Slender Climbing Fern Plant Care

Slender Climbing Fern (Arthropteris tenella) belongs to the Tectariaceae family within the Arthropteris genus. Slender Climbing Fern is native to eastern Australia and New Zealand.

Slender Climbing Fern displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Slender Climbing Fern produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Slender Climbing Fern every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Slender Climbing Fern thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Slender Climbing Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Arthropteris tenella tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Slender Climbing Fern prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining potting mix with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Slender Climbing Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Slender Climbing Fern every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and rich, well-draining potting mix with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Slender Climbing Fern is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Slender Climbing Fern can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Slender Climbing Fern while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Slender Climbing Fern is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Slender Climbing Fern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes.

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Slender Climbing Fern is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Slender Climbing Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Slender Climbing Fern is native to eastern Australia and New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Slender Climbing Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.