Ferns are low-maintenance indoor plants, but when you grow them inside, it’s crucial to replicate their outside habitat. When kept in the shade and misted with water daily to mimic humid outdoor conditions, ferns grow best inside. The following fern species are some of the most popular indoor plants:
- 1. Bird’s nest fern: Asplenium nidus is an epiphytic plant, which means that in its natural habitat it grows in trees or on other plants. Place a bird’s nest fern in a hanging basket or attach it to a board to grow it indoors. This fern species enjoys indirect sunlight, can reach heights of three feet and widths of two feet, and once it starts to generate new growth, it can withstand drought. The bird’s nest fern develops flat fronds in complete shadow and crinkled fronds in indirect light.
- 2. Button fern: Pellaea rotundifolia is an evergreen fern that can be grown indoors with great ease because it doesn’t need damp or moist circumstances. The button fern has narrow stems and arching fronds with leaflets (pinnae) that resemble leathery, dark green buttons. In USDA plant hardiness zones 8 and 9, button fern can also be grown outside in gardens.
- 3. The Cretan brake fern, or Pteris cretica, is a bushy evergreen fern with long fronds that resemble swords. The leaves have thick, pale green stripes running through the middle and dark green borders. The Cretan brake fern needs humidity and indirect bright light to thrive. In warm, subtropical climes, this species of fern plant can also flourish outside.
- 4.Holly fern: Cyrtomium falcatum is a lovely indoor plant with glossy, bright-green leaves. The leaves of this tough, shade-loving, common fern can reach lengths of more than 1.5 feet and are made up of six to ten smaller pairs of leaflets. The holly fern is one of the simplest varieties of indoor ferns to grow, yet it may also be grown outdoors.
- 5. Royal fern: Osmunda regalis is a deciduous fern that does best in damp, acidic soil and shaded situations. The rich, long fronds and towering green leaves of this flowering fern are the source of its royal moniker.
- 6. Rabbit’s foot fern: Davallia fejeensis is a low-maintenance fern type that enjoys direct, bright sunlight and high humidity (daily water mistings are key for producing robust growth). The rabbit’s foot fern is a native of Fiji and gets its name from its fluffy rhizomes that stick up above the earth. Usually planted inside, rabbit’s foot ferns make an excellent low-growing groundcover plant when used outdoors.
- 7.Staghorn fern: Like bird’s nest fern, ferns in the Platycerium genus are epiphytic plants. Staghorn ferns can be grown indoors by mounting them to a board or putting them in hanging baskets to replicate their natural habitat. The staghorn fern, also known as elkhorn fern because of the antler-shaped leaves that sprout from its rhizome, needs lots of water to develop. You may keep it moist by occasionally submerging the entire mount board.
Can ferns grown inside survive outside?
For the simple reason that humidity levels are higher outside than they are inside heated homes, ferns nearly always thrive there. The often enormous Boston ferns, with fronds up to 3 feet long, typically have more space to grow outdoors than they would inside under the protection of a porch roof. They may appear greener than they do during the hot, dry summer months during cool, rainy seasons when the air is moist.
Can ferns survive inside?
Choosing the proper species is essential to growing ferns successfully indoors. Some ferns are notoriously difficult to keep alive and attractive indoors, while others are relatively simple with a little care. All ferns that are generally kept as indoor plants are native to tropical regions of the world and have evolved to thrive in conditions of low light and moderate humidity. In general, ferns with tough, leathery leaf are better adapted to typical (dry) indoor circumstances, whereas delicate, feathery varieties thrive in greenhouses or terrariums where humidity may be easily maintained at a greater level.
Growing Ferns
Some of the planet’s oldest living plants are ferns. They vary from the majority of plants in that they reproduce from spores rather than seeds. The majority of ferns develop rhizomes, or underground stems, from which growing leaves are referred to as fronds.
When kept away from direct sunlight in windows with a north or east orientation, indoor ferns thrive. Sunlight coming through windows that face south or west is frequently too bright and could scorch plants. These windows can be improved with a sheer curtain, or you can simply relocate the ferns farther away so they get less light. Because indoor ferns are tropical plants, they will thrive in climates where the daytime temperature is at least 65 degrees F and the nighttime temperature is around ten degrees lower.
