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

Ferns are easy to grow, low-maintenance, and long-lived. Loved for their dramatic and textured fronds, ferns bring character and dimension to outdoor garden spaces. When considering growing ferns, know that most varieties enjoy shady, moist, but well-draining conditions; they are a perfect fit for north-facing gardens or shaded yards. However, there are varieties of ferns that can tolerate full sun.

Depending on the species, a fern's height can range from just 8 inches to 8 feet tall, and is hardy in zones 2 to 10. Naturally deer-resistant, ferns are not limited to shades of green, but also come in hues of red and purple, allowing for pops of color in your garden. Here, experts share how to plant, care for, and propagate ferns so you can enjoy their lush, feathery fronds every season.

How to Plant Ferns in Your Garden

If you’re a fern lover, you’ll be happy to know that planting ferns and creating your very own outdoor fernery is an easy process, even for beginner gardeners. "Ferns are known as an easy and prolific addition to any outdoor garden, especially for first-time gardeners," says Amy Schully, certified master gardener and horticulture therapist in training. Like most plants, there are many varieties and it’s important to pick one that is suited to your climate. Simply put, be sure to read the plant tags to ensure you are choosing the best variety for your growing zone. 

"The best time to plant ferns is in the spring and summer as this will allow the plant time to get established before the winter," says Schully. Once you’ve selected the variety that best suits your location, it’s time to plant.

Tools You'll Need

• Garden trowel
• Mulch (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the soil by loosening it up with a garden trowel. This will help de-compact the soil, allowing the fern's roots to grow through the ground easier. 
2. Next, dig a hole big enough for the fern plant and place it in.
3. Fill the hole with soil. "Avoid covering the crown to prevent root rot from occurring," says Schully. 
4. Lastly, water in your fern deeply.

Caring for Ferns

Ferns come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, textures, and hues, and their care requirements may vary slightly. If you’re looking to fill a shady spot with ferns, for example, be sure to choose a variety that thrives in dappled light to full shade.

Light

Most varieties prefer dappled light and require at least some indirect sunlight or partial shade, says Schully. Bright, direct sun or dense shade will damage many varieties, though some—like royal ferns and cinnamon ferns—grow well with direct sunlight.

Soil

"Ferns are typically not too picky about soil conditions, as long as it is well-draining and provides the plant with sufficient nutrients," says Schully. "As a general rule, ferns prefer humus-rich soil." As always, it's important to know the specific variety you are growing as some ferns like moist soil while others prefer dryer conditions.

Fertilizer

Ferns will thrive with natural fertilizers such as fish emulsion or seaweed. 

Pruning

Keep your ferns tidy by cutting back old, decaying growth. In the fall, cut back the fronds even more and fertilize your ferns again if needed. In the spring, freshen up the mulch around the roots.

How to Propagate Ferns

"The easiest way to propagate a fern is by taking a clipping and placing it in water," says Emily Scott, founder of Scott Farm LLC in Maine and avid gardener. You can easily take a cutting from an established fern and use what’s called the water propagation method. All you’ll need is a pair of sterilized garden shears, a glass jar, water, and a sunny location.

Tools You'll Need

• Sterilized garden shears
• Glass jar
• Water

Instructions

1. With sterilized cutting shears, clip just below the node of the fern, taking a single cutting.
2. Fill a mason jar halfway up with water and place the fern clipping in the glass jar. "You can place several cuttings in a jar at one time," says Scott.
3. Store the propagated fern clipping in a sunny location such as a window sill.
4. Change the water every few days to prevent mold or bacteria from growing. 
5. Once the roots of the cuttings are a few inches long, they are ready to plant in the garden. 
   

Common Pests and Diseases

Although ferns rarely succumb to pests and diseases, they can occasionally cause issues. Here's what to look out for.

Pests

"The most common insect you’ll find on your ferns is aphids, and they usually hide under the leaves," says Scott. Aphids can weaken ferns and lead to yellowing fronds.

Aphids: These small, greenish-white or black bugs can wreak havoc by either sucking the juice out of the leaves or excreting a sticky substance that attracts others pests. "The best and safest way to get rid of them is with a few drops of dish soap and water in a spray bottle," says Scott. Spray a mix of dish soap and water directly on the leaves. Let sit for a few minutes, then rinse off with water. Repeat as needed.

Mealybugs: Look in leaf joints or the undersides of fronds for these white, cotton-like insects. To treat, use insecticidal soap or dab with alcohol using a cotton swab.

Slugs and snails: In outdoor ferns, slugs and snails can chew holes in fronds. This is most likely to take place in damp conditions. Remove them by hand picking them off the fronds, or use iron phosphate slug bait around the base of the fern.

Diseases

Ferns can also suffer from fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases.

Leaf spot: Yellow or brown spots on leaves may be the sign of a fungal infection. Avoid overhead watering to prevent the growth and spread of these fungal spores.

Root rot: Wilting or yellowing are signs of root rot, which can be caused by overly wet soil and poor drainage. To treat, remove the affected plants and avoid overwatering.

Rust: This fungal disease creates orange or rust-colored spots on the underside of fern fronds. Infected leaves should be pruned and destroyed. Use a fungicide if needed and reduce humidity around the plant.