Fear of ferns (pteridophobia)

Pteridophobia is a fear of ferns. It may sound unusual, but for someone who has it, a woodland walk, a garden centre or a fern on a friend’s windowsill can bring a strong urge to get away. Some people react to the curled young fronds, others to the spore patches on the underside of the leaves.

About this phobia

The name comes from the Greek pteris, meaning fern, which also gives us pteridophyte, the botanical term for ferns and their relatives. It appears almost only on lists of phobias, with little clinical writing behind it. Some people describe it alongside trypophobia, a dislike of clusters of small holes or bumps, because of the dotted spore patterns on fern leaves.

What it feels like

• Unease or disgust at the dotted spore patches under a frond
• Steering walks or garden visits away from shady, ferny spots
• Discomfort even looking at photos of curled fern shoots

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Why would anyone be afraid of ferns?

There is no single reason. For some it links back to an unpleasant moment outdoors, while others react mainly to the texture and spore patterns. Whatever the cause, it follows the same pattern as other specific phobias and can be worked on in the same way.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

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