lt shade to shade, decent soil, frequent moisture (our takes some dry shade) – also does well as a potted plant in the house. If anyone still does terrariums, this would be stunning with one of those neon yellow poison arrow frogs sitting on top! Z7

By: Secret Garden Growers

This tropical, semi-evergreen fern has broadly triangular fronds. Shiny rich green fronds display a distinctive gold midstripe down each leaflet. Ferns thrive in neutral to acidic, loose, richly organic soil. Excellent for mass plantings, rock gardens, containers, in woodlands and naturalized landscapes.

By: Little Prince of Oregon

Purportedly from India comes these shiny evergreen elegant fronds, each blade and pinnae dagger-shaped, and each struck with yellow-gold along the midrib; it should decorate the border of a sari! Its habit is open and airy, fronds reaching and arching. Tolerates some drought when need be. 18"x18" Minimum temperature: 0 °F

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

Evergreen, dark green fronds w/ yellow -green variegation Zone 6-9. 12"-24", Japan, part shade-shade, moist, well drained.

By: Keeping it Green Nursery

Arachnoides simplicior~ One of the most remarkable hardy ferns with gorgeous waxy, dark green segments & yellow bands running down the centers. Plant in low sun to full shade & well drained, moist soil. Zones 6 to 10. Height: 12”-18” Evergreen.

By: Sebright Gardens

Fronds highlighted with a distinct chartreuse midrib. Likes warmer climates, but protect from hot afternoon sun. New fronds appear late spring/early summer. Japan, China origin.

By: Bloom River Gardens

Semi-evergreen. This is an attractive fern with its glossy green fronds which have a soft yellow band on each side of the midrib. Grows well in a shady location or in a container. Shows well in shade.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

An evergreen fern that will get to about one foot tall. The deep green leaves will have yellow variegation at the center of the frond. This fern can brighten a shady spot on its own, but grows well with many other woodlanders.

By: Gossler Farms

Garden photo gallery of Arachniodes simplicior

Photo of Arachniodes simplicior foliage by plant lust

By: plant lust

By: plant lust

By: Karl Gercens III

Gardening facts about Arachniodes simplicior plant

How to Grow Arachniodes simplicior

Sun Exposure
- bright shade - shade
Water Needs
- even moisture - regular
Soil Needs
- alkaline
- average
- well-drained
- rich
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- humidity tolerant
- verticillium wilt resistant