Ferns are a lush, versatile greenery that add beautiful, natural texture to any floral arrangement, garland, or installation. Their feathery, arching fronds bring a soft, woodland feel that pairs beautifully with almost any flower. They're a favorite for wedding arches, table runners, and adding fullness to large arrangements.

One important thing to know: there are many varieties of ferns, and they can behave quite differently from one another. Some varieties last longer than others, some drop leaves more readily, and some dry out faster. The care tips below apply to all ferns, but keep in mind that your specific variety may have its own personality!

Our Fern Varieties

We carry a wide selection of ferns to suit every design need. Each variety has its own unique look and characteristics:

• Tree Fern: Bold, dramatic fronds that make a big statement in large arrangements and garlands.
• Sword Fern: Long, arching fronds with a classic, clean look. A reliable and sturdy variety.
• Sprengeri Fern: Feathery and delicate with a soft, airy texture. A popular choice for bouquets and arrangements.
• Plumosa Fern: Ultra-fine, wispy fronds that add a light, cloud-like texture. Dries out faster than other varieties, so keep it well misted.
• Ming Fern: Delicate, needle-like foliage with an elegant, fine texture. Great for adding a soft, refined touch.
• Maidenhair Fern: Delicate fan-shaped leaves on thin, dark stems. One of the more sensitive varieties, so extra misting and cool temperatures are especially important.
• Foxtail Fern: Fluffy, cylindrical fronds that add a fun, full texture to any design.
• Flat Fern: Wide, flat fronds that are perfect for lining arrangements and adding a lush base layer.
• Coontie Fern: Stiff, glossy fronds that are very sturdy and long-lasting. One of the hardiest varieties we carry.
• Foliate Fern: Soft, layered fronds with a full, lush appearance. Great for adding volume and texture.

Keep in mind that vase life and leaf drop vary naturally from variety to variety. Some will last significantly longer than others, and some will shed a few leaves during handling and arranging. This is all completely normal!

What You'll Need

• A clean vase or bucket
• Fresh, cool water
• Sharp scissors or floral shears
• A spray bottle with water

Step-by-Step Care Instructions

1. Unpack promptly. Remove your ferns from the packaging as soon as they arrive and let them breathe.
2. Trim the stems. Cut 1 to 2 inches off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle to improve water uptake.
3. Fill your vase. Use clean, cool water. Ferns benefit from consistent moisture to stay looking their best.
4. Keep foliage away from the waterline. Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline to keep the water clean.
5. Mist regularly. Ferns love humidity. Give the fronds a light mist with a spray bottle every day to keep them looking fresh and green. This is especially important for more delicate varieties like Plumosa and Maidenhair.
6. Change the water every 2 days. Re-trim the stems each time to keep them drinking well.
7. Keep in a cool, shaded spot. Ferns prefer indirect light and cool temperatures. Direct sunlight can cause the fronds to dry out and yellow quickly.

Pro Tips

• Leaf drop is normal for some varieties: Certain fern varieties will naturally drop some leaves during handling and arranging. This is completely normal and not a sign of damage. Simply remove any fallen leaves and enjoy the rest of the fronds.
• Vase life varies by variety: Some ferns last significantly longer than others. If you notice one variety fading faster, that's just its nature. Keeping it well misted and cool will always help extend its life.
• Great for garlands and installations: Ferns hold up well out of water for several hours, making them ideal for garlands, arches, and installations where they can't be kept in water during setup.

Florist Secret

To condition ferns and help them last as long as possible, after trimming the stems, submerge the entire frond in cool water for 30 to 60 minutes. This deep hydration technique allows the fronds to absorb moisture directly and helps them stay lush and green much longer. It's especially useful if your ferns arrive looking a little flat or dry from transit!

How Long Will They Last?

With proper care, ferns typically last around 5 to 7 days, though this varies by variety. With regular misting and cool temperatures, they may last even longer.