Genus guide
Athyrium — 33 species
Part of the Ferns family (Polypodiopsida)
Athyrium — the lady ferns and Japanese painted ferns — are deciduous ferns prized for delicate, often silver- or wine-flushed fronds. Cultivars such as Athyrium niponicum 'Red Beauty' and 'Ursula's Red' demand bright indirect light or dappled shade to develop their best color, while lady fern selections like 'Frizelliae' and 'Minutissimum' tolerate deeper shade. Keep soil consistently moist; never let it dry out completely. Pet toxicity varies across Athyrium species — some contain compounds that may cause harm in large quantities — so verify each species before buying if you have cats or dogs.
All Athyrium species we cover
- Alpine Lady Fern
- American Lady Fern
- Athyrium angustum f. rubellum 'Lady in Red'
- Athyrium filix-femina 'Frizelliae'
- Athyrium filix-femina 'Minutissimum'
- Athyrium niponicum 'Red Beauty'
- Athyrium niponicum 'Ursula's Red'
- Athyrium otophorum
- Burgundy Lace Japanese Painted Fern
- Ghost Fern
- Ghost Fern
- Japanese Painted Fern
- Japanese Painted Fern
- Japanese Painted Fern 'Pictum'
- Lady Fern
- Lady in Red Fern
- Narrow-Leaved Spleenwort
- Northern Lady Fern
- Painted Fern 'Burgundy Lace'
- Painted Fern 'Pewter Lace'
- Red Beauty Japanese Painted Fern
- Short-Frond Lady Fern
- Silvery Glade Fern
- Southern Lady Fern
- Spinulose Lady Fern
- Spiny Lady Fern
- Tatting Fern
- Ursula's Red Painted Fern
- Victoria Lady Fern
- Vidal's Lady Fern
- Wildwood Twist Painted Fern
- Yokosca Lady Fern
- Yokosuka Lady Fern
Athyrium — frequently asked questions
Are Athyrium plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Athyrium are pet-safe. Of the 33 Athyrium species we cover, 17 are non-toxic on the ASPCA list and 16 carry a toxic or mildly-toxic rating. Even so, confirm the individual species before trusting it around pets.
How much light do Athyrium plants need?
Most Athyrium do best in medium indirect light. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Athyrium easy to care for?
Many Athyrium are beginner-friendly — they tolerate lower light and forgiving watering. Water to how fast the pot actually dries rather than a fixed calendar and most will thrive.
How many Athyrium varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 33 Athyrium species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Athyrium, the rest follow closely.
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