There are over 20k known species of ferns in the world. They’re one of the most diverse plants, and many can thrive in both indoor and outdoor spaces. These ancient flora date back to the Jurassic era, making them all the more mesmerizing and unique. Learn a thing or two about these prehistoric plants, and start adding to your collection now.
GENERAL CARE
LIGHT
Low to bright indirect light. Since most ferns dwell on the forest floor, medium light is considered best.
WATER
Water weekly or when the top 2" of soil feel dry. Soil can stay moist.
FEEDING
Use diluted plant food once a month in the spring and summer. Stop feeding in the fall and winter since the plant goes dormant and will not need the extra nutrients.
TOXICITY
Most ferns are non-toxic and safe for pets, but always be sure to check your specific variety.
Care instructions are usually consistent for most ferns, but we always recommend researching your specific plant to make sure you get it right the first time.
COMMON ISSUES
If you see dots all over the underside of your fern's foliage, don't freak out. These are commonly confused for pests, but can actually signal that your plant is happy enough to reproduce. The fuzzy spots are are called spores, which reminds us of the plant's ancient age. Ferns cannot be propagated via cutting (unless roots are attached) and they do not flower. Spores are how they multiply themselves, and the process is quite fascinating. You can collect spores to try your hand at raising a baby fern, or you can remove them.
Ferns happen to be quite sensitive to dry conditions. From soil to air quality, they prefer things to be on the moist side. Ideally, their soil never dries out, and humidity levels remain at 70% or higher. If you allow things to get too dry (humidity under 50% is the danger zone), then you risk losing foliage. Tell-tale signs that soil or air is too dry are brown edges or crisping leaves. Maintain your moisture levels in the soil with a moisture meter, and stay on top of humidity levels with these pro-tips.
