Autumn Fern

Name: Autumn Fern
Brand: MyGreenScape
SKU: PA1375S
Price: 12.0 CAD
Availability: InStock

Autumn Fern

$12

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Size 3.5" Pot - Small

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About This Plant

Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) is native to the moist, shaded forest floors of Japan, China, and Korea. It grows arching fronds with a defining seasonal twist: new growth emerges in a warm copper-red before maturing to a rich, deep green over several weeks.

New fronds emerge copper-red before turning green. This is the defining feature of the Autumn Fern. As new fronds push up throughout spring and summer, they start as a warm coppery-orange and gradually deepen to rich green over a few weeks. The result is a plant that always shows multiple colours at once.

Safe for cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists Dryopteris (wood ferns) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. The Autumn Fern is confirmed safe for homes with pets. It is a good choice for households where you want lush, textural greenery without concern for pet safety.

It handles low light better than most ferns. The Autumn Fern grows naturally on shaded forest floors and adapts well to the north-facing rooms and dim corners common in Canadian apartments. It still prefers indirect light for best colour, but it does not require a bright window to stay healthy. The Birds Nest Fern is another low-light fern option with a very different broad-frond look.

Winter Slowdown

Growth slows from November onward and the copper phase of new fronds may be less vivid as light drops. The plant stays green through winter but produces fewer new fronds. Keep the soil consistently moist, boost humidity as needed, and move it to your brightest available window. No fertilizer until spring.

Toxicity

Non-toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by the ASPCA (Dryopteris spp. listed as non-toxic). Safe for homes with pets and small children.

Pests

Check the undersides of fronds for spider mites each time you water. The dry forced-air heating in Canadian homes from November onward is the most common trigger. Also watch for scale insects on the stems at the base.

Other Plants You Might Like

Not sure this is the right fit? Here are three other plants our Canadian customers love. All ship across Canada and thrive in Canadian homes.

Austral Gem Fern. Glossy and drought-tolerant.

For a fern that handles drier indoor conditions and has thick, glossy fronds instead of feathery ones, the Austral Gem Fern is more forgiving through the dry Canadian heating season.

Birds Nest Fern. Low light and lush.

For another pet-safe fern that handles low light well, the Birds Nest Fern has broad, wavy fronds in a rosette shape and similar moisture needs.

Peace Lily. Pet-safe and flowering.

For another pet-safe plant that thrives in low light and adds a different texture to a plant grouping, the Peace Lily produces white flowers and handles the same dim conditions well.

Common Questions

How often should I water the Autumn Fern?

Keep the soil consistently moist, not soggy and not dry. Water when just the top inch feels slightly dry, roughly every five to seven days in spring and summer. In a Canadian winter, every seven to ten days. Do not let it dry out completely as the fronds brown and drop quickly under drought stress. Our indoor plant watering guide shows how to check correctly.

Why are the fronds turning brown?

Brown fronds are most commonly caused by dry soil, dry air, or too much direct sun. Check the soil first. If dry, water immediately. If the soil is fine, the air from forced-air heating in Ontario and Quebec homes is likely the cause. Try misting the fronds lightly or placing the pot on a pebble tray. Read our tips on keeping plants alive in winter for more.

Is the Autumn Fern safe for cats and dogs?

Yes. The ASPCA lists Dryopteris (wood ferns) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. The Autumn Fern is confirmed safe for homes with pets and small children.

Will the copper colour come back every year?

Yes. The copper-red colouring appears on every new frond as it unfurls, which happens throughout the growing season. Growth is fastest and the copper is most vivid from spring through early summer. The new fronds turn green within a few weeks, but as long as the plant is actively growing, new copper fronds keep emerging.

What light does it need in a Canadian home?

Medium to low indirect light works well. A north- or east-facing window is ideal. It handles lower light better than most ferns, which makes it practical for Canadian apartments with limited windows. Avoid direct sun which scorches the fronds. Read our guide to light requirements for indoor plants to find the right spot.

How to Take Care of Autumn Fern

Good to Know

Sun: Indirect

Medium to low indirect light is ideal. A north- or east-facing window works well in a Canadian home. The copper colour on new fronds is most vivid with some bright indirect light. Avoid direct sun which scorches and bleaches the delicate fronds.

Light: Medium to low indirect

One of the better ferns for lower light conditions in Canadian homes. A north-facing window works. From October to February, keep it in the brightest available spot but avoid heating vents. The copper fronds emerge in spring and summer regardless of winter light levels.

Water: Keep soil consistently moist

Water before the soil dries out, not after. The top inch can feel slightly dry but should never be bone dry. In spring and summer, every five to seven days. In a Canadian winter, every seven to ten days. Never let it sit in standing water.

Humidity: Moderate to high

Prefers humidity above 50 percent. The dry forced-air heating in Ontario and Quebec homes causes frond browning in winter. Misting the fronds lightly or placing the pot on a pebble tray helps. A humidifier nearby is the most effective solution from November to March.

Pet Friendly: Yes

Non-toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by the ASPCA (Dryopteris spp. non-toxic). Safe for homes with pets and small children.

Pro Tip

When you see a new frond unfurling in copper-red, do not cut it off. This is the plant doing exactly what it is supposed to do. Let it mature naturally into green. The copper phase lasts two to four weeks. If you trim new growth thinking it is damaged, you remove the most visually interesting part of the plant.

What To Expect

Shipping and Delivery Details

Choose local GTA delivery, free Richmond Hill pickup, or shipping across Canada. Pick your delivery or pickup date at checkout, we'll have it ready and fresh for you. See full shipping and delivery details.

30-Day Happy Plant Guarantee

If your plant arrives damaged or isn't healthy, contact us within 30 days with a photo. We'll sort it out with a replacement, refund, or store credit whichever works best for you. View our complete guarantee policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!

Plant and Pot Size Guide

4" Pot (Small): plant is approx. 6-10 inches tall. 6" Pot (Medium): approx. 12-18 inches tall. All plants come in a standard nursery pot. Decorative pots are sold separately.

Winter Shipping Protection

Between November and March we add extra insulated packaging and heat packs to protect your plant from cold temperatures during transit. You can add winter shipping protection at checkout.

Returns Policy

If a plant arrives with significant damage, pests, or disease, we offer a full replacement or refund.Our guarantee covers the viability and health of your plant for 30 days.

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