How to Repot a Fern

Ferns are non-flowering houseplants that are grown for foliage which can take many forms: from the delicate Boston fern to the tough and leathery fronds of the Bear paw fern. As members of the Polypodiospoda class, ferns are vascular plants that reproduce by means of spores. They have complex leaves that uncoil from fiddleheads into fronds. Although they are native to tropical and sub-tropical rainforests ferns are easy to grow and maintain. Ferns require indirect sunlight, moist soil, and a humid atmosphere.

Ferns prefer potting soil with good drainage and high organic content. A potting mix should have peat moss or sphagnum for moisture retention, sand or gravel for drainage, and sterilized bagged garden loam or potting soil. Add 1/2 ounce of dolomitic limestone to each gallon of soil mix and 1 tablespoon of bone meal or 20% superphosphate. See Potting Media for additional info.

Choose a container with a size proportionate to the plant keeping in mind that most ferns have a shallow root system. A plant is too small for its pot may drown in the excess water held in the soil. There should be roughly one inch of space between the root system and the sides of the container. Ferns may need to be repotted often but wait until it seems overcrowded.

Any pot used should have a drainage hole at the base of the container to remove excess water. Do not put stones or broken crockery into the bottom of a container as a method of drainage. This will actually create an environment where the plants roots will sit in water-logged planting medium. A coffee basket filter placed in the bottom before the soil mix will work well to keep soil from running out of drainage holes. Another option is double potting. Place the fern and potting mix in a permeable container such as a clay pot and then place that container into a larger pot that has a layer of sphagnum moss that will surround the smaller pot. Keep the sphagnum moist.

Ferns prefer indirect lighting from a north or east-facing window. The intense sunlight from a southern or western exposure may dry out or even scald the foliage. A sheer curtain can reduce light penetration or move the fern far enough from the window to avoid direct sunlight.

Daytime temperatures should average 65-75°F. Nighttime temperatures should be about 10° lower, preferably below 60°F. Higher temperatures may require more frequent watering (see Humidity/Watering).

When temperatures are below 60°F add water only when the soil is dry to the touch. If plants receive too much or too little water, shedding of leaflets will occur. Browning on the tips of the fronds and the yellowing and dropping of interior leaves are all signs of a low humidity. Certain practices, in addition to the double potting mentioned above, can be taken to increase humidity surrounding the plant. See Houseplant Watering Techniques for additional information.

Ferns require little fertilizer unless actively growing in winter months. Liquid houseplant fertilizer should be applied at half the recommended amount. Too much fertilizer will scorch the foliage. Do not fertilize newly divided or repotted plants for 6 months. See Fertilizing Houseplants for additional information.

Ferns will require repotting every few years. Divide overcrowded plants by removing them from the pot then use a sharp knife to cut into the root mass, dividing it into 2 or 3 sections. Repot and keep the soil medium evenly moist and supplying humidity for the first few weeks.

Scale, mealybugs, and spider mites are the most common insect problems. Either hand picking or a hard spray with warm water will dislodge most insects. A cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol can be used to carefully wipe foliage. Avoid pesticide use that may damage the sensitive plant. See Insecticidal soaps for additional information.

Ferns are beautiful, graceful plants that can thrive indoors and outdoors However, even the hardiest ferns need repotting every couple of years to refresh the soil and give the plant room to grow Repotting a fern may seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think if you follow a few simple steps.

When to Repot Your Fern

You’ll know it’s time to repot your fern when

The plant becomes top-heavy and tips over easily, This happens when the root mass gets too big for the pot,
Roots are growing out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This is a sure sign your fern is pot-bound.
Water runs straight through the soil and out the bottom when you water. The roots have filled up the pot and there’s no room for water retention.
Growth has slowed or stopped. Without room for the roots to expand, the plant can’t absorb enough nutrients and water.
The plant is drooping or yellowing. These can be signs of poor nutrient absorption due to restricted roots.

For most ferns, aim to repot every 2-3 years. Repotting in the spring is ideal, as growth resumes after winter dormancy.

Supplies You’ll Need

Gather these supplies before repotting:

New pot – go up 1-2 inches in diameter from the current pot
Potting mix suitable for ferns – incorporate peat moss to retain moisture
Sharp, clean pruners or scissors
Tray to contain mess while repotting

Optional:

Chopstick or skewer to loosen root-bound soil
Watering can or spray bottle with water
Slow-release fertilizer

Step-by-Step Repotting Instructions

Follow these simple steps for stress-free fern repotting:

1. Water the Fern

Water your fern the day before repotting. Moist soil is easier to work with and less likely to crumble.

2. Remove the Fern From the Pot

Turn the pot upside down in your hand and gently squeeze and tug on the sides to release the root ball. You may need to use a chopstick or skewer to loosen compacted roots.

Alternatively, lay the pot on its side and gently coax the root ball out. Avoid pulling on stems and leaves.

3. Prune Roots if Needed

Inspect the root ball and prune off any dead, diseased, circling, or congested roots. This encourages new growth.

4. Prepare the New Pot

Fill the new pot about 1/3 full with fresh, loose potting mix. Use a fern-friendly mix with peat moss.

5. Position the Fern

Place the fern in the new pot. The top of the root ball should sit just below the pot’s rim.

Add more potting mix around the sides to stabilize it. The base of the stems should sit at the same level as before.

6. Backfill With Potting Mix

Hold the fern in place and gently fill in around the roots with more fresh, damp potting mix. Tap the pot to settle the soil.

7. Water Thoroughly

Water slowly and thoroughly until water drains from the bottom drainage holes. This will settle the soil further.

8. Add Slow-Release Fertilizer (Optional)

Sprinkle slow-release fertilizer on the soil surface per label directions. This gives the roots a nutrient boost.

9. Provide Aftercare

Keep the fern out of direct sun for a week or so to allow it to recover from repotting stress. Maintain evenly moist soil and resume normal care.

With the right technique and a few simple supplies, repotting a fern is easy. Just follow the steps above, and your fern will be thriving in its roomy new home again soon. Repotting revitalizes growth and keeps your fern looking lush for years to come.

how to repot a fern

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Lined Tray: Place a pebble-lined tray or saucer underneath the pot. Add water to the pebbles maintaining at least ¼” of water at all times. The bottom of the pot should not touch the water in the tray. Sitting directly in water will encourage fungal diseases and root rot. For best results, replace the gravel periodically or wash it thoroughly at three-month intervals to halt the development of algae in the water or on the pebbles.
Misting: Use room temperature water. This is helpful during the winter when heating systems may dry out the air.
Room humidifier: Place a room humidifier near the plant to obtain 30 to 50% humidity within the room or consider placing the plant in one of the moister areas of the house such as the bathroom.

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FAQ

When should you repot ferns?

Repotting your plant is best to do in the spring, as the spring and summer months are their growing months. You’ll need to choose a pot that’s a size up and make sure it has plenty of drainage holes in the bottom.

What is the best potting soil for a fern?

Ferns prefer potting soil with good drainage and high organic content. A potting mix should have peat moss or sphagnum for moisture retention, sand or gravel for drainage, and sterilized bagged garden loam or potting soil.

Why is it illegal to transplant ferns?

Dear Claude, The short answer is that you really shouldn’t. In fact, in many areas, transplanting ferns from the wild is illegal, and with good reason: Collectors in parts of the globe have succeeded in driving several species to the point of extinction.

Do ferns like big or small pots?

Small pots (4-6 inches) are best for young ferns to prevent overwatering. Choose medium pots (8-10 inches) for established ferns after 1-2 years.Nov 26, 2024