Pruning guide
How to prune fishbone fern
Best time
Spring for light shaping; dead fronds removed any time
How often
As needed for dead fronds; light shaping once annually in spring
Technique
Snip dead or damaged fronds at the base with clean scissors. To control spread, cut stolons (runners) back to the main crown in spring.
More fishbone fern care
- How to prune lemon button fern — the species this cultivar belongs to
- Full fishbone fern care guide
- Common fishbone fern problems & fixes
- How to propagate fishbone fern
- When to repot fishbone fern
Pruning fishbone fern — FAQ
When should I prune fishbone fern?
Spring for light shaping; dead fronds removed any time. Snip dead or damaged fronds at the base with clean scissors. To control spread, cut stolons (runners) back to the main crown in spring.
How often does fishbone fern need pruning?
As needed for dead fronds; light shaping once annually in spring. Fishbone Fern rarely needs formal pruning. Remove dead, yellowed, or damaged fronds at the base to keep the plant tidy and improve airflow. During active growth in spring, you can trim back any leggy or overcrowded runners. Otherwise, routine grooming is all that is required.
How do you prune fishbone fern?
Snip dead or damaged fronds at the base with clean scissors. To control spread, cut stolons (runners) back to the main crown in spring.