10 Vital Tips for Caring for Indoor Ferns

There’s something enchanting about growing ferns indoors: it’s like bringing a piece of nature into your home. Unlike many houseplants that come from distant tropical regions, a number of indoor ferns resemble those found in local woodlands. We spoke with a plant expert and a plant shop owner to uncover the best strategies for growing and caring for ferns indoors—here’s everything you need to know.

Be Honest About Your Care Commitment

“If you’re someone who travels for weeks on end, most ferns probably aren’t the right choice for you, as they require a bit more attention,” says Allison Futeral, owner of Crimson Horticultural Rarities in Oakland, CA.

For a low-maintenance fern, Futeral recommends epiphytic varieties like the Staghorn or rabbit’s foot fern, which need less frequent watering.

Be Cautious with the Maidenhair

The maidenhair fern, with its graceful fronds, is undeniably attractive. However, many people struggle to keep it alive due to the constant care it requires.

Even Futeral, who owns a plant store, admits, “They're one of my favorite ferns. They're so incredible looking, but they do not live at my house,” acknowledging that she can't maintain the watering routine.

The rabbit’s foot fern is a favorite of both Futeral and Darryl Cheng, author of The New Plant Collector. With its lace-like fronds, it’s less demanding than the maidenhair fern.

Ensure Proper Lighting

Futeral explains that a common myth about ferns is that they thrive in dark spaces. “They actually prefer medium to bright indirect light,” she says.

Cheng, who offers plant care tips on Instagram as @houseplantjournal, mentions that most ferns can handle 1 to 2 hours of direct sunlight. However, if they do receive direct sunlight, he stresses that it's crucial to stay on top of their watering needs.

“If the direct sun exposure is extended, use a white sheer curtain to soften the light,” he advises.

Select the Right Soil

According to Cheng, your choice of potting mix should depend on the light your plants receive. In areas with low, indirect light, you can opt for standard potting soil, mixing in one part perlite or bark chips.

In brighter light conditions, Cheng advises skipping the perlite or bark chips, explaining, “The increased water retention will balance out the faster water usage.”

Water Responsibly

Ferns prefer not to dry out, so it’s important to keep them on a consistent watering schedule and check them frequently.

Futeral emphasizes the importance of consistency when caring for plants. While they don't require constant watering, she advises that it's essential to stay in tune with their needs by regularly checking their soil to assess if they need water. Paying attention in this way provides the consistency plants thrive on.

Alternatively, ensure a steady water supply for your plants by using a self-watering pot, which has a hidden water chamber and a wick system that delivers water directly to the plant's roots, making it easier to maintain proper hydration.

For those who struggle with remembering to water their plants, Futeral recommends using a self-watering pot. This clever solution includes a hidden water chamber and wick that ensures the plant gets water as needed without constant intervention.

Another idea is to place a large saucer beneath your plant, fill it with clean gravel, and add water. This technique not only provides a consistent water source but also raises the humidity level, benefiting the plant's overall environment, as Futeral explains.

Consider misting the fronds of your plant regularly. This simple practice can help provide additional moisture to your plant, enhancing its care routine.

Futeral recommends regularly misting ferns to keep them happy since they thrive in humid environments. Interestingly, she prefers a fine-mist, continuous spray mister—like those used by hairstylists—over the decorative ones typically marketed for plants. 'It provides a constant fine mist without dripping,' she says.

Futeral warns that air conditioning can dry out plants, including ferns, even during summer months. 'Although the temperature may be comfortable, air conditioning removes moisture from the air, making it harder for your plants to stay hydrated,' she explains.

Futeral advises that while air conditioning helps cool your home, it can also dehydrate your plants, especially in summer. 'Running an AC all the time can dry out your plants more since it dehumidifies the air,' she says.

When it comes to ferns that grow from a central point, Cheng suggests maintaining their health by 'regularly trimming off the oldest, outermost leaves as new ones grow in from the center.' This pruning practice ensures they stay healthy and vibrant.

Ferns don't require regular shaping, but for those that grow from a central point, Cheng recommends 'cutting away the oldest, outermost leaves as new ones emerge in the center.' This helps maintain their health and appearance.

Futeral recommends feeding ferns rather than fertilizing them, as it's a gentler approach for delivering nutrients. 'Fertilizers can burn the leaves if not used properly,' she explains. She prefers to use a balanced plant food every few months for her ferns.

Futeral favors feeding ferns instead of fertilizing them because it's a more delicate method of providing nutrients. She warns that fertilizers can cause harm to the foliage if applied incorrectly. To nourish her ferns, she uses a well-rounded plant food every couple of months.