perennial

Walking Fern

Asplenium rhizophyllum

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

8 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moist

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Asplenium rhizophyllum, the Walking Fern, is a small, evergreen, perennial fern with simple, undivided, lance-shaped fronds that taper to a long, narrow tip. It typically grows in clumps on mossy, shaded, limestone rocks. This fern is notable for its unique ability to produce new plantlets at the tips of its fronds, enabling it to 'walk' across surfaces and colonize new areas.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Adds lush greenery and delicate texture to shaded areas.

Helps retain moisture in shaded garden beds.

Provides habitat for small beneficial insects.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Tuck spores into moist soil in spring
Keep soil consistently moist for 6 weeks
Place in partial shade for optimal growth
Mist fronds regularly to maintain humidity
Transplant in early fall if needed
Mulch lightly to retain moisture

Pro Tip

Maintain high humidity and keep soil moist for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Place in shaded or partial sun areas
Mulch to retain soil moisture
Divide in early spring if overgrown

Don't

Avoid direct, harsh sunlight ❌
Do not let soil dry out completely
Avoid heavy fertilization

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Plant
Propagate
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade garden borderMoist woodland garden

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Astilbe Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Walking Fern questions

What zones can Walking Fern grow in?

Walking Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Walking Fern deer resistant?

Yes — Walking Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Walking Fern bloom?

Walking Fern typically blooms in summer through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Walking Fern need full sun?

Walking Fern does best in part shade.