Autumn Fern
Best low-maintenance greenery for humid indoor spaces like bathrooms.
Bring the beauty of autumn indoors year-round with the Autumn Fern (*Dryopteris erythrosora*). This captivating houseplant is celebrated for its graceful, lace-like fronds that showcase stunning seasonal color changes. Thriving in low to medium light, it's an ideal choice for various indoor spaces. The Autumn Fern prefers consistently moist soil and benefits from high humidity, making it well-suited for kitchens or bathrooms. This low-maintenance variety grows moderately, reaching up to two feet in height and width, adding a peaceful, shaded aesthetic to your home.
$15.49
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
3577
/ 9949
#3577 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
-70%
Below average
Scientific Name
Dryopteris erythrosora
/ Dryopteris erythrosora
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking vibrant, color-changing foliage for spring interest
- Cold-climate growers needing a resilient, adaptable shade plant
- Landscapers wanting year-round structural greenery in mild climates
Who should skip it
- Owners of sunny, exposed garden spaces without natural shade
- Impatient gardeners looking for rapid, full-coverage growth
- Busy plant owners unable to monitor soil moisture levels
Performance breakdown
Foliage Aesthetics
Stunning seasonal color shifts provide year-round visual interest.
Light Adaptability
Thrives comfortably in lower light corners where other plants struggle.
Maintenance Ease
Simple care requirements make this an accessible choice for beginners.
Humidity Dependency
Requires consistent moisture to prevent frond browning in dry air.
Growth Predictability
Moderate, clumping habit ensures it stays within manageable size limits.
Pet Safety
Toxic to household pets; keep strictly out of reach.
Key Specs
Scientific Name
Dryopteris erythrosora
Mature Height
24 inches
Mature Spread
2 feet
Ideal Temperature Range
60°F to 85°F (16°C to 29°C)
Light Exposure
Low Light, Medium Light
Watering
Keep lightly moist; water when top 2 inches of soil dries
Pet Friendly
No
Habit
Clumping
Features
- Displays beautiful autumnal foliage colors
- Graceful, delicate, lace-like fronds
- Tolerates low to medium light conditions
- Prefers and benefits from high humidity
- Easy to care for and maintain
- Moderate growth rate
- Air-purifying qualities
What customers say
Customer satisfaction centers strongly on the exceptional quality and immediate aesthetic appeal of the Autumn Fern. Reviewers consistently praise the meticulous packaging ensuring the live plants arrive healthy, moist, and undamaged. Buyers report the ferns are robust and often larger than expected, offering instant impact. The distinctive coppery bronze new growth delights customers, confirming the plant's vibrant ornamental beauty matches descriptions. Despite the initial cost, the perceived value is high due to the plants' quick establishment and demonstrated vigor. Overall, this fern is viewed as a reliable, high-quality purchase that reliably exceeds expectations for health and visual appeal in shade gardens.
Know before you buy
No, the Autumn Fern is not considered pet-friendly. It is best to keep this plant in a location that your pets cannot easily access.
The Autumn Fern thrives in bathrooms or kitchens where ambient humidity is naturally higher. If your home is dry, you can place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water or use a humidifier nearby to keep the fronds healthy.
You should aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. A good rule of thumb is to water the plant once the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
While the Autumn Fern is highly tolerant of low to medium light, it performs best in medium, indirect light. Providing adequate light will help encourage the most vibrant display of its signature copper and bronze foliage tones.
The Autumn Fern has a moderate growth rate and will typically reach a mature size of about two feet in both height and width. Its clumping habit makes it a great choice for tabletops or plant stands where it has room to spread.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.