Frosty Fern Care

A striking, low-growing plant known for its soft, feathery green foliage tipped with silvery-white “frost.”


Its delicate appearance makes it a favorite for terrariums. While beautiful, it thrives in high humidity, consistent moisture, and gentle, indirect light, making it a plant best suited for attentive caregivers.

Light

Bright indirect light; avoid direct sun.

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Watering

Keep soil consistently moist, never dry. Water when the top ¼ inch is just barely dry.

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Humidity

Needs high humidity (60–80%); great for terrariums. Avoid direct misting.

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Temperature

60–75°F (16–24°C); protect from drafts.

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Soil

Light, moisture-retentive mix (peaty mix with a little perlite).

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Fertilizing

Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

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Repotting

Repot only when roots fill the pot—usually every 1–2 years—and move up just one pot size, keeping the soil evenly moist during the transition.

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Pruning & Cleaning

Trim brown or leggy tips to keep it full.

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Pet Safety

Non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them a pet-friendly plant.

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Common Problems

Browning tips from low humidity, yellowing from overwatering, leggy growth from low light, and occasional soil mold in overly damp conditions.

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Common Pests

Mostly fungus gnats from too damp soil.

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Fun Fact

Frosty ferns aren’t true ferns—they’re actually a type of ancient clubmoss that reproduces with spores, making them closer relatives of mosses than modern ferns.

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