How to Care for Frosty Fern Plants

Frosty ferns (Selaginella kraussiana "Variegatus") earned their common name from the subtle cream-colored variegation of their foliage, which lends them a slightly silvery appearance. They usually make an appearance as terrarium plants indoors, but will also thrive in sheltered outdoor areas in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9. Whether indoors or out, frosty ferns require little upkeep or care.

The frosty fern is sometimes referred to as a moss fern or holiday fern, but the plant is neither a fern or a moss. It earned both names based on its appearance rather than its taxonomy. Frosty ferns are actually a type of spike moss, but spike mosses aren't really moss either. Unlike true moss, spike mosses have roots and leaves.

Because they appear in supermarkets and other stores around Christmastime, people sometimes refer to the frosty fern as a Christmas fern. This is incorrect, as a true Christmas fern is another plant entirely, known botanically as Polystichum acrostichoides.

Indoors, the frosty fern likes bright but indirect light. Outside, it prefers shade. These plants also like well-drained but continually moist soil with a pH level between 5.5 and 6. Any high-quality potting soil will do the trick indoors or in containers, but heavy outdoor soils that drain slowly will need amended.

Soil moisture and humidity are equally important when caring for frosty ferns. Low humidity causes browning foliage and unsightly shriveling, while inadequate soil moisture can cause serious stress damage and premature death. Water frosty ferns whenever their soil feels nearly dry on the surface. For potted plants, pour water into the pot until a small amount dribbles from the drainage holes.

Reduce watering by one-half during the fall and winter. Maintain humidity above 50 percent at all times to keep the foliage looking its best. The easiest way to do so is to place the plant on a tray of water and pebbles. You can also mist frosty ferns with distilled or rain water daily, or several times each day during hot, dry weather.

The dense, 6- to 12-inch-tall foliage of frosty ferns doesn't need routine trimming or pruning. To keep your plant looking its best, however, you can remove faded foliage or unruly growth.

Snip off any undesirable stems using small, sharp scissors. Wipe the blades with rubbing alcohol and rinse them thoroughly before each use to help prevent the spread of disease. Do not shear or prune back frosty ferns too heavily because it may cause trauma and a permanent change in shape and appearance.

Frosty ferns are light feeders and do not require fertilizer if planted in acidic, organically rich soil. Older plants may benefit from light weekly fertilizer applications during the active growing season to promote more vigorous growth. Too much fertilizer can harm frosty ferns, so you'll need to use a weak solution to avoid root burn.

Use a liquid 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 houseplant fertilizer diluted at a rate of 1/4 teaspoon per 1 quart of water, or one-fourth of the rate recommended on the label. Apply the solution to moist soil each week during the spring and summer. Don't pour the fertilizer solution directly onto the plant and stop feeding if the frosty fern yellows or shows other signs of stress.

Frosty ferns suffer few problems. Insect pests and disease issues are rare and those that occur are seldom serious. The most common and pervasive issues with frosty ferns occur when their growing conditions are poor or if they are exposed to a sudden change in humidity, temperature or sun.

Yellow, dried-out or limp foliage indicates sunburn, dry soil or dry air. Move affected plants to deeper shade and water them deeply with distilled water. Most frosty ferns perk up when given water but their growth may slow as their roots recover.