Do ferns need deep pots?
Written by
Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Fern roots spread horizontally near the surface; thus, shallow pots are recommended. I learned the hard way after losing a Boston fern in a deep pot that remained soggy. Your fern will thrive if set in a container with a depth that matches its natural growth habit. A shallow pot will prevent soggy soil and allow roots to grow properly.
Root System Adaptation
- Most ferns develop shallow lateral root systems
- Deep pots retain excess moisture causing root rot
- Width matters more than depth for healthy growth
- Epiphytic types need even shallower containers
Drainage Requirements
- Essential drainage holes prevent water accumulation
- Shallow pots drain faster than deep alternatives
- Use porous materials like terra cotta or ceramic
- Add perlite layer at bottom for extra protection
Size Guidelines
- Choose pots 1-2 inches wider than root ball
- Repot when roots circle container bottom
- Depth should equal root length plus drainage space
- Oversized containers increase rot risk dramatically
Shallow pots can replicate the natural environment of ferns. These beautiful plants have adapted to thin forest soils and rocky crevices. A deep pot will trap moisture way below the roots, leading to anaerobic conditions. My ferns started thriving as soon as I began placing them in standard, shallow, or wide shallow pots. Once in the pot, the roots were able to spread without drowning.
Drainage is more important than the depth of containers. Even shallow pots won't work at all unless they have holes in them. I only use pots with multiple drainage holes. And I keep my pots elevated on pot feet or 'drain boards' so water can freely escape. The health of the roots within any container is totally reliant on oxygen reaching all parts of the root zone. Water leading to issues like suffocation will restrict oxygen from reaching the roots properly.
Repotting is simple in theory. When repotting, always transfer to pots that are only a little larger than your current pots. When transplanting your plant, be sure to spread out the roots horizontally carefully. Fill the pot with a well-draining soil mix and avoid planting deeply. I typically repot once every 1 - 2 years during the spring. After repotting, look for vigorous new growth.
When planting needs attention, address it without delay. Yellowing leaves typically indicate a problem with the deep container. Plant stunting signals that roots are bound in a shallow pot. Change the substitution for pot size if applicable. Your ferns typically show signs of recovery within the next week or two after being properly potted.
Read the full article: 8 Expert Tips: How to Care for Ferns Indoors
