Also known as Auriculate Lady Fern · Eared Ladyfern
The eared lady fern (Athyrium otophorum) is a graceful deciduous fern featuring delicate, lacy fronds with burgundy stems, adding textural interest to shaded gardens.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade
25% intensity
Thrives in dappled or indirect light. Protect from direct sun.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Prefers constantly moist soil. Avoid drying out.
Moist, well-drained, humus-rich
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 15-24°C. Protect from frost.
Low Feed
25% intensity
Feed lightly during growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid letting the plant dry out completely, as this can cause frond browning.
Reduce watering slightly in cooler winter months.
Remove any dead, damaged, or yellowing fronds at the base of the plant as they appear. This improves the plant's appearance and encourages new growth.
Late winter or early spring is the ideal time for a more thorough tidy-up before new fronds emerge.
Propagate by division of established clumps in early spring. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the rhizomes, ensuring each section has roots and at least one bud. Replant the divisions immediately into moist soil.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining, peaty potting mix.
Repot in early spring before new growth begins for best results.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Eared Lady Fern (Athyrium otophorum)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Athyriaceae |
| Genus | Athyrium |
| Species | Athyrium otophorum |
Similar in genus Athyrium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
