The Best Soil for Ferns

Soil for Native Ferns

• Native ferns or hardy ferns are indigenous to different regions where they grow naturally as perennials. These ferns thrive in their native settings and resist indoor culture. Care varies by species, but the best soil for them is native soil. University of Arkansas recommends no commercial fertilizer applications to hardy ferns, although if soil becomes compacted, they benefit from adding well-aged compost or leaf mold. Falling leaves and pine needles in autumn provide winter protection and eventual decomposition to soil around plants.

Soil for Houseplant Ferns

• The University of Georgia documents nearly 9,000 fern species. Many ferns that grow naturally in tropical regions are houseplants in temperate regions. Potting soil blends vary, depending on fern species, but they all share common characteristics. Ferns grow best in soil with lots of organic matter, such as humus, sphagnum moss and leaf mold. The soil must retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. Adding 1/3 part sand to potting mixes allows good drainage and adequate aeration.

Popular Houseplant Ferns

• The University of Georgia recommends the best soil for ferns, such as Boston, petticoat and sword, is a mixture of equal parts loam, sand or perlite, and peat or sphagnum moss. Birds nest, button, holly, pteris and asparagus ferns prefer soil mixes of 1/3 potting soil, 1/3 peat moss and 1/3 mixture of equal parts sand, gravel and charcoal. Button ferns enjoy the addition of 1 teaspoon of lime per quart of mixture and holly ferns enjoy the lime plus 1 cup of manure per gallon of mix.

Epiphytic Ferns

• Some ferns, such as staghorn and rabbit’s foot, are epiphytes. They grow naturally on tree trunks in the absence of soil without parasitizing trees. The best soil for these ferns mimics their natural setting by using soilless mixes, which include bark as a primary ingredient. Bob Anderson of the University of Kentucky recommends mixes of fir or redwood bark, osmunda fiber, shredded pine bark or sphagnum moss. The growing medium should be thoroughly soaked and allowed to completely dry before watering again.