Can Perennial Ferns Grow in a Container?

This perennial fern unrolls its fronds in spring.

Perennial ferns return each year, growing up from their root-like rhizome structures. Evergreen species maintain their fronds over the winter. Most fern species live long lives as perennials given the right growing conditions and do very well in pots.

Growing Requirements

Mature ferns need the same things other plants need: nutrients, water, light and carbon dioxide. Nutrients and water come from the soil they are grown in, carbon dioxide from the air and light from the sun or other light source. Meet these growing requirements for a potted fern and it will thrive.

Adequate Pot Size

The pot used for a fern must provide adequate soil for the fern's rhizome structure to grow and support the weight of the plant without tipping over. In addition, the volume of soil has to support the plant's nutrient and water needs without drowning the plant in water.

Potted Perennial Ferns

Ferns are hardy to specific temperatures and will die if exposed to temperatures below their survival temperature. Ferns go dormant in the winter and re-emerge in spring when the weather warms. Planting ferns in pots allows them to grow in regions where they would not survive the winter if the pots are brought indoors over the winter.

References

• "The Complete Book of Plant Propagation"; Jim Arbury, Richard Bird, Mike Honour, Clive Innes, Mike Salmon; 1997

Resources

• University of Vermont Extension: Growing Ferns Successfully Indoors