Description

Suggested Uses

• Statement houseplant for living rooms, bathrooms, and bright kitchens
• Shaded patios, verandas, and protected courtyards in mild climates
• Hanging baskets or pedestal urns to showcase cascading fronds and plantlets
• Woodland or fern gardens in frost-free zones
• Cut greenery for floral design and arrangements

Plant Details

• Botanical NameFern- Australian Mother (Mother Fern type)
• Common NameFern- Australian Mother; Mother Fern
• Size & GrowthIndoors: 2–3 ft tall and wide; Outdoors in mild climates: up to 3–5 ft. Arching, lacy fronds often produce baby plantlets on the frond surface.
• Hardiness ZonesUSDA Zones 9–11 outdoors (frost-free). Grow as a houseplant in cooler regions; protect from temperatures below 55°F (13°C).
• Foliage TypeEvergreen; finely divided, bipinnate fronds; medium to deep green with soft, feathery texture.
• Bloom TimeNot applicable — ferns do not bloom; they reproduce by spores and plantlets.
• Growth RateModerate to fast with steady warmth, humidity, and consistent moisture.
• Light RequirementsBright, indirect light indoors; filtered morning sun or dappled shade outdoors. Avoid harsh midday sun to prevent frond scorch.
• Attracts PollinatorsNot applicable — non-flowering; does not attract pollinators.
• Indoor FriendlyExcellent houseplant with stable temperatures (60–80°F) and moderate to high humidity.
• Container FriendlyThrives in pots and hanging baskets; repot every 1–2 years in spring as roots fill the container.
• Deer ResistantGenerally avoided by deer, though not completely deer-proof.
• Pet WarningGenerally considered non-toxic; ingestion may cause mild stomach upset. Best kept out of reach to discourage nibbling.
• FragrantNo — foliage is not fragrant.
• Cut FlowerYes — fronds make attractive, long-lasting greenery in floral arrangements when cut cleanly at the base.
• Grows Well WithGrows Well With Calathea, Maranta, Peace Lily, Philodendron, Hosta, Heuchera, Begonia, Bromeliads—other shade and moisture lovers.

Care Tips

• Planting InstructionsUse a pot with drainage. Set the crown at or just above the soil surface—never bury it. Firm gently and water thoroughly after potting.
• Soil MoistureKeep evenly moist. Water when the top 0.5–1 in of mix feels barely dry. Avoid both drought and waterlogging; empty saucers after watering.
• Soil TypeLoose, humus-rich, well-draining mix: 2 parts peat/coco coir, 1 part fine bark, 1 part perlite. Slightly acidic pH 5.5–6.5 is ideal.
• HumidityPrefers 50–70% RH. Group plants, use a pebble tray, or run a humidifier. Avoid dry, hot air from vents or radiators.
• Pruning InstructionsClip yellowed or tattered fronds at the base. Remove or root plantlets as desired. Divide crowded clumps in spring to rejuvenate growth.
• Winter CareKeep above 55°F (13°C). Water slightly less but never let the root ball dry out. No drafts. Outdoors in Zones 9–11, protect from frost and windburn.
• Planting DepthCrown level with the soil surface; leave 1–2 in headspace at the rim for watering. Do not mound mix over the crown.
• FertilizationFeed at half-strength every 4–6 weeks in spring–summer with a balanced, urea-free liquid fertilizer. Flush soil quarterly to prevent salt buildup; pause feeding in midwinter.
• Special CarePlantlets on fronds can be pegged onto moist soil to root, or detached when 2–3 in long with tiny roots. Rotate monthly for even growth; avoid leaf-shine products and harsh pesticides on delicate fronds.