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Looking for a charming way to bring greenery and texture into your home? Interested in using plants to boost your home's feng shui? Ferns could be the answer.
These plants come in various forms, offering a refreshing change from the usual snake plants. The only challenge? Ferns can seem a bit tricky to care for, but for those seeking a zero-maintenance option, there are plenty of lifelike artificial plants.
While ferns can be a bit finicky, with the right knowledge and choosing the right variety, you might find the ideal indoor fern for your space. Explore these beautiful types of indoor ferns to consider for your home.
1. Boston Fern
Getty ImagesThis fern is known for its lush, textured arches that can grow quite large in their pots. Boston ferns thrive in humid conditions and require consistently moist soil. If it’s not receiving enough water, the leaves will become crispy and crunchy. Keep it away from heating or air vents, as the dry air can be detrimental to its health.
2. Kimberly Queen Fern
BloomscapeThe Kimberly Queen fern, with its dark green fronds, closely resembles the Boston fern. This variety thrives outdoors, whether planted in the ground or in larger pots. However, it should be brought indoors once the temperatures drop. It prefers a shady indoor spot but can tolerate medium light, provided it is properly watered and kept in a humid environment.
3. Maidenhair Fern
Getty ImagesGraceful and fragile, the Maidenhair Fern's delicate stems and leaves are more brittle than other indoor fern varieties—and indeed, they are. This fern is one of the more high-maintenance types.
It requires the perfect balance of care. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight but needs sufficient indirect light to thrive. Regular misting or placement in a humid room, such as a bathroom, is essential, and it doesn't do well in temperatures below 60°F. However, if provided with the right conditions, this fern will reward you with a stunning, elegant display of leaves.
4. Bird's Nest Fern
The SillPractical and low-maintenance compared to its more decorative fern counterparts, the Bird's Nest Fern is an excellent choice for beginners. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires watering every one to two weeks. You’ll know it’s time to water when the leaves start drooping and look a bit sad. The best part? It's non-toxic and safe for homes with pets.
5. Staghorn Fern
Getty ImagesThis striking fern is often seen mounted on a wooden board, making it a popular choice for vertical wall gardens. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, but it can be a bit finicky when it comes to watering. Both overwatering and underwatering can be detrimental to its health.
Depending on the humidity levels of the room, it might need watering once a week in dry conditions or once every two to three weeks in more humid environments. If you notice browning at the base of the fronds, it’s a sign of overwatering, but if the tips turn brown, it’s likely underwatering.
6. Rabbit's Foot Fern
TerrainThese charming ferns are known for being relatively easy to care for. Like other ferns, they thrive in moist conditions and prefer medium to bright, indirect sunlight. Keep them in a warm, humid environment, such as a bathroom, or mist them regularly to ensure they stay happy.
7. Asparagus Fern
Getty ImagesWith its soft, feathery appearance, the asparagus fern might easily be mistaken for an herb. However, be cautious of its sharp thorns. It’s also not a true fern, as it spreads through seeds rather than spores. Among the ferns listed, it’s the least demanding, thriving in bright light and tolerating occasional missed waterings. Keep in mind, though, this plant is highly toxic to both dogs and cats, so it should be kept out of their reach.
8. Tricolor Fern
@plantannaplant Compared to other fern varieties, the tricolor fern stands out with its shiny, colorful appearance and large fronds that transition from bronze to red to green. As long as its soil remains moist (but not soggy), this fern can flourish in bright sunlight. It thrives best when temperatures are between 70°F and 80°F.
9. Kangaroo Fern
@unplanned_plarenthoodThe kangaroo fern, native to Australia and New Zealand, is known for its glossy, leathery fronds that resemble kangaroo paws and would fit perfectly in a rain forest setting. This fern thrives in indirect, moderate light and prefers a temperature range of 65°F to 75°F. It requires regular watering and misting of its fronds.
10. Button Fern
@plantkinaNative to New Zealand, the low-maintenance button fern is also known as the round-leafed fern due to its shiny, button-like leaves that run along the length of its fronds. This fern thrives in dappled, indirect sunlight. It requires light but frequent watering and benefits from consistent misting or the use of a humidifier to maintain moisture.
