Pteridomania: The Victorian Craze for Collecting Ferns

The Victorian period was rife with unique obsessions, but few reached the fervour of “Pteridomania,” also known as “fern fever.” From the 1840s to the 1890s, this fascination swept through England, capturing the imaginations of the upper and middle classes. The term, coined by Charles Kingsley, reflects the Latin word for ferns, “pterido,” paired with “mania” to underscore the obsessive enthusiasm that drove people to gather, study, and display ferns in various forms​.

The Allure of Ferns

What made ferns so alluring during the Victorian era? Unlike flowering plants, ferns reproduce through spores, showcasing a botanical marvel devoid of the vibrant colours typical of garden flowers. Their delicate, intricate fronds offered subdued beauty and elegance, aligning well with the Victorian aesthetic that valued natural forms and intricate detailing. Ferns were ancient, predating even the dinosaurs, and their timeless allure resonated with the Victorian sense of wonder and romanticism about nature and antiquity​.

The Fernery: Displaying Nature Indoors

As ferns became popular, affluent enthusiasts established “ferneries” in their homes or gardens. These spaces were designed to cultivate and display ferns in controlled environments, mimicking their natural, moist, and shaded habitats. Indoor ferneries often comprised elaborate glass cases or rooms filled with fern varieties. In contrast, outdoor ferneries resembled caves, with large boulders and shaded corners creating an almost mystical, ancient ambience​.

Pteridomania’s Social Impact

Initially a pursuit of the wealthy, fern collecting quickly spread to all social classes in Victorian Britain. Middle-class households displayed ferns in cases akin to terrariums, while even more modest homes kept dried fern specimens in albums or under glass cloches. This democratization of fern collecting mirrored the broader Victorian interest in botany, science, and exploring the natural world. Many people, spurred on by the writings of influential naturalists, saw fern collecting as an accessible and intellectual pursuit that brought a touch of nature into their urbanized lives​.

Ferns in Art, Literature, and Design

The influence of Pteridomania extended beyond the garden and into the visual and decorative arts. Fern motifs became a recurring design element in various decorative objects, from ceramics to wallpaper and textiles. In literature, references to ferns and natural motifs underscored a Romantic interest in the wild and untamed aspects of the British countryside, aligning with the Victorian ideals of natural beauty and exploration. The aesthetic of ferns also contributed to the broader Arts and Crafts movement, which emphasized detailed, nature-inspired designs and hand-crafted artistry​​.

The Decline of Fern Fever

By the early 1900s, the enthusiasm surrounding fern collecting began to wane. The reasons for this decline were manifold: as urbanization continued, fewer people had access to the space needed to cultivate ferns successfully. Additionally, changing aesthetic tastes and the emergence of other botanical fads led ferns to fall out of favour. Many Victorian ferneries were abandoned, and by World War I, Pteridomania had become a relic of the past, a quaint reminder of Victorian eccentricity​.

The Legacy of Pteridomania Today

Although the craze faded, Pteridomania left a lasting impact on botanical study and the British cultural landscape. Today, fern collecting remains a niche interest, particularly among gardeners and botanical enthusiasts who appreciate the subtle elegance of these ancient plants. Some historic properties, like the Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, continue to cultivate ferns in homage to the Victorian tradition, offering a glimpse into the botanical enthusiasm that once captivated an entire nation​.