Indoor gardening has witnessed a resurgence in popularity, with homeowners seeking to create vibrant, green sanctuaries within their living spaces. Among the diverse range of indoor plants, ferns have emerged as a favorite due to their timeless elegance and adaptability to indoor conditions. These enchanting plants with their intricate fronds can transform any room into a serene oasis. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the 20 best indoor ferns grow at home, delving into their unique characteristics, care requirements. Let’s start…
What Is Fern?
A fern is a unique type of vascular plant known for its feathery or leafy fronds. Unlike most plants, ferns reproduce through spores rather than seeds, and they have a distinctive life cycle involving two phases: the leafy sporophyte and the smaller gametophyte. Ferns come in various shapes and sizes, adapting to a range of habitats worldwide, and they play vital roles in ecosystems while adding lush greenery to the environment.
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1. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Native: Tropical regions of the Americas
Boston Ferns are renowned for their delicate, feathery fronds that can gracefully arch over time, creating an exquisite cascading effect. They typically reach heights of 2 to 3 feet, filling your living space with lush greenery.
To thrive, Boston Ferns require medium to bright indirect light and consistent moisture. Regular misting can help maintain humidity levels. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
2. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.)
Native: Various species found worldwide
Maidenhair ferns are prized for their fan-shaped, delicate leaflets that create an airy and graceful appearance. They grow to a height of about 12 to 18 inches, making them a perfect choice for tabletops or hanging baskets.
These ferns prefer bright, indirect light and thrive in consistently moist soil. However, they are known to be a bit more demanding in terms of care due to their delicate nature, so maintaining proper humidity levels is essential.
3. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Native: Southeast Asia, Australia, and East Africa
Bird’s Nest Ferns are distinguished by their glossy, wavy-edged fronds that form a central “nest.” They can reach heights of 2 to 3 feet, providing a tropical touch to your indoor garden.
These ferns thrive in low to medium light conditions and prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Keeping the central “nest” filled with water can help maintain humidity levels.
4. Kimberly Queen Fern (Nephrolepis obliterata)
Native: Australia
Kimberly Queen Ferns are known for their upright, lance-shaped fronds. They are relatively compact and typically grow to heights of 2 to 3 feet, making them ideal for smaller indoor spaces.
These ferns are more forgiving when it comes to light conditions and can tolerate lower light. They appreciate consistently moist soil and occasional misting to boost humidity.
5. Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Davallia spp.)
Native: Various species found worldwide
Rabbit’s Foot Ferns are distinct due to their furry rhizomes that resemble a rabbit’s paw. The fronds are fine-textured and grow to a height of 8 to 12 inches, creating an intriguing visual contrast.
These ferns prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining potting mix. Ensure that the furry rhizomes remain above the soil surface.
6. Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium aureum)
Native: Tropical regions of the Americas
Blue Star Ferns stand out with their striking silvery-blue fronds. They have a cascading growth habit and typically reach heights of 12 to 18 inches, providing a unique color palette to your indoor garden.
Thriving in low to medium light, Blue Star Ferns require consistently moist soil and benefit from regular misting to maintain humidity levels.
7. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium spp.)
Native: Tropical regions worldwide
Staghorn Ferns are true botanical artworks with antler-like fronds. They can be mounted on wooden boards or grown in hanging baskets, adding an artistic touch to your indoor garden.
These ferns thrive in bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top inch of soil dries out. Their unique growth habit makes them a captivating centerpiece.
8. Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)
Native: New Zealand and Australia
Button Ferns charm with their small, round leaflets, forming a compact and attractive appearance. They typically grow to heights of 8 to 12 inches.
These ferns prefer bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil. Their petite size makes them an excellent choice for smaller spaces or as an addition to a collection.
9. Australian Sword Fern (Nephrolepis obliterata ‘Kimberly Queen’)
Native: Australia
This Australian Sword Fern is a cousin of the Kimberly Queen Fern, featuring upright, lance-shaped fronds. It maintains a compact size and typically grows to heights of 2 to 3 feet.
Similar to the Kimberly Queen Fern, it can tolerate lower light conditions and appreciates consistently moist soil. It’s a versatile choice for various indoor environments.
10. Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora)
Native: Eastern Asia
Autumn Ferns derive their name from their vibrant coppery-red new fronds in spring. They follow the typical fern growth pattern and can reach heights of 12 to 24 inches.
These ferns prefer indirect light and consistently moist soil. Their changing foliage colors make them an excellent choice for year-round visual interest.
11. Japanese Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum)
Native: Eastern Asia
Japanese Holly Ferns showcase holly-like, shiny fronds, adding a touch of sophistication to your indoor garden. They reach heights of 12 to 18 inches.
Thriving in low to medium light conditions, these ferns prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. They are relatively low-maintenance and adaptable.
12. Silver Lace Fern (Pteris ensiformis)
Native: Asia and the Pacific
Silver Lace Ferns feature intricate variegated foliage with silvery-white accents, following the typical fern growth habit. They typically reach heights of 12 to 18 inches.
These ferns adapt well to a range of light conditions, from low to bright indirect light. Consistently moist soil and occasional misting help maintain their lush appearance.
13. Buttonwood Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia ‘Button’)
Native: New Zealand and Australia
Buttonwood Ferns are a variety of Button Ferns, known for their compact size and charming appearance. They grow to heights of 8 to 12 inches.
These ferns thrive in low to medium light conditions and prefer consistently moist soil. Their petite size and unique appearance make them versatile for indoor decor.
14. Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’)
Native: Tropical regions of the Americas
Lemon Button Ferns are petite with charming lemon-yellow accents on their tiny leaflets. They typically reach heights of 8 to 12 inches.
Thriving in medium to bright indirect light, they require consistently moist soil. These ferns bring a refreshing burst of color to your indoor garden.
15. Silver Brake Fern (Pteris cretica)
Native: Europe, Asia, and Africa
Silver Brake Ferns exhibit intricate variegated foliage with a typical fern growth habit. They typically reach heights of 12 to 18 inches.
These ferns adapt to a range of light conditions, from low to bright indirect light. They thrive in consistently moist, well-drained soil.
16. Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)
Native: Eastern Asia
Japanese Painted Ferns are renowned for their silver and burgundy fronds, creating an elegant touch in your indoor garden. They reach heights of 12 to 18 inches.
These ferns prefer low to medium light and well-draining soil. Their unique coloration makes them a striking addition to any decor.
17. Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium)
Native: Europe and Asia
Hart’s Tongue Ferns feature elongated, tongue-like fronds and follow the typical fern growth pattern. They reach heights of 12 to 18 inches.
Thriving in low to medium light, these ferns prefer slightly drying out between waterings. They add a touch of unique texture to your indoor garden.
18. Macho Fern (Nephrolepis biserrata)
Native: Tropical regions of the Americas
Macho Ferns are known for their large, lush fronds that can grow up to six feet long, creating a substantial presence in your indoor garden.
Thriving in bright, indirect light, they require consistently moist soil to maintain their impressive appearance.
19. Squirrel’s Foot Fern (Davallia mariesii)
Native: Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands
Squirrel’s Foot Ferns are characterized by their fuzzy rhizomes that resemble a squirrel’s foot. They typically reach heights of 8 to 12 inches.
These ferns prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining potting mix. Ensure that the furry rhizomes remain above the soil surface.
20. Button Brake Fern (Pteris cretica ‘Mayii’)
Native: Europe, Asia, and Africa
Button Brake Ferns are a variety of Silver Brake Ferns, known for their distinctive, tightly packed leaflets. They typically reach heights of 12 to 18 inches.
These ferns adapt to various light conditions, from low to medium light. They thrive in consistently moist, well-drained soil.
Growing indoor ferns into your home not only adds a touch of natural beauty but also promotes a sense of tranquility and well-being. With their diverse shapes, sizes, and care requirements, there’s a fern for every indoor space. Whether you opt for the classic Boston Fern, the delicate Maidenhair Fern, or the unique Squirrel’s Foot Fern, you’ll discover that ferns make exceptional companions in your quest to create a lush and vibrant indoor oasis. Experiment with different varieties to find the ones that best complement your style and home environment. Happy Gardening…
