Pruning guide
How to prune walking fern
Best time
Any time of year as needed
How often
Rarely — as needed only
Technique
Snip individual dead fronds cleanly at their base. Avoid trimming healthy frond tips, as these are the points from which new plantlets root and spread.
More walking fern care
Pruning walking fern — FAQ
When should I prune walking fern?
Any time of year as needed. Snip individual dead fronds cleanly at their base. Avoid trimming healthy frond tips, as these are the points from which new plantlets root and spread.
How often does walking fern need pruning?
Rarely — as needed only. Walking Fern (Asplenium rhizophyllum) needs almost no pruning. It spreads naturally by rooting at frond tips — a feature to preserve, not remove. Simply cut away any dead or badly damaged fronds at their base. Avoid heavy pruning, which disrupts the plant's characteristic spreading habit.
How do you prune walking fern?
Snip individual dead fronds cleanly at their base. Avoid trimming healthy frond tips, as these are the points from which new plantlets root and spread.