How To Make A Fern Wall

You can make a fern wall with just a handful of supplies and a weekend afternoon.
 
How to make a fern wall starts with selecting the right frame or backing board and choosing ferns that will thrive in your space.
 
Making a fern wall doesn’t require a green thumb, but you do need to follow a few key steps for proper planting and watering.
 
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make a fern wall from scratch, what materials you’ll need, and how to keep your fern wall looking lush for years.
 
Let’s get into the details of making a fern wall that becomes a living piece of art in your home.
 

What You Need to Make a Fern Wall

Before you begin how to make a fern wall, gather the materials that will support healthy roots and long‑term growth.
 

1. A Sturdy Frame or Board

A wooden picture frame, a piece of plywood, or even an old pallet works well for making a fern wall.
 
Make sure the backing is solid enough to hold soil and moisture without warping.
 
You’ll also need a waterproof barrier like plastic sheeting to protect the frame and your wall.
 

2. Ferns That Love Being Mounted

Not all ferns are ideal for a vertical setup.
 
Choose varieties like Boston ferns, bird’s nest ferns, or rabbit’s foot ferns because they have shallow roots and adapt well to being mounted.
 
Buy healthy young ferns from a nursery, or propagate from divisions of an existing plant.
 

3. Potting Mix and Sheet Moss

Use a lightweight, well‑draining potting mix designed for indoor plants.
 
Sphagnum moss or sheet moss will help retain moisture and give your fern wall a natural, finished look.
 
Soak the moss before use so it holds water evenly around the roots.
 

4. Hardware for Hanging

Strong wire, picture hooks, or a wooden lattice can secure your fern wall to the wall.
 
Make sure the hardware can support the full weight of wet soil, frame, and plants.
 

Step‑by‑Step Guide to Make a Fern Wall

Here is the actual process of how to make a fern wall, from assembly to final hanging.
 

1. Prepare the Frame and Waterproof It

Lay your frame flat and attach a sheet of plastic inside it to create a waterproof liner.
 
Staple the plastic securely along the inner edges so no soil can leak through.
 
Add a layer of hardware cloth or chicken wire over the plastic to hold the moss and soil in place.
 

2. Add Moss and Potting Mix

Spread a thick layer of damp sheet moss over the wire.
 
Then cover the moss with about two inches of potting mix, pressing it gently against the wire.
 
This base creates a supportive bed for your ferns’ roots as you build the fern wall.
 

3. Plant the Ferns

Remove each fern from its nursery pot and gently loosen the root ball.
 
Position the ferns on the soil‑covered surface, spacing them evenly across the frame.
 
Tuck more moss around the roots to hold them in place and cover any bare soil.
 
Water the entire fern wall lightly to settle the plants.
 

4. Attach the Backing and Let It Cure

Once all ferns are positioned, add a second layer of wire or a wooden back to sandwich the plants.
 
Secure the backing with screws or strong staples so the entire fern wall is firm.
 
Lay it flat for one to two weeks in a shaded area so the roots can grip the moss and soil.
 

5. Hang Your Fern Wall

After the acclimation period, attach your hanging hardware to the back of the frame.
 
Mount the fern wall on a wall that receives bright, indirect light and has easy access for watering.
 
Water it thoroughly once a week or whenever the moss feels dry to the touch.
 

Tips for Keeping Your Fern Wall Thriving

Making a fern wall is only half the battle; keeping it alive requires consistent care.
 

1. Water Without Dripping

Use a spray bottle or a long‑spouted watering can to moisten the moss evenly.
 
Avoid soaking the frame or letting water run down the wall behind the fern wall.
 
Place a tray underneath to catch any excess drips during watering.
 

2. Provide the Right Light

Most ferns prefer bright, indirect light, so a north‑facing window or a few feet from an east‑facing window is ideal.
 
Too much direct sun will scorch the fronds, while too little light will cause leggy growth.
 
Rotate the entire fern wall every month to ensure even growth on all sides.
 

3. Fertilize Lightly

Ferns are not heavy feeders, but a monthly dose of diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season will keep them lush.
 
Cut back on fertilizing in winter when growth naturally slows down.
 

4. Prune Dead Fronds Regularly

Remove yellowing or crispy fronds at the base with clean scissors.
 
This keeps the fern wall looking tidy and encourages new growth from the center.
 

So, How to Make a Fern Wall?

How to make a fern wall is a simple, rewarding DIY project that transforms a bare wall into a living tapestry.
 
Start with a waterproofed frame, plant adaptable ferns in a moss‑and‑soil backing, and hang it in a spot with bright indirect light.
 
With regular watering, occasional feeding, and a little pruning, your fern wall will stay vibrant and become a conversation piece in your home.
 
Now you have everything you need to know about how to make a fern wall and care for it long‑term.