How to Grow and Care for Lady Ferns

Lady ferns (Athyrium filix-femina) are elegant, sprawling plants that thrive in areas where many plants fail. Sporting lacy, elegant, textured fronds, the lady fern is sure to make a statement wherever you plant it. This plant has fronds that are a vibrant green throughout the summer and turn golden-yellow after the first frost. Lady fern stalks can be green, red, or purple. These support a multitude of tiny leaflets, which gives the lady fern its feathery, lacy appearance. These plants do best in shady areas with consistent watering. Read on for our care guide.

Lady Fern Care

These are the main care requirements for growing lady fern:

• Low-maintenance plant
• Does best in well-draining, shady areas of the garden
• Once established, they require little attention
• Need consistent moisture (but not soggy) and shade
• Does not struggle with common diseases or pests

Light

Because the lady fern thrives in shaded woodlands or swamps, these plants need shade in your garden as well. Shade to partial sun is best. Be sure to keep them out of harsh midday and afternoon sunshine.

Soil

Creating soil that mimics the rich, moist, well-draining soil in lush woodlands and meadows is ideal. Theses plants appreciate sandy, humus soil because of its ability to drain well. Adding compost or other decaying organic matter will round out your soil, making the ideal environment for your lady ferns.

Water

Consistent watering is important for lady fern plants. If these ferns dry out, they become brown and wilted. However, despite their dismal looks, the lady fern springs back very well. With some watering and care, these plants will become lush again. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. This is most important during the plant's first year. Once established, the lady fern is quite hardy and can tolerate periods without water.

Temperature and Humidity

The lady fern thrives in naturally humid, moist areas, so high humidity will keep these plants green and lush. If you are attempting to keep your lady fern indoors, be sure to provide them with adequate humidity by misting or using a pebble tray. They are quite hardy when it comes to temperature, growing in zones 3 to 6.For warmer climates, zones 7-9, chose the Southern Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina var. asplenioides)which will withstand the high temperatures.

Fertilizer

Compost is the perfect soil amendment for lady ferns. This provides the richness and nutrients that the lady fern needs. Adding other organic material, such as leaves, is another great option. Slow-release fertilizer can also be used, but be careful with other fertilizers. The lady fern is easily harmed by too much fertilizer. Sticking to compost or slow-release fertilizer is safest. Give this once in the spring to encourage new growth.

Pruning

After the first frost, the foliage will die off. At this time, trim away the foliage and dispose of it. New, fresh foliage will appear in the spring. Besides this, the lady fern does not require pruning or other maintenance.

Propagating Lady Fern

The best way to propagate your lady fern is through the division of rhizomes. This can easily be done in the spring. Here's how:

1. Using a garden fork or shovel, gently dig around your fern in a circle to loosen the rhizomes and roots.
2. Lift your fern out of the ground and gently shake away excess dirt to see the rhizomes.
3. Using your hands or a sharp knife, divide the rhizomes, making sure each section has healthy foliage.
4. Amend the soil by adding compost or other organic material and plant your new ferns in a shaded, well-draining area.
5. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.

Potting and Repotting Lady Fern

The lady fern can be grown in containers inside and outside, but indoor conditions make it a bit tricky to mimic the humid, moist conditions that these ferns like. They do not generally do well with dry, indoor air.

To successfully grow a lady fern as an indoor plant, keep it away from drafts and vents, and mist the foliage daily. Placing this plant near the kitchen sink, in a bathroom, or on a pebble tray will also help increase the humidity. Though they can get large, lady ferns prefer small pots. Once the rhizomes no longer fit in the pot, simply divide them.

To grow lady ferns in containers outdoors, be sure to choose a pot or basket that allows for sufficient drainage. It may also be beneficial to use a fern-specific potting medium.

Overwintering

Lady fern can tolerate temperatures down to -15 degrees Fahrenheit. If you experience frost, the foliage on the plant will die and fall off (you can prune this back), but not to worry, as you'll see new growth again come spring.

Common Problems With Lady Fern

While this is an easy-growing, low-maintenance plant, there are a few common issues to look out for.

Yellowing Leaves

While lady fern likes to be consistently moist, you have to be careful not to leave the roots too soggy. Overwatering can eventually lead to root rot, killing the plant. If you start noticing yellowing leaves, dial back watering until the plant recovers.

Dropping Leaves

Lady fern thrives in a shady, humid climate. Low humidity levels can cause the plant to drop leaves. If grown indoors, increase the humidity level if you notice leaf drop.

From: thespruce