Learning how to transplant ferns is a simple way to multiply your favorite plants or rescue them from a poor location. Whether you’re moving a fern in your garden or potting up a division for a friend, the process is straightforward with the right timing and technique.
Ferns are resilient plants, but they do have specific needs, especially their delicate roots. A successful move gives them the best start in their new home. This guide will walk you through every step, from choosing the perfect moment to post-transplant care.
How To Transplant Ferns
The core process of transplanting ferns involves preparing the new site, carefully digging up the plant, and settling it in quickly. The goal is to minimize root disturbance and keep the roots moist throught the operation. Let’s look at what you’ll need before you start.
Gather Your Tools and Materials
Having everything ready before you touch the plant is key. You don’t want the fern’s roots drying out while you search for a tool.
- A sharp spade or garden knife
- A garden fork
- A tarp or large bucket
- Watering can or hose
- Fresh potting mix (for container planting) or compost (for garden beds)
- Mulch (like shredded leaves or bark)
- New pot with drainage holes (if potting)
Choosing the Right Time to Transplant
Timing is the most important factor for success. The best time is in early spring, just as new fiddleheads (the curled-up new fronds) begin to emerge. This allows the plant to establish roots in cool, moist soil before summer’s heat.
Fall is a second good option, after temperatures have cooled but at least six weeks before the first hard frost. Avoid transplanting in the hot, dry summer months or when the ground is frozen in winter.
Signs Your Fern Needs Transplanting
- The center of the clump looks dead or sparse.
- It has outgrown its current pot or garden space.
- Fronds are smaller than usual, indicating poor soil.
- You simply want to propagate more plants.
Step-by-Step Transplanting Instructions
Follow these steps carefully for a stress-free move, both for you and your fern.
Step 1: Prepare the New Planting Hole
Always dig the new hole first. It should be twice as wide as the fern’s root ball and about the same depth. Mix some compost into the excavated soil to enrich it. If potting, fill your new container partway with a moist, well-draining potting mix.
Step 2: Water the Fern Thoroughly
The day before the move, give the fern a deep watering. This hydrates the plant and makes the soil easier to work with, helping the root ball hold together.
Step 3: Dig Up the Fern
Start digging your spade in a circle around the fern, about 6 inches from the base for most varieties. Use the garden fork to gently loosen the soil and lift the root ball. Try to get as much of the root system as possible. Slide the plant onto your tarp or into the bucket to move it.
Step 4: Divide the Fern (Optional)
This is the perfect time to divide an overgrown fern. Gently shake off excess soil so you can see the natural divisions or “crowns.” Using your hands or a sharp knife, pull or cut the plant into smaller sections. Each section needs a piece of the root system and at least one growing crown.
Step 5: Plant at the Correct Depth
Place the fern in its new hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil surface. Planting to deep can cause the crown to rot. Backfill the hole with your soil-compost mix, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate large air pockets.
Step 6: Water and Mulch
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil. Then, apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it away from the direct crown. This conserves moisture and keeps roots cool.
Caring for Your Fern After Transplanting
Post-transplant care ensures your fern recovers quickly and puts out new growth.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) for the first entire growing season. This is non-negotiable for establishment.
- Light: Provide shelter from harsh, direct afternoon sun. Most ferns prefer dappled shade, especially while recovering.
- Hold Off on Fertilizer: Don’t fertilize for at least 6-8 weeks. You can burn the new roots. Let the plant focus on root growth first.
Expect some fronds to wilt or die back after transplanting; this is normal. The plant is shifting its energy to it’s roots. New fiddleheads should appear in a few weeks, signaling success.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these pitfalls for a healthier fern.
- Transplanting in Summer Heat: This is the top cause of failure, as the plant loses more water than its damaged roots can absorb.
- Damaging the Rhizomes: These horizontal stems are how many ferns spread. Handle them with care during division.
- Using Poor Soil: Ferns need rich, organic, well-draining soil. Heavy clay or very sandy soil won’t work well without amendment.
- Overwatering After Planting: While moist is good, waterlogged soil suffocates roots and causes rot.
FAQ About Transplanting Ferns
Can you transplant ferns in the summer?
It’s not recommended. If you must, do it on a cool, cloudy day, trim back some fronds to reduce water loss, and be prepared for intensive watering and possible shock.
How often should you transplant potted ferns?
Typically every 2-3 years, or when the roots completely fill the pot and begin to circle. Spring is the best time for repotting as well.
Do ferns like to be root bound?
Most ferns tolerate being slightly root-bound for a short time, but they ultimately grow better with room for their roots to expand. Severe root binding stresses the plant.
What is the best soil mix for transplanted ferns?
A mix of equal parts potting soil, peat moss or coco coir, and perlite or coarse sand works great. It provides nutrients, moisture retention, and drainage.
How long does fern transplant shock last?
With proper care, visible shock (wilting) should improve within 2-3 weeks. The plant may take a full growing season to fully recover and put on robust new growth. Patience is key during this period.
Transplanting ferns is a rewarding garden task that helps your plants thrive. By following these simple steps—choosing the right time, handling roots gently, and providing attentive aftercare—you can confidently move or devide your ferns. Soon, you’ll enjoy lush, green fronds in their new perfect spot.