What Types of Ferns Prefer Acidic Soil?

Evergreen Wood Fern

• Evergreen wood ferns, also known as intermediate wood ferns, grow best in moist to wet soil with lots of shade. Acidic soil is ideal, and these ferns will grow in soil with a pH between about 5.0 and 6.5. They are evergreen, as their name suggests, and reach a height of 18 to 36 inches, with hardy blue-green fronds.

Cinnamon Fern

• Cinnamon fern is deciduous and has waxy, deep-green foliage. It grows to 24 or 36 inches, reaching up to 60 inches in rare cases. Cinnamon fern grows in slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It can grow in sun or shade, but requires greater moisture in a sunny location. It is fairly drought-tolerant if grown in the shade.

Royal Fern

• A large, coarse-textured fern, royal fern can reach a height of up to 6 feet if given ample water. It generally reaches 3 or 4 feet, and grows best in full or partial shade. Royal ferns grow best in moist soil, but avoid planting them in excessively wet and waterlogged sites. they require acid soil, with an ideal pH between 5.0 and 6.0.

Ostrich Fern

• Ostrich fern generally reaches 3 to 5 feet and features shiny dark green leaves which, true to its name, often resemble ostrich feathers. The leaves spread out from a central clump. These ferns can grow in sun or shade, with a mix of both being ideal. The best soil for ostrich fern is fertile, moist, well-drained and slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.