With their graceful, arching fronds ferns bring a tropical touch to any indoor space. But keeping your fern healthy means periodically repotting it into fresh soil. Repotting gives your fern room to grow, replenishes nutrients and prevents root-bound issues. Follow this complete guide to successfully repot your fern.
When to Repot a Fern
Watch for these signs that your fern needs repotting:
- Roots growing out of drainage holes or the soil surface
- Slow growth and smaller than usual new fronds
- Leaves yellowing or browning
- Soil drying out very quickly after watering
Ideally, aim to repot ferns every 2-3 years. Repotting in spring allows plants to establish before summer heat hits.
Supplies Needed for Repotting a Fern
Before starting, gather these supplies:
- New pot 1-2 inches larger than the current pot
- Fresh general-purpose potting soil
- Sharp, clean pruners or scissors
- Gardening gloves
- Small knife or spatula
- Watering can
- Tray or dish to contain loose soil
Avoid reusing old potting mix, as diseases or pests may linger. Start fresh for healthiest plants
Step 1: Remove the Fern from the Pot
To remove your fern, follow these tips:
- Loosen soil by gently moistening it if very dry.
- Tip pot sideways and slide fern out. Steady the base as you do this.
- If stuck, run a knife around edges to free roots before easing out.
- Work slowly and handle fronds gently to avoid damage.
Step 2: Prune Away Dead Growth
Once removed, prune your fern:
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Trim off any dead, damaged, or diseased fronds with clean shears.
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Remove yellowed or browned lower fronds to expose the stem.
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Cutting just above a frond node encourages new growth.
Step 3: Examine and Prep the Root Ball
Check roots for issues and prepare for repotting:
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Shake off any loose old soil clinging to roots.
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Gently loosen any tightly circled or matted sections.
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Trim off any mushy, rotted, or dead roots. Healthy roots are firm and white/green.
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If staying in the same sized pot, prune back about 1/4 of root mass.
Step 4: Add Fresh Soil to New Pot
Before replanting, prepare the new container:
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Add an inch of fresh, well-draining potting mix to the bottom.
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Use a fern or orchid soil mix, or add perlite to regular potting soil.
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Soil should be loose and airy but will hold some moisture.
Step 5: Reposition the Fern
Now you’re ready to get your fern situated in its new home:
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Place the fern in the center of the pot atop the soil.
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Check it sits at the same level as before, with crown just above the soil.
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Begin backfilling around root ball with more fresh, moist soil.
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Gently firm the soil around the base and fill any gaps.
Step 6: Water Well
Water thoroughly after repotting to settle soil:
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Water until it drains freely from the pot’s bottom holes.
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This helps eliminate air pockets around the roots.
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Let excess water drain fully before returning the fern to its location.
Step 7: Provide Aftercare
Help your repotted fern recover with proper aftercare:
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Keep out of direct sun for a week or so after repotting.
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Resume normal watering after a few days. Check soil frequently to ensure moisture.
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Mist fronds daily for humidity and wipe leaves to remove dust.
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Hold off fertilizing for 2-4 weeks until new growth appears.
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Remove any fronds that yellow or brown post-repotting.
With attentive aftercare, your fern will quickly bounce back and thrive in its roomy new pot!
Choosing the Right Pot for Your Fern
When selecting a container for your fern, keep these guidelines in mind:
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Drainage holes are essential to prevent wet soil issues. Pick a pot with plenty of holes.
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Ceramic and terra cotta pots help retain moisture but require more frequent watering.
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Plastic pots are lightweight and inexpensive but tend to dry out faster.
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Size up 1-2 inches if the fern is root-bound or has filled its current pot.
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For ferns you want to limit in size, repot in the same container.
Troubleshooting Common Repotting Issues
If your fern struggles after repotting, look for these common problems:
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Transplant shock – Drooping fronds, minor yellowing. Usually temporary. Increase humidity and reduce light until fern recovers.
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Root rot – Mushy, black roots and severe wilting. Repot in fresh, very well-draining soil. Cut away all rotted roots.
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Excess sunlight – Fronds scorched or browned along edges. Move fern to a shadier spot out of direct sun.
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Underwatering – Dry soil, crispy fronds. Water more frequently and thoroughly after repotting.
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Disturbing the root ball – Limit root handling, and prune only dead sections to avoid stressing the plant.
With a gentle touch and the right care, you can repot your fern without creating significant setbacks. Pay close attention in the weeks after repotting to get your fern back on track.
Common Fern Varieties and Their Potting Needs
While all ferns thrive in loose, moist soil, some varieties have specific preferences:
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Boston ferns – Require high humidity. Keep potting mix moist but not saturated.
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Bird’s nest ferns – Desire airy mix and shallow pots. Avoid overpotting.
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Staghorn ferns – Prefer to be mounted versus potted. Use an orchid mix if potting.
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Rabbit’s foot fern – Likes mix amended with peat moss or coconut coir for moisture retention.
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Cinnamon fern – Demand constant moisture. Add sphagnum moss to soil to increase water holding capacity.
Get to know your fern’s requirements for best results when repotting.
Key Takeaways for Repotting a Fern
Follow these fern repotting tips and you’ll have success:
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Repot ferns every 2-3 years in spring for uninterrupted growth.
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Carefully remove from pot and prune dead fronds and roots.
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Choose a container only 1-2 inches larger than the previous pot.
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Use a well-draining soil mix suitable for ferns.
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Water thoroughly after repotting and keep out of direct sun until established.
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Watch for transplant shock, root issues, or drying out and adjust care as needed.
With the right technique and aftercare, repotting will invigorate your fern and keep it thriving for years to come!
Three options to consider when repotting
Good for plants that grow a lot and where the current pot has started to inhibit its growth.
Same pot, new soil
For plants that you don’t want to get any bigger.
The 5 Simple Steps to Repot your Boston Fern | PLUS (How to Divide!)
FAQ
When should you repot a fern?
Do ferns like to be root bound?
What soil do you repot ferns in?
What kind of soil do ferns need?
Do ferns need repotting?
Overcrowding of the roots can stunt root and rhizome growth, and soil will need to be replaced to replenish the nutrients. If your fern is beginning to look tired, or growth is slow, increasing to the next pot size should help it bounce back. Repotting is quick and easy if you follow a few simple steps.
When should you repot a Boston fern?
The ideal period to divide and repot a Boston fern is during spring, as this is when new growth commences. It’s recommended to repot Boston ferns every 3 to 5 years to encourage their growth and maintain their overall health. Ensuring proper timing will lead to a successful division and repotting process, benefitting the fern’s development.
How do you repot a fern plant?
Repotting the plant is just as simple as repotting other houseplants. Fill the new pot with a type of loamy soil that has good drainage. Carefully remove the fern from the old pot and place it in the new pot. Pat the soil down and water the plant thoroughly. Do things the right way and keep an eye on the plant for a few days.
Is it time to repot a fern?
The biggest indication that it is time to repot your fern is that the roots have become overcrowded. You can use your fingers to dig at the soil a bit around the edges of the pot and try to get a good look at the roots to see if they’ve started to crowd or circle around the edges of the pot.