Also known as Maiden Fern · 142 saves
Thelypteris
Thelypteris, the genus most gardeners know as maiden fern. We track 11 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 10 most-saved Thelypteris varieties
Browse all 11 Thelypteris varieties →
Species of Thelypteris
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Thelypteris in Sow
Save the Thelypteris you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Thelypteris
Whats common across all Thelypteris varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 11 most-grown of them.
The Thelypteris year
- MulchApril and May100% of varieties
Apply leaf mold or compost mulch to retain moisture and mimic woodland floor.
- DivideApril and May100% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-5 years if vigor declines or spread is excessive.
- Spring CleanupMarch and April100% of varieties
Cut back old or damaged fronds before new fiddleheads emerge.
- PlantApril, May, October and November55% of varieties
Plant or transplant in early spring or early fall.
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Provide shade during hot summer days
- Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Prune dead fronds in early spring
Avoid
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch fronds ❌
- Avoid direct sunlight ❌
- Avoid heavy, water-logged soil
What goes wrong with Thelypteris
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on fronds, distorted growth | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Scale insects | Small bumps on leaf undersides, yellowing | Use horticultural oil or remove manually |
| Marsh fern moth larvae | Chewed foliage on the delicate green fronds. | Handpick the caterpillars from the fronds if populations are high and causing noticeable damage. |
| Slugs and Snails | Irregular holes chewed in fronds, slimy trails. | Use organic baits containing iron phosphate. Hand-pick at night. Create barriers of diatomaceous earth. |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing fronds | Improve drainage, reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on fronds, typically occurring under dry stress. | Keep soil constantly wet to prevent dry stress and maintain high humidity. |
| None significant | This fern is generally disease-free when grown in appropriate conditions. | Ensure good air circulation and avoid overly wet foliage to prevent potential fungal issues. |
Making more Thelypteris
Division
- Dig up mature clump in early spring
- Gently separate into smaller sections
- Plant divisions in shaded, moist soil
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Wait 6 weeks for establishment
Spores
- Collect mature spores in late summer.
- Tuck spores into moist soil under shade.
- Maintain high humidity for 6 weeks.
Thelypteris questions
How many types of Thelypteris are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 11 distinct Thelypteris varieties. The most popular — ranked by 142 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Thelypteris grow in?
Across its varieties, Thelypteris 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 Thelypteris 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.