How Often to Water Ferns for Lush Growth and Thriving Plants

Ferns are beautiful plants that reproduce using spores and lack seeds or flowers. They can be grown indoors and outside successfully—provided you give them the right amount of water and sunlight. While they're relatively low maintenance, proper watering, in particular, is essential for growth.

So when is the best time to water your ferns—and how should you do it? Here, we spoke to experts about how to keep these plants healthy and thriving.

When to Water Ferns

Timing is everything. “Water ferns frequently enough to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy,” says Rohan Maynard, hydroponic farm manager at Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club. “Water indoor ferns at least once or twice a week."

Watering frequency can change depending on certain environmental conditions, including light, temperature, humidity, soil type, and whether the fern is growing in a container or planted in the ground.

"The best thing to do is set a reminder for yourself every few days to check the moisture of the soil," says Paris Lalicata, head of plant education and community at The Sill. "If the first few inches are dried out, it’s safe to water. Expect to water more during dry or hot periods, compared to wet or cool ones.”

How to Water Ferns

The method of watering is just as important. “Whether in the ground or in a container, always water deeply and ensure the soil is evenly and thoroughly saturated,” says Lalicata. You can apply a layer of mulch around your ferns to help them retain moisture. 

Check the soil for moisture before watering—simply stick your finger about an inch or two into the soil. “If it feels dry, you can pour water directly onto the soil at the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves and crown until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot,” says Maynard. “The procedure for outdoor ferns is to water slowly. Allow [the water] to soak in deeply until the soil is moist.”

Don't Miss

How to Propagate Ferns for an Endless Supply of Lush Greenery

How to Grow Ferns, an Easy, Low-Maintenance Plant That Thrives in Shade

Care Instructions

Always research your specific fern species. This will help you understand how much light and water it needs. 

“Outdoors, ensure they get shade or morning sun, and are planted in rich, moist, well-draining soil,” says Maynard. “Fertilize lightly during the growing season—especially in pots; remove any dead or yellowing fronds.”

Make sure not to give them too much sun, however. “Avoid afternoon sunlight: Most ferns want full to partial shade—either north or east facing is ideal,” says Lalicata. You can use trees to provide shade—she successfully planted Japanese painted ferns using this method.

Signs of Underwatering and Overwatering

Overwatering signs include yellowing or shriveling leaves or potentially rotting stems. “If you're underwatering, you’ll mostly notice browning on the leaf tips, edges, or on entire leaves,” says Lalicata. “They may also experience leaf drop and appear shriveled and droopy, accompanied by really dry soil that's usually lighter in color.”