Table of Contents
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
- Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)
- Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
- Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)
- Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus)
- Kangaroo Paw Fern (Microsorum diversifolium)
- Crocodile Fern (Microsorum musifolium)
- Rabbit's Foot Fern (Phlebodium aureum)
Ferns are one of the most ancient plant species on earth, dating back over 300 million years. The delicate, lush foliage and unique reproductive process have made them a popular choice among plant enthusiasts. In this guide, we will explore the world of ferns, including the various types of ferns and some helpful tips to ensure they stay healthy and happy!
Types of Ferns
There are many types of ferns to choose from, each with its own distinctive appearance and growing requirements. Here are some additional popular types of ferns that you might want to consider adding to your plant collection:
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
One of the most popular ferns, the Boston fern is a classic choice for any indoor space. Its long, graceful fronds create a lush, tropical feel that works well in a variety of decor styles. Native to tropical regions of the Americas, this fern prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity to thrive. A bathroom or kitchen with a bright window is an ideal spot for a Boston fern.
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
With its delicate, lacy fronds, the maidenhair fern adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room. Native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, caring for a maidenhair fern requires high humidity and bright, indirect light to thrive. It goes well with a variety of decor styles, including bohemian, modern, and traditional. A shaded spot near a humidifier or a north-facing window is a great place to keep a maidenhair fern.
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)
Featured in photo: Soltech Highland track grow-lights
The staghorn fern is a striking and unusual plant that's sure to turn heads. Its unique fronds resemble deer antlers and are epiphytic, meaning they grow on other plants or objects rather than in soil. Native to tropical regions of Africa, Australia, and Southeast Asia, the staghorn fern prefers bright, indirect light and moderate to high humidity. It goes well with natural and rustic decor styles and looks especially stunning when mounted on a wooden plaque or hung from a macrame hanger.
Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
The bird's nest fern gets its name from the way its leaves form a rosette resembling a bird's nest. Native to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands, this fern is easy to care for and does well in low to medium light conditions, earning itself the badge of being a low-maintenance plant. It goes well with modern, minimalist, and Scandinavian decor styles. A shaded spot in the living room or bedroom is a great place to keep a bird's nest fern.
Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)
The Japanese painted fern is a strikingly beautiful plant with metallic silver/purplish and green fronds that add a touch of glamour to any space. Native to Japan and Korea, this fern prefers partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. It goes well with a variety of decor styles, including traditional, cottage, and bohemian. A shaded spot in the garden or a north-facing window is an ideal spot for a Japanese painted fern.
Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus)
While not a true fern, the asparagus fern is a popular houseplant with delicate, feathery fronds that add a touch of lightness and airiness to any room. Native to South Africa, this plant prefers bright, indirect light and moderate humidity. It goes well with a variety of decor styles, including bohemian, coastal, and eclectic. An east or west-facing window with filtered light is an ideal spot for an asparagus fern.
Kangaroo Paw Fern (Microsorum diversifolium)
The kangaroo paw fern is native to Australia and has distinctive fronds that resemble a kangaroo paw. These ferns thrive in bright, indirect light and high humidity. They are a great choice for a tropical or coastal style decor and are often seen in hanging plant baskets or mounted on walls.
Crocodile Fern (Microsorum musifolium)
The crocodile fern is a unique fern species that gets its name from the crocodile skin-like texture of its fronds. It is native to Southeast Asia and prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity. This fern is a great option for those who want to add texture and interest to their indoor plant collection. It goes well with a modern or minimalist style decor.
Rabbit's Foot Fern (Phlebodium aureum)
The rabbit's foot fern is a popular fern species known for its unique furry rhizomes that resemble rabbit's feet. This fern is native to tropical regions of the Americas and thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity. It is a great choice for a bohemian or eclectic style decor and is often seen in hanging baskets or plants displayed on shelves. The rabbit's foot fern is also known for its air purifying properties, making it a great addition to any home or office.
