How to prune cinnamon fern

Spring to early summer after fertile fronds have released spores; tidy dead growth in late autumn. Cut dead fronds cleanly at the base with scissors or pruners. Remove spent fertile fronds after spores drop in spring. In autumn, cut back dead foliage to tidy the crown before winter.

Once or twice a year, plus as-needed tidying. Cinnamon Fern needs little pruning beyond tidying up. Remove fully dead or damaged fronds at the base as they appear. The distinctive fertile (cinnamon-colored) fronds die back after spore release in spring — these can be removed once spent. Otherwise let the plant grow naturally; it dies back in winter in cooler climates.

Cut dead fronds cleanly at the base with scissors or pruners. Remove spent fertile fronds after spores drop in spring. In autumn, cut back dead foliage to tidy the crown before winter.