How to Grow and Care for Lace Ferns

Lace ferns are celebrated for their delicate, feathery fronds that create an airy texture, making them a popular choice for adding green elegance to indoor and outdoor spaces. This versatile plant adapts well to various settings, from containers to shady garden borders. The common name “lace fern” is sometimes used for several plants, so proper identification is important.

Identifying Lace Ferns

The name “lace fern” most accurately refers to Microlepia strigosa, a true fern with bright green, intricately divided fronds. These fronds are bipinnate, meaning the leaflets are themselves divided, contributing to their lacy look. The plant grows from creeping rhizomes just under the soil surface, forming dense clumps that can reach two to three feet in height.

A plant often confused with the true Lace Fern is the Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus). Despite its fern-like appearance, it is not a true fern and belongs to the asparagus family. It has fine, needle-like branches called cladodes instead of fronds. This distinction is important for care and safety, as their requirements differ.

Lace Fern Care Guide

Light

Lace Ferns flourish in partial to full shade, preferring bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun, especially during the hottest parts of the day, can scorch their delicate fronds, causing them to turn brown. When grown indoors, a spot near a window with filtered light, such as through a sheer curtain, is ideal.

Water

Microlepia strigosa requires consistently moist soil but is sensitive to overwatering. The soil should be kept evenly moist but never soggy, as waterlogged conditions can lead to root rot. Water the plant thoroughly and allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. During dry periods, more frequent watering will be necessary.

Soil

A well-draining soil rich in organic matter is best for Lace Ferns, mimicking their natural forest floor habitat. For potted plants, a peat-based potting mix amended with perlite or compost works well. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic, between 5.5 and 6.5, which helps the fern absorb nutrients.

Temperature and Humidity

Lace Ferns are native to tropical regions, so they prefer warm and humid conditions. They grow best in temperatures from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). In drier indoor environments, you may need to supplement humidity. Misting the fronds a few times a week or placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water can help increase ambient humidity.

Fertilizer

To support healthy growth, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the spring and summer growing season. It is best to dilute the fertilizer to half-strength to avoid burning the sensitive roots. Fertilizing once a month during active growth is sufficient. During fall and winter, fertilization should be reduced or stopped.

Pruning and Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps keep a Lace Fern looking its best and encourages new growth. The primary reason for pruning is to remove any fronds that have turned yellow or brown. Using clean, sharp scissors, cut these fronds off at the base, being careful not to damage emerging new shoots, known as fiddleheads. This improves the plant’s appearance and enhances air circulation.

A Lace Fern will eventually outgrow its container and become root-bound. Repotting is needed every two to three years or when you see roots emerging from the drainage holes. The best time to repot is in the spring. Choose a new pot one to two inches larger in diameter and use fresh potting mix. Gently remove the fern, loosen any packed roots, and place it in the new pot at its original depth.

Common Problems and Solutions

Browning frond tips are a common issue with Lace Ferns, often a sign of low humidity. To fix this, increase humidity by misting the plant, using a pebble tray, or placing a humidifier nearby. Underwatering can also cause similar symptoms, so ensure the soil remains consistently moist.

Yellowing fronds can be a sign of either overwatering or underwatering. If the soil is constantly soggy, it can lead to root rot. Conversely, if the soil is too dry, the plant will shed older fronds to conserve moisture. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly, ensuring proper drainage.

Dry conditions can make the plant more susceptible to pests like spider mites and mealybugs. These pests thrive in low humidity and can be identified by fine webbing on the plant or small, cotton-like clusters. If an infestation is found, it can be managed by wiping the fronds with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap.

Is the Lace Fern Toxic?

When discussing toxicity, it is important to distinguish between the true Lace Fern and the Asparagus Fern. The true Lace Fern, Microlepia strigosa, is considered non-toxic to pets. This makes it a safe choice for households with cats and dogs that may nibble on plants.

In contrast, the Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus), which is often misidentified as a lace fern, is toxic to both cats and dogs. Ingestion of its berries can cause gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea. Repeated contact with the plant’s sap can also lead to skin irritation, making careful identification necessary for pet owners.