- Can Be Grown Indoors or Outside!
- Delicate, Showy Foliage
- Light Preference/Tolerated (Medium Light, Low Light)
- Average Watering Needs
- Mature Height 24 inches
The Dryopteris erythrosora, or Autumn Fern as most of us know it, is a hardy fern that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. With stunning and graceful foliage that takes on autumnal coloring, it is a calming and peaceful plant for any shady spot. Also known as lace fern due to its lace-like and delicate fronds, it is happiest in low lighting.
Best Locations For Growing Autumn Fern
This air-purifying plant will grow happily in any room away from bright sunlight. However, with its preference for high humidity, it is often grown in a kitchen or bathroom.
Autumn Fern Sunlight Requirements
The Autumn Fern is a shade-loving plant both indoors and outdoors. Intensely disliking strong direct light, it thrives in a spot where it receives low to medium light levels, away from south-facing windows.
Autumn Fern Care
Originating from the woodlands of Asia, the Autumn Fern prefers high humidity and a temperature of 60-85°F. Regular misting, placing on a wet pebble tray, and maintaining consistently moist soil can help increase humidity levels and keep the foliage tips from turning brown and unsightly. Where possible, avoid growing the Autumn Fern in a drafty spot as this can also lead to brown-edged fronds.
Watering Autumn Fern
The Autumn Fern prefers moist, but not overly wet soil and does not tolerate drying out. As soon as the top layer of soil appears dry, it can be watered again, ideally using harvested rainwater. Watering can be reduced in winter as the temperatures fall.
Feeding Autumn Fern
Preferring a rich and fertile soil, the Autumn Fern can be fed every four weeks, using a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.
Autumn Fern Information
Light Exposure: Medium Light, Low Light |
Care Requirements: Easy |
Watering Requirements: Average - Keep lightly moist. When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out. |
Pet Friendly: No |
Kid Friendly: No |
Air Purifier: Low |
Habit: Clumping |
Growth Rate: Moderate |
Mature Height: 24 inches |
Mature Spread: 2 feet |
Flowering: Yes |
Flower Color(s): none |
Flower Shade/Description: none |
Fragrant: |
Foliage Type: |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Green |
Temperature: 60° - 85°F (16° - 29°C) |
Humidity: High |
Common Name: Autumn Fern |
Other Name(s): Japanese Shield Fern, Shaggy Shield Fern |
Scientific Name: Dryopteris erythrosora |
Plant Type: House Plant |
- SKU:
- Fern_Autumn-HP
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.