Wait until early spring to dig up ferns when the new leaves are just emerging. You can tell an established fern needs to be dug up and divided when the center of the plant begins to thin or die.Click to see full answer. Correspondingly, when should I transplant my ferns? When to Transplant Ferns The best time to transplant ferns is in early spring, while still dormant but just as new growth begins to emerge. Potted ferns can usually be transplanted or repotted anytime but care should be taken if this is performed during its active growth.Also, can you move Ferns in autumn? Transplant ferns after the leaves turn brown in autumn. You can also transplant ferns as soon as new growth emerges in early spring, but take care as the new leaves are fragile. Accordingly, can you dig up wild ferns? Wild Ferns Many ferns grow wild, especially in woodlands or other cool, moist climates. However, because many types of ferns have been removed nearly to the point of distinction, transplanting wild ferns is illegal in some states. Wild ferns are also difficult to propagate and often fail to root.Do ferns need to be divided?The best time to divide ferns is in the spring. When separating ferns, you first need to remove it from its old pot or dig up the clump. Once it’s out, brush off and shake loose as much soil as you can. Fern roots are tough and it may take some work to cut through them, but the plant can handle it.