Easy Fern Safe for pets

Autumn Fern

Dryopteris erythrosora

A captivating deciduous or semi-evergreen fern known for its new fronds emerging in striking coppery-red hues.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 5 days
Light

Medium light
Humidity

50–70 %
Temperature

5–25 °C

How to care for your Autumn Fern

Everything you need to keep your Autumn Fern healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

The Autumn Fern is celebrated for its dynamic seasonal color, with new fronds emerging in brilliant coppery-red or bronze shades before maturing to a deep, glossy green. It forms a beautiful, arching clump, providing year-round interest in milder climates. This hardy fern thrives in shady, moist, well-draining soil and is excellent for woodland gardens or as a specimen plant indoors. Its unique color provides a vibrant contrast against typical green ferns.

Watering your Autumn Fern

Every 5 days

Keep soil consistently moist, especially when young or during dry spells. Do not let it dry out.

How to know it needs water

Soil feels slightly dry just below the surface
Leaves begin to look less vibrant

How much light a Autumn Fern needs

Medium light

Partial shade to full shade. Morning sun is tolerated, but avoid harsh afternoon sun.

Direct sun tolerated: 0 to 2 h a day
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, North-west

Humidity and misting

50–70 %

Medium to high (50-70%). Appreciates consistent moisture in the air. Misting is not crucial outdoors but can benefit indoor plants in dry environments.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 90 days

Apply once in spring for outdoor plants. Indoor plants can get a diluted liquid feed monthly in spring/summer.

Recommended feed: Slow-release granular fertilizer or compost. · 1-1-1

Repotting your Autumn Fern

Every 36 months

Repot into a slightly larger container or divide the rhizome. Use a rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soil.

When: Early Spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, coco fibre

The tell-tale signs

Plant becoming root-bound
Reduced vigor or growth
Clump becoming too large

Pruning your Autumn Fern

Late winter or early spring. Cut back old or damaged fronds to the ground level before new growth emerges.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 8 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 5 in the growing season.

Active growth · Days between waterings

Good to know

New fronds emerge in striking coppery-red or bronze hues before maturing to dark green.
Provides year-round interest, being evergreen in milder climates.

Frequently asked questions about the Autumn Fern

How do you care for a Autumn Fern?

Water it every 5 days. Give it medium light. Ideal humidity: 50–70 %. Ideal temperature: 5–25 °C. Keep soil consistently moist, especially when young or during dry spells. Do not let it dry out.

How often should you water a Autumn Fern?

Every 5 days Keep soil consistently moist, especially when young or during dry spells. Do not let it dry out. How to know it needs water : Soil feels slightly dry just below the surface ; Leaves begin to look less vibrant.

How much light does a Autumn Fern need?

Medium light Partial shade to full shade. Morning sun is tolerated, but avoid harsh afternoon sun. 0 to 2 h a day

Is the Autumn Fern toxic to cats and dogs?

No, the Autumn Fern is not listed as toxic to cats and dogs. That is still no reason to let your pets chew on it.

Why are my Autumn Fern leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Autumn Fern?

Repot every 36 months, ideally in early spring. Repot into a slightly larger container or divide the rhizome. Use a rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soil.