Ferns should be cultivated in a potting mix with lots of organic content and good drainage. For the majority of species, high-quality peat-based mixes are suitable. Selecting the appropriate container is equally crucial. As long as the pot has a drainage hole at the bottom, it can be used with almost any plant. Without drainage, pots retain too much water, which can damage roots. Plant ferns in pots that are only a little bit bigger than the fern’s root mass. Aim for a space of no more than one inch between the roots and the pot’s side.
While ferns have various watering needs, they generally like continually moist soil (not soggy). No matter the species, the soil should never be allowed to totally dry up because that will cause the fronds to rot and die. Use warm, room-temperature water if possible, and soak the container until the water drains from the bottom. After watering, remove the saucers from beneath the plants to prevent root rot.
Only during the spring to fall growing season, when ferns are actively growing, is light fertilizer advised. It may be necessary to apply fertilizer if the leaves are unusually small or the fronds are turning yellow. All the nutrients are provided by liquid fertilizers for houseplants, which should only be applied at half the recommended rate to prevent foliage burn.
Ferns need a significant bit of humidity to thrive, something most homes don’t have in the winter. If the humidity is too low, fringes will turn yellow and droop or turn brown at their edges. A humid climate can be established by using a humidifier, sprinkling ferns occasionally with a spray bottle, or piling the fern container on top of a pan of damp pebbles without covering the bottom with water. While grouping plants closely together will also improve humidity, it may restrict airflow and promote the spread of disease. A nearby fan can help to solve this problem. Sphagnum moss can also be used to fill the space between the fern’s container and a little larger container. The moss will aid in removing more water from clay (as opposed to plastic) containers, and as that water evaporates, the humidity around the fern will rise.
Best Ferns as Houseplants
If you’ve never grown ferns before, you might want to start with a species that can withstand a little less humidity and requires less watering. The species listed below are highly dependable and well suited to growing inside.
Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Unlike most other fern species, the bird’s nest fern has a distinctive appearance. Its leathery, tongue-like fronds connect in a whorl that mimics a bird’s nest and have prominent wavy borders and ribs towards the middle. It should be grown in well-drained potting soil in a room that stays above 55 degrees Fahrenheit and has a sunny, north-facing window. Potting mix needs to be consistently wet but never drenched. In the winter, the bird’s nest fern does need a decent amount of humidity, therefore moist areas like the bathroom or kitchen are perfect. It will also work to set the potted fern on top of a tray of moist pebbles.
Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis)
Because their fluffy rhizomes resemble those of its namesake, rabbit’s foot ferns get their name. Although they can work well as potted plants, this evergreen fern is frequently cultivated in hanging baskets or wire frames. Rhizomes will progressively extend over and down the sides of a container, giving the plant a distinctive appearance. The young fronds of the rabbit’s foot fern should only be divided if they are growing smaller than usual. This plant prefers to be slightly pot-bound. Although a pebble tray or double potting will help keep it looking beautiful throughout the winter, it thrives best in humid environments.
Golden Polypody (Phlebodium aureum)
Given that it also has fuzzy scales that cover the rhizomes and extend over the edge of the pot, golden polypody is sometimes sometimes referred to as rabbit’s foot fern. The fern’s spores are a golden tint, hence the name. The fronds are deeply split and can reach a length of 12 to 18 inches. A common cultivar known as “Blue Star” features distinctive, eye-catching bluish fronds. To maintain its finest appearance, put golden polypody in the bathroom or close to a humidifier.
Cretan Brake Fern (Pteriscretica)
Try growing a Cretan brake fern in your home’s warmest room next to a humidifier or on top of a pebble tray. In a tabletop terrarium, where moisture is simple to manage, it also thrives. A kind of evergreen fern with graceful fronds, the cretan brake fern grows slowly. It’s simple to find the variation “Albolineata” at garden centers that offer ferns. It has cream-colored streaks down the middle of its leaflets.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepsis exaltata)
The Boston fern, which is still extensively grown now, was a common parlor plant in Victorian times. Many people believe it to be one of the simpler ferns to grow indoors. The only catch is that many of the fronds will turn brown and die unless the soil is kept consistently moist and the humidity level is relatively high. But the Boston fern is worth the bother because of its lovely, sword-shaped fronds that gracefully curve downward with maturity. Although there are other cultivars with wavy, curly, twisted, or overlapping fronds, “Bostoniensis” is the most well-known.
How are ferns maintained outside?
