In the spring, the newly emerging papery fronds are bright coppery-red to orange-red.
This stunning fall-like color, which gives the fern its common name, persists for several weeks.
As the season progresses, the color of the glossy fronds changes to an equally bright green.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The fern has a compact size, which makes it suitable for small spaces.
In climates with regular rainfall, watering is not necessary.
New colorful fronds appear during the entire growing season and gradually turn to deep green as they mature.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Alastair James / Getty Images
Propagating Autumn Fern
Autumn fern is best propagated by division.
Propagation by spores is possible but lengthy and involved and thus not recommended.
Select a pot, preferably clay or terracotta, with large drain holes.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The pot needs to be tall and wide enough to accommodate the entire root system of the fern.
Water it well and keep the soil moist at all times.
Container plants also need to be fertilized more often, about once a month during the growing season.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Repot the fern when it becomesroot-bound, which is often indicated by smaller fronds.
As a potted plant, however, its roots are not sufficiently protected from winter chills.
While there is no need to bring the containers indoors,provide additional insulation around the container.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
It is not prone to serious pests or diseases.Autumn fern is relatively unbothered by wildlife.
Rabbits and deer usually leave autumn fern alone.
Unlike other ferns, autumn fern does not spread much.
Autumn fern as a groundcoverAlastair James / Getty Images
It is a compact fern variety.
In warm climates, autumn fern is an evergreen whereas in cooler climates, it is a semi-evergreen.
No, autumn fern needs some degree of shade.
Too much sun is detrimental to its health, which causes sunburn to the point of killing the plant.
North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
