At the latest when the leaves turn brown, the fern signals that it needs a little care. A cut could be in order here. How the fern is cut, whether a cut is necessary at all and when cutting makes sense is explained below.

Take cuttings from your fern in spring

Cut back in fall or spring

Most fern species should be pruned in the fall. It is sufficient to shorten the fronds to just above the ground. If you miss the cut in autumn, you have the next chance in spring. But be careful: in the spring there is a risk that the new fronds will be injured when you cut them!

Foliage serves as a natural winter protection

Some fern species are considered sensitive when it comes to frost. These include, for example, the Asian ferns. They should rather be shortened by only half. The lower section left standing catches and 'holds' the foliage to be placed over it for winter protection.

Alternatively, the brown fronds can be cut off in the fall and placed on the root area. In addition to winter protection, the fronds serve as a natural fertilizer. They decompose slowly and the formation of new fronds is stimulated and strengthened in spring.

Evergreen and evergreen ferns

Evergreen ferns should not be pruned. Only old, brown leaves need to be cleaned out. Even evergreen ferns look beautiful in winter. They need winter protection in the form of their fronds. Therefore, they are only shortened in the spring. This should ideally be done shortly before the new fronds sprout, so that they are not injured.

Pruning ferns to obtain cuttings

Ferns can also be cut to obtain cuttings for propagation. Such a cut should be done in the spring. Use clean tools and gloves to protect yourself from the poisonous parts of the plant.

Observe the following points when propagating cuttings:

  • only possible for ferns with above-ground rhizome
  • Cut off the rhizome with a knife 4 cm behind the vegetation point
  • Plant the rhizome in a pot with soil
  • keep soil moistured
  • Rooting time: 4 to 6 weeks
  • plant out in a suitable location

tips and tricks

Indoor ferns are cut just like garden ferns.

Category:

Vegetable garden