Pruning guide
How to prune royal fern
Best time
Late winter, before new spring growth begins
How often
Annually in late winter
Technique
Cut all old dead fronds back to near the base of the plant with clean pruning shears. Avoid disturbing the fibrous root crown. Leave a short stub if unsure where fronds meet the crown.
More royal fern care
Pruning royal fern — FAQ
When should I prune royal fern?
Late winter, before new spring growth begins. Cut all old dead fronds back to near the base of the plant with clean pruning shears. Avoid disturbing the fibrous root crown. Leave a short stub if unsure where fronds meet the crown.
How often does royal fern need pruning?
Annually in late winter. Royal Fern is deciduous and dies back each autumn. As a houseplant or container specimen, cut back all dead fronds in late winter before fresh growth emerges in spring. No other pruning is needed; the plant regrows vigorously from its root mass each season.
How do you prune royal fern?
Cut all old dead fronds back to near the base of the plant with clean pruning shears. Avoid disturbing the fibrous root crown. Leave a short stub if unsure where fronds meet the crown.