Ferns are one of the oldest and most diverse plants, with over 10,500 species! They're hardy perennials that thrive in shaded locations outside but aren’t always the easiest houseplant because they prefer high humidity and cooler temperatures, especially at night.
With central air and heating, most homes are drier and warmer than ferns would like. Luckily, you can find many varieties perfect for growing indoors, each with unique shapes and textures. Discover the seven ferns that will be ideal for your home décor.
1. Bird's-nest Fern
Image credit: feey via Unsplash
The bird’s nest fern is an easy-to-care-for houseplant happy in low and medium-light environments. The long, leathery fronds with wavy edges add a bright pop of green to any room. When they’re small, this fern look gorgeous on a countertop or corner nook but will need more space when they grow. They’re perfect as a hanging plant in a north or east-facing window.
As with most ferns, keep the soil evenly moist in a pot with drainage to avoid root rot. This fern is also non-toxic, making it safe for those with pets and children.
2. Asparagus Fern
Image credits: Ksenia Chernaya via Pexels
The asparagus fern is technically not a fern but rather part of the asparagus family. It’s affectionately considered a fern by many because of the delicate way the feathery leaves arc. These soft, fuzzy fronds can create a bold accent in your home, and you can even cut them to your desired shape. Its pruning and watering needs may be a little higher maintenance, but it'll be worth it.
You should repot frequently while also checking on the roots. These ferns have sturdy, brawny roots that easily out grows its container.
Because it’s not a fern, it can handle brighter light than other plants on this list. An east-facing window is ideal, or a setback a few feet from a west or south-facing window. Asparagus fern is toxic, so place it out of reach of children and pets.
3. Boston Fern
Image credit: J. Kelly Brito via Pexels
No list of ferns is complete without the Boston fern. This bushy fern is popular in outdoor gardens and also as a low-maintenance houseplant. Its sword-shaped fronds fill up the space quickly, making it a lush statement to any room.
Boston ferns like an environment with bright, indirect light and look gorgeous in hanging baskets. Like other ferns, they flourish in higher levels of humidity. A bathroom or kitchen is an ideal location. They are also non-toxic, making them perfect for pet owners and those with children.
4. Maidenhair Fern
Image credit: leesamckendrick via Pixabay
Maidenhair ferns are beautiful plants that form delicate cascading leaves resembling hearts. They are known for being finicky, but they can be easy houseplants if you only remember to water them. Most ferns like moist soil, but maidenhair ferns love their water. Always place your ferns in a draining pot, but do not let this fern dry out.
They also prefer a brighter environment than other ferns, meaning they will thrive in an east-facing window or set back a few feet from a west or south-facing window. Do not let direct light touch the fronds, or they will burn. They can also brown if in too dry an atmosphere. They are another non-toxic fern variety.
5. Brake Fern
Image credit: zoosnow via Pixabay
Brake ferns are a stunning variety to compliment your décor with variegated silver or white fronds. They are great houseplants as they are low-maintenance and prefer low light. They will do best in a north-facing window but will also thrive set back a few feet from the east or west-facing window.
Brake ferns prefer barely moist soil, so they don’t require frequent watering; Once a week during the summer and less frequently throughout the winter months should suffice. Please note, these ferns are toxic, so it may not be best for those with pets or small children.
6. Crocodile Fern
Image credits: Marc Kirouac via Shutterstock
The crocodile fern has long, dark-green, veined fronds that resemble the scales of the reptile it’s named after. This impressive and low-maintenance plant is a perfect accent for any room. They will be happy on the ledge of a north-facing window but away from east or west-facing windows.
Although they can grow quite large in their natural habitat, nurseries sell small crocodile ferns, which fit perfectly on a bathroom shelf. This is an ideal location for your reptile like fern as it adores the humidity.
These ferns are another non-toxic variety.
7. Staghorn Fern
Image credit: Timothy Dykes via Unsplash
The staghorn fern is truly unique in its shape resembling deer’s antlers. These easy-to-care-for houseplants are sure to catch the eye with their vertical growing fronds. They grow up as opposed to draping down like other ferns, making them a gorgeous artistic centerpiece.
Like many other ferns, staghorn ferns are epiphytic, meaning they don’t require soil. Instead, they grow on trees supplying their own food. They are often grown on wooden plaques indoors but can thrive in a soilless medium.
Once again, this variety of ferns are non-toxic and safe to keep in the home.
Fern Your Décor
Ferns are fantastic houseplants perfect for your home décor. The bright green fronds are sure to complement many different colors and designs. When considering a spot for your fern, pick a cooler location in the house, as they don’t like it too hot.
If the inside temperatures frequently rise above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, consider placing your fern in the basement. Ferns also thrive in humidity -- If a bathroom location isn’t ideal, other ways to increase humidity include pebble trays, humidifiers, terrariums, and grouping plants.
Do you have any of these ferns in your home? Tell us about it in the comments!