Photo: Anne ParkerCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Autumn Fern Plant Care
Dryopteris erythrosora (D.C.Eaton) Kuntze
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its vibrant coppery-red new fronds emerging in spring, this fern species hails from East Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to Dryopteris erythrosora for its stunning coloration that adds a unique splash of brightness to shaded garden areas.
Every 7–14 days
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Autumn Fern?
Water Autumn Fern every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered sunlight or partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Autumn Fern Native To?
What Is the Autumn Fern?
Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) belongs to the Dryopteridaceae family within the Dryopteris genus. Autumn Fern is native to China South-Central, China Southeast, Japan, Korea, Nansei-shoto and Taiwan. Autumn Fern is also known as Rose Fern.
Autumn Fern displays a fern with spreading habit growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Autumn Fern produces non-flowering plant.
Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Autumn Fern?
Dryopteris erythrosora requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Autumn Fern Need?
Autumn Fern thrives in filtered sunlight or partial shade. Avoid placing Autumn Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Autumn Fern Prefer?
Dryopteris erythrosora grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Autumn Fern prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Autumn Fern?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Autumn Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Autumn Fern?
Feed Autumn Fern every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Autumn Fern?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Autumn Fern?
Autumn Fern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes.
Is the Autumn Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Autumn Fern, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Autumn Fern?
Autumn Fern is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Autumn Fern Need?
Autumn Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Autumn Fern is native to China South-Central, China Southeast, Japan, Korea, Nansei-shoto and Taiwan.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Autumn Fern is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Dryopteris genus — compare its care with other Dryopteris species on PlantoScan.
Dryopteris is part of the Dryopteridaceae plant family — browse all Dryopteridaceae genera and species.
Autumn Fern produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dryopteris erythrosora (D.C.Eaton) Kuntze, family Dryopteridaceae (first published in Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 812. 1891 [5 Nov 1891]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Autumn Fern, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Anne Parker, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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