Ferns are not permitted on my front porch. That’s difficult for a native Southerner like me to say. A common feature of the Southern countryside is a porch surrounded by ferns.
You better believe our shady back patio is covered in the lush green fronds, whereas our front porch faces straight South and a lovely Boston Fern can’t handle the intense heat of the midday sun! If given the right care, ferns are surprisingly simple to grow and maintain.
Select The Right Fern
The most preferred ferns for porches are Boston and Kimberly Queen ferns. The type of fern you buy should depend on the style you want.
Because of their gently weeping characteristics and vivid green fronds, Boston ferns look fantastic in hanging baskets and on plant stands. Kimberly Queen Ferns are ideal in pots flanking a pathway or entry since they have more firm, upright fronds.
Water Your Fern Regularly
Water is good for ferns. Remember that a rainforest’s gloomy, damp canopy is where they live in the wild. To keep a lush, healthy glow, soil must be consistently and uniformly hydrated.
How you plant your fern will determine how often you water it. Please keep in mind that ferns can dry out very fast if you decide to put them in a hanging basket or pot. Keep the soil moist but not dripping wet. To find out how often you need water your ferns, check them every day at first.
Follow These Overwinter Steps
Ferns are tropical plants, hence they cannot survive in cold weather. Try to overwinter your fern by trimming it back in the fall and putting it in a bright spot indoors to preserve its evergreen hue.
An effort at overwintering needs a certain location, a certain amount of humidity, and water. Keep in mind that even ferns that are dormant enjoy moisture, and a hot home can quickly dry out a plant. Throughout the winter, give your plant a few nice soaks in the shower.
Are ferns indoor plants?
One of the most lovely indoor plants is the fern. They go in nicely with just about any interior design theme, from country casual to formal, thanks to its delicate fronds and traditional texture. Few people recognize the enormous range of ferns that are available, therefore there are numerous opportunities to employ these houseplants as decorations.
Ferns look lovely combined, but they’re also a great choice to pair with other houseplants, especially those with larger leaves so you can appreciate the striking contrast in leaf texture. Pay attention to color as well, since some ferns work better with other houseplants due to the color, shape, and general appearance of the plant. But the good news is that ferns are a sure thing.
Fern, Houseplant Growing Instructions
The majority of ferns thrive in moderate to bright light, but away from direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours of the day. Ferns that receive too much sunshine may develop sunburn and have bleached-looking leaves.
Water most ferns just enough to maintain a damp but not drenched soil. If left excessively damp for an extended period of time, ferns, like most houseplants, will decay.
Provide ferns with ordinary to above-average relative humidity levels to keep them beautiful and healthy. Ferns are the ideal indoor plants for light-colored bathrooms or kitchens because of their love of wet air. The fronds of ferns may prematurely dry out and turn brown if there is insufficient humidity. The majority of ferns make excellent terrarium plants because they thrive in humidity.
What time may I move my fern outside?
The majority of fern cultivars have similar planting requirements, although others only grow well in specific environments or under specific lighting conditions. Make sure to research the planting requirements and appropriate USDA hardiness zones for your particular type of fern before using these instructions as a guide.
- 1. Based on your climate zone, select a planting season. The ideal time to plant ferns is typically in the early spring following the last frost, but you can also do so without much difficulty in the summer. In milder regions, ferns can even be grown year-round.
- 2. Pick a shaded area. Most ferns grow in settings of moderate to complete shade. Make sure your particular fern gets additional water to make up for the heat if it can endure partial sun.
- 3. Use wet, slightly acidic soil to plant ferns. Since most ferns grow in damp woods or along the banks of water sources in their natural habitats, they typically need highly moist soil. Even fern kinds that develop drought tolerance usually need moist soil when they are first planted.
- 4. Add organic compost to your soil to enrich it. Apply a thin layer of organic compost to the soil’s top eight to ten inches, then mix it in using a gardening instrument. Your fern’s growth will be sped up by rich soil.
- 5. Plant the ferns. Make a hole twice as broad and as deep as the fern’s rootball. Place your young fern in the planting hole after gently removing it from its pot so as not to damage its roots. Soil is added to the hole. Ferns should be at least two feet away from one another.
- 6. Cover your soil with a two-inch layer of mulch. A layer of organic mulch, such as pine bark or leaf mold, will keep the soil moist, maintain a cool temperature, and prevent weeds from growing.