indoor ferns

Ferns are a wonderful plant to grow indoors. They are lush and green and add a verdant ambiance to otherwise drab indoor spaces.

There is an incredible variety of ferns with slightly varied care considerations. Take care to choose a fern that will thrive in your indoor environment.

Care Needs

Generally speaking, most ferns have similar care needs. In their natural environments they often grow on moist forest floors. They are adapted to thrive in low light conditions with high humidity. Because of their nutrient rich location on the forest floor, they prefer well draining soil mixes with plenty of organic material. Ferns also prefer cooler temperatures. They will tolerate up to 75 F during the day, but most prefer slightly cooler at night. It is best if temperatures are between 62 and 65 F at night.

Ferns do require some indirect light. A north facing window is usually perfect for a fern. Never put a fern in a south facing window or in direct sunlight because the sensitive leaves will scorch.

Humidity

While ferns like humid environments, they can suffer from root rot if they remain too soggy. Make sure the fern is planted in a well draining soil mix and is not allowed to sit in water. Keep the soil mix evenly moist. Place the fern in a room with higher humidity such as a bathroom or kitchen. If your location does not provide enough humidity, you can mist the plant regularly. Another option to subject the fern to more humidity is to find a larger pot than the one the fern is planted in. Then place the fern pot inside the larger pot and pack the extra space with sphagnum peat moss. Keep the sphagnum peat moss continually moist. This should provide enough moisture for the plant without causing root rot. If the tips of the fern turn brown and begin to die back, you will know your plant is not getting enough humidity.

Varieties

Ferns come in all shapes and sizes. Some have very fine and delicate fronds, while others have broader more leaf like fronds. All ferns are green but they can range for very bright green to dark and glossy. There are some ferns that come recommended for indoor growth.

Staghorn Fern

The rabbit’s-foot fern has typical fine, fern shaped fronds that are dark green in color. Its personality shows in the stems that will grow over the edge of a hanging basket or pot. They are soft and fuzzy, looking just like rabbit feet. This is a slow growing fern that will reach about 2 feet tall and wide. It prefers soils that are a bit drier and should be allowed to dry a few inches into the pot in between waterings.

The lemon button fern has small, delicate, yellowish green fronds that are round like buttons. It is easy to grow and can reach up to a foot tall and up to 18 inches wide. This small fern works well in terrariums and in small pots. It likes to remain evenly moist and shouldn’t be allowed to dry out between waterings.

The staghorn fern has large stunning dark green leaves that resemble antlers. This fern is an epiphyte and can be mounted and used as a wall hanging. It requires high humidity and will become quite large reaching up to six feet both tall and wide.

The bird’s nest fern has a unique shape. Its long, light green fronds radiate from the center of the plant. It is easy to care for and will usually remain quite small indoors.

Your Favorites

These are just a few of many varieties of ferns that are great for growing in indoor containers. When you need to add lush foliage to your indoor landscaping arrangements don’t hesitate to use ferns.

Do you have a favorite variety of fern? What challenges do you face when growing ferns indoors?

Sources

“GreenShare Fact Sheets.” University of Rhode Island Landscape Horticulture Program.

“The Green Mountain Gardener” University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science.

“Lemon Button Fern” Indoor Gardener.

“9 Top Ferns to Grow as Houseplants.” Better Homes and Gardens.

Photo “Staghorn Fern, Front” courtesy of Liz West

Featured image by liz west via https://www.flickr.com/photos/calliope/3573471166/