Each type of fern has its own unique aesthetic and growing requirements, making it important to research and choose the right one for your space. Some ferns are better suited for hanging baskets, while others do well in pots on the ground. Consider the overall décor of your space when selecting ferns, as some ferns have a more classic or traditional look, while others have a more modern or eclectic appearance.
For ideas and inspo on how to add, and/or mix and match fern types in your home, check out this insightful article from decortips.com: How to Decorate With Ferns.
No matter which type of fern you choose, it's important to provide the proper care and growing conditions for them to thrive. Consider factors such as humidity, light levels, and soil health and moisture when selecting a location for your fern. With the right care and attention, ferns can add a touch of large leaf tropical beauty to your indoor garden and enhance the overall ambiance of your space.
Care Guide for Ferns
Ferns can be relatively easy to care for, if their basic needs are met. Here are some general fern care tips:
Light
Most ferns prefer bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their delicate fronds. If your space lacks natural light, consider using an LED grow-light to supplement their light needs.
Water
Ferns require consistent moisture to thrive, but they don't like to sit in standing water. Make sure their soil is well-draining and keep their soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Humidity
Many ferns require high humidity to thrive, which can be a challenge in dry indoor environments. You can increase humidity by misting your ferns regularly or placing a tray of water near them.
Fertilizer
Ferns benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer every 2-4 weeks to provide them with the necessary nutrients.
Pruning
Regularly prune dead or damaged fronds to encourage new growth and maintain the health of your ferns.
For a more detailed guide, check out this blog post: How To Grow Healthy Ferns Indoors.
How Grow-Lights Can Support Fern Growth
Our aesthetically pleasing grow-lights are an excellent way to support the growth of your ferns. Here's how:
Warm Light
Soltech grow-lights emit a warm, inviting glow that mimics natural sunlight, making them perfect for ferns that prefer bright, indirect light.
Energy-Efficient
All of our products are energy-efficient, reducing electricity consumption while providing optimal light for your plants.
Versatile Options
With the Vita grow-bulb, Aspect hanging pendant, or Highland track light system, you can find the perfect grow light solution for any space or plant arrangement.
Support for Various Fern Species
Our grow-lights are designed to support the growth and health of a wide range of ferns, ensuring they receive the proper light levels and energy to thrive.
Common Fern Care Issues
Despite their hardiness, ferns are still susceptible to certain plant health issues that can affect their growth and overall health. Here are some common fern care issues and how to address them:
Brown or yellow fronds
If you notice brown or yellow leaves on your fern, it could be a sign of underwatering, low humidity, or too much direct sunlight. To address this issue, increase the frequency of watering, mist the fern regularly to increase humidity, and move it to a spot with indirect sunlight.
Soil that dries out too quickly
Ferns prefer soil that is consistently moist but not waterlogged. If you find that your fern's soil dries out too quickly, consider repotting it with a high-quality potting mix that retains moisture, or try adding a layer of mulch to the soil surface.
Pest infestations
Ferns are not immune to indoor plant pest infestations, including mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. To address pest issues, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray and keep the fern away from other plants to prevent the infestation from spreading. Learn more about how to get rid of the most common houseplant pest spider mites here: How To Spot and Treat Spider Mites
Root rot
Overwatering can lead to root rot in ferns, which can be fatal if not addressed promptly. To prevent root rot, make sure the fern's pot has proper drainage and only water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
If you're new to caring for ferns or need some additional tips, the Better Homes & Gardens article "Fern Care Guide" is an excellent resource to check out, you can find it here:
By being aware of these common fern care issues and taking proactive steps to address them, you can ensure your ferns stay healthy and vibrant.
Ferns are a great choice for indoor plants as they provide a unique look to any space and are relatively easy to care for. With the right amount of light, water, and humidity, ferns can thrive and bring life to any room. Remember to choose a fern species that suits your home's specific environment and to monitor its growth and health regularly. By doing so, you can ensure your ferns stay healthy and vibrant, adding to the beauty and tranquility of your indoor space.
