Also known as Lip Fern · 101 saves
Cheilanthes
Cheilanthes, the genus most gardeners know as lip fern. We track 7 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 7 most-saved Cheilanthes varieties
Track your Cheilanthes in Sow
Save the Cheilanthes you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Cheilanthes
Whats common across all Cheilanthes varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them.
The Cheilanthes year
- Spring CleanupMarch and April100% of varieties
Remove any old or damaged fronds before new growth begins
- PlantApril, May, October and November86% of varieties
Plant in spring or early fall, ensuring excellent drainage
- MulchApril57% of varieties
Apply a thin layer of gravel or coarse mulch to aid drainage
- DivideApril, May and October57% of varieties
Divide mature clumps every few years in spring or fall
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Prune dead fronds to encourage new growth
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Keep soil moist 🌱
Avoid
- Expose to direct harsh sunlight ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid direct full sun exposure ❌
- Do not overwater, as roots can rot
What goes wrong with Cheilanthes
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted fronds | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Scale insects | Sticky residue on fronds | Apply insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing fronds | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Fungal leaf spot | Brown spots on fronds | Remove affected fronds and apply fungicide |
| Fungal leaf spots | Dark spots on fronds | Remove affected fronds and improve air circulation |
Making more Cheilanthes
Spores
- Tuck spores into moist soil in spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for 6 weeks.
- Maintain high humidity around spores.
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall.
- Replant divisions immediately into moist soil.
Cheilanthes questions
How many types of Cheilanthes are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Cheilanthes varieties. The most popular — ranked by 101 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Cheilanthes grow in?
Across its varieties, Cheilanthes covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
Which Cheilanthes should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.