Ferns are popular in houseplants, characterized by arching fronds and graceful appearance. They are often grown in hanging baskets or as a groundcover, and they come in a wide range of sizes and shapes. There are many types of fern houseplants, and they are easy to care for and can add a touch of elegance to any room.
Although most ferns prefer humid conditions, ferns will tolerate dry air if they are watered regularly. Ferns are also known for their ability to filter harmful pollutants from the air, making them an ideal choice for homes with allergies or pets. With their lush foliage and graceful shape, and bright green fronds, fern houseplants are a lovely way to bring the beauty of nature indoors.
Keep reading to learn more about the different fern species and how to care for them.
Types Of Fern Houseplants
Cat Palms:
The perfect plant for beginning gardeners, cat palms are one of the easiest and evergreen indoor ferns to care for. It is time to water these palms when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. They appreciate bright, indirect sunlight.
Keep an eye out for brown tips on the leaves, which shows that the plant is not getting enough humidity. To increase humidity around your cat’s palm, try setting the pot on a pebble tray or grouping it with other plants.
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Boston Fern:
A classic choice for hanging baskets or pedestals, Boston ferns add old-world charm to any setting. These ferns do best in bright, indirect sunlight and humid conditions—misting the leaves daily will help to keep them looking their best.
Be sure to give your Boston fern a good soak whenever the soil dries out so that water may flow freely from the drainage holes in the container’s bottom. During the growing season, fertilize every two weeks with a half-strength solution of a liquid all-purpose fertilizer.
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Bird’s Nest Fern:
If you’re looking for an evergreen fern plant that’s both beautiful and low-maintenance, bird’s nest ferns are an ideal choice. These trendy houseplants can tolerate shady conditions and only need to be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch—over-watering can lead to root rot, so it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Misting the dark green fronds with water will help to increase humidity around your plant; just be sure to remove any water that collects in the center of the rosette, as this can cause rot. Fertilize monthly during the spring and summer with a half-strength solution of an all-purpose liquid fertilizer.
Button Fern:
A cottage favorite, button ferns are known for their delicate feathery fronds and compact growth habit. These ferns do best in bright, indirect sunlight and should be watered when the soil begins to feel dry to the touch.
Be sure to fertilize monthly during spring and summer with a half-strength solution of an all-purpose liquid fertilizer; too much fertilizer can burn the roots, so it’s important not to overdo it. Increase humidity around your button fern by misting it with water or setting the pot on a pebble tray.
Staghorn Fern:
The ultimate statement plant, the staghorn fern is a unique specimen that makes a bold visual impact in any setting. Unlike other types of firms, staghorn grows best mounted on a board or hung on a wall where they can receive bright, indirect sunlight—so if you’re tight on space, these may not be the plants for you.
Watering is another key consideration with staghorn; they should be soaked in water once a week until moisture drips from their base, then allowed to drain thoroughly before being returned to their mount or hanging spot.
Once every two weeks during spring and summer, apply a balanced fertilizer at quarter strength directly to wet soil or mounted media; avoid getting any fertilizer on leaves or stems, as this can damage them.
For optimum growth, staghorn should also be misted with water weekly or kept in humid conditions. Bathrooms, kitchens, greenhouses, and terrariums are great locations for staghorn ferns.
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Asparagus Fern
The asparagus fern is a type of houseplant that is perfect for people who have pets or small children. This is because the asparagus fern is non-toxic to both animals and humans. The asparagus fern is also relatively easy to care for; it does well in both bright and low-light conditions and only needs to be watered about once a week.
Although the asparagus fern gets its name from its similarity in appearance to asparagus spears, this plant is not related to the vegetable.
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Maidenhair Fern
The maiden hair fern gets its name from its long, flowing fronds, which resemble the hair of a young woman. Maidenhair fern is native to tropical rainforests and requires high humidity levels to survive. For this reason, they are often found in bathrooms or near kitchens where there is a lot of moisture in the air. Maidenhair ferns should be watered frequently; when the soil feels dry, it’s time to water your plant again.
Sword Fern
The sword fern gets its name from its long, stiff leaves, which resemble swords or needles. Sword ferns are native to North America and prefer shady, moist soil. They are often found growing in wooded areas or near streams and ponds. Sword ferns do not like direct sunlight and should be watered whenever the soil feels dry to the touch.
These fern plants are beautiful additions to any home and can thrive with just a little care. So if you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant, consider getting a fern!
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Conclusion
So, if you’re in the market for a lush green addition to your home and want something low-maintenance, consider one of the many types of fern houseplants available. With so many options, there’s sure to be one that fits both your style and your needs. Have you chosen a favorite fern?
Be sure to check out our other posts for more information on keeping your plants healthy and thriving. And as always, if you have questions or need help choosing the right plant for your space, reach out to us!
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