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, there are a few issues to look for.

Pests

"The most common insect you’ll find on your ferns is aphids and they usually hide under the leaves," says Scott. You’ll want your check for them regularly because they can wreak havoc on your ferns by either sucking the juice out of the leaves causing them to turn yellow and fall off or leaving their juices behind luring more pests to damage your plants. Aphids are small, triangular bugs and are typically gray, green, or white. 

"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 your leaves with the solution. Let the solution sit on the fern for a few minutes, and then rinse it off with water from a hose or watering can. Repeat the process as needed.

Diseases

Ferns can also fall victim to fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases. "If you notice spots on the fern leaves or the leaves turn yellow, chances are that you are dealing with disease," says Scott. "In some cases, and depending on the disease, the best course of action is clipping the discolored or spotted leaves." To prevent disease, always make sure your fern has plenty of airflow and is not overwatered.