Transplanting a garden fern is undertaken to relocate a plant, manage an expanding clump, or propagate the specimen into new areas. Ferns are resilient plants that thrive in conditions mimicking their forest floor origins, but they are susceptible to stress when their delicate rhizomes and fibrous root structures are disturbed. The success of moving a fern relies on minimizing shock to its root system and providing optimal conditions in its new environment immediately following the move. A careful, planned approach significantly increases the likelihood of the fern successfully re-establishing itself.
Optimal Timing and Site Preparation
The most favorable time for transplanting ferns is during their dormant or semi-dormant period, typically in early spring just as new growth begins to emerge, or in the early fall. Moving the plant during these cooler periods allows the root system to settle into the new soil without the burden of supporting active frond growth. Before digging, thoroughly water the fern at its original location a day prior to the move to ensure the root ball is moist and holds together during extraction.
The new planting location must be prepared to minimize the time the fern’s roots are exposed to the air. The new hole should be dug ideally twice as wide as the root ball, but only as deep as the original planting depth. Amending the soil with organic matter, such as compost or leaf mold, helps ensure the necessary moisture retention and drainage. Tools like a shovel or garden fork, along with a tarp for moving the excavated fern, should be ready before disturbing the plant.
Techniques for Digging and Dividing Ferns
The physical act of digging must be executed with precision to maintain the integrity of the root system, which is generally shallow for most fern varieties. Use a sharp spade or garden fork to cut a clean perimeter into the soil, moving in a circle approximately 4 to 5 inches out from the base of the fern’s crown. The size of the root ball should be relative to the plant’s size, aiming for a mass that contains the majority of the roots while remaining manageable to lift.
Once the perimeter is cut, carefully work the spade underneath the root ball to sever the deeper anchor roots, leveraging the soil mass upward to loosen it from the ground. Lift the entire clump from the bottom, supporting the heavy soil mass, rather than pulling on the delicate fronds, which can easily break. If propagation is the goal, division can occur once the clump is out of the ground by cutting the root ball into sections with a clean, sharp knife or spade, or by gently pulling apart the naturally separating fibrous roots.
Division Requirements
Each resulting division must contain a healthy portion of the rhizome, a crown where new fronds emerge, and a substantial network of fine, fibrous roots for successful establishment. Ferns with clumping habits, like Lady Fern, are easier to divide by slicing the root mass. Running varieties with extensive rhizomes, such as Ostrich Fern, can be separated where natural divisions occur along the underground stems. Quickly wrap the newly extracted or divided root balls in a moist burlap or place them on the tarp to protect them from drying out while moving to the prepared site.
Post-Transplant Care for Survival
Immediately upon setting the fern into the new hole, backfill with the amended soil, ensuring the crown sits at the same level it was growing previously. The soil should be gently but firmly compressed around the root ball to eliminate any large air pockets. A thorough and deep watering is necessary to settle the soil and fully hydrate the roots, mitigating transplant shock.
Applying a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or leaf litter, around the fern helps to regulate soil temperature and conserve moisture. This mulch layer should not touch the crown of the plant, as this can trap moisture and cause rot. For larger ferns, trimming back some older fronds reduces the plant’s immediate water loss through transpiration, allowing the fern to allocate more energy to root growth. Consistent moisture is required for the first year, and the transplanted fern should be monitored for signs of stress, such as browning or wilting fronds, which signal a need for more frequent watering.