With over 17,000 different species worldwide, ferns are an incredibly diverse group of plants. Naturally, that means they all have slightly different needs! Even among the 170 or so species native to Europe, you’ll find some variety in how they like to be treated—especially when it comes to feeding them.
Deciduous vs. Evergreen Ferns
The biggest difference in care comes down to whether your fern is deciduous (loses its leaves in winter) or evergreen. For deciduous ferns, you’ll want to skip the fertilizer entirely during the winter months so the plant can enjoy its natural dormant period. Evergreen ferns, on the other hand, can usually handle a very light, reduced feeding during the winter to keep them going.
When is the best time to fertilize?
Regardless of the variety, the “golden window” for fertilizing is during the active growing season, which usually runs from April through September. How often you feed them depends on where they’re growing. For ferns in containers, a bi-weekly schedule (every two weeks) is usually your best bet. If your ferns are planted directly in a garden bed, once every four weeks is plenty. The same goes for potted ferns if you’ve used a rich compost-based potting mix.
Skip the mineral fertilizers
Here’s a pro tip: stay away from mineral-based synthetic fertilizers. Ferns are actually quite sensitive to salt buildup in the soil, which these fertilizers can cause. Instead, stick with organic options. You can find specialized fern fertilizers at the store, but these common organic amendments work wonders too:
- Horn shavings
- Nettle tea (liquid manure)
- Bone meal
- Organic liquid fertilizer
- Slow-release organic pellets
- Leftover black or herbal tea
- Compost
Consistency over quantity!
When it comes to ferns, more is definitely not better. If you overdo it on the nutrients, your fern might push back by developing brown leaves. The secret to a happy fern is a consistent, light routine rather than a heavy dose of food. If you’re using a standard liquid fertilizer, a good rule of thumb is to use only half the amount recommended on the label. Your ferns will thank you!
