The 8 Best Ferns for Your Indoor Garden.

Ferns come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so you’re sure to find one that fits your style. In this article, we will recommend the best ferns for your indoor garden and provide tips on caring for them.

We will also discuss the different types of ferns and their characteristics, as well as some tips on how to care for fern. Let's take a look at some of the beautiful types of ferns indoor.

The Best Ferns for Your Indoor Garden

Having a garden indoors is a great way to bring the outdoors inside and add a touch of nature to your home. But to create a lush and colorful indoor garden, you must choose the right plants.

Ferns are a great choice as they’re easy to care for and look great when planted together. Here are 08 of the best indoor ferns for your indoor garden.

1. Rabbit's Foot Fern.

Botanical Name: Phlebodium aureum: Rabbit's Foot Fern, also known by its botanical name Phlebodium aureum, is a cute and curious fern named after its rhizomes rather than its thin, feathery fronds. In this section, we will discuss the characteristics and requirements of this fern.

Appearance and Growth Habits: Rabbit's Foot Fern gets its name from its rhizomes, which resemble woodland animals' paws.

The rhizomes grow out of the soil and drape over the edge of the pot, giving the plant a furry and cute appearance. This fern belongs to the epiphytic plant family and has a growth habit in its natural jungle habitat.

Sunlight Requirements: Rabbit's Foot Fern thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can damage the delicate fronds and cause them to wilt or burn. It is recommended to place the plant near a window that receives filtered sunlight or in a shaded area that receives bright, indirect light.

Soil Requirements: The soil type for Rabbit's Foot Fern should be a standard potting soil, sand, and peat moss mix. This fern prefers a slightly acidic soil pH level of 6.5 to 7.5. It is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent overwatering and root rot.

Watering and Humidity Requirements: Rabbit's Foot Fern prefers moderate to high humidity levels. Making the leaves regularly or placing a tray of water near the plant is recommended to increase humidity levels. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it is important to water the plant only when the top inch of the soil is dry.

Overall, Rabbit's Foot Fern is a unique and interesting plant that can add a touch of whimsy to any indoor space. This fern can thrive and grow into a lush, cute houseplant with proper care and attention.

2. Button Fern: A Petite and Humidity-Loving Plant

Botanical Name: Pellaea rotundifolia: Button fern, known by its scientific name Pellaea rotundifolia, is an excellent addition to any indoor plant collection. This fern's unique features make it a great choice for those looking to add some greenery to their smaller living spaces.

Ideal Growing Conditions: Button ferns thrive in bright, indirect light. The button fern is a small plant that can easily fit in any space. It is perfect for decorating windowsills, small shelves, and bathrooms. This fern's fronds are studded with soft, round leaves, giving it a unique and attractive appearance.

Sun and Soil Requirements: To thrive, the button fern requires bright, indirect light. It should be placed near a window that receives plenty of sunlight but not in direct sunlight. When it comes to soil, the button fern prefers well-draining potting soil with a pH level of 5.0 to 6.0.

Perfect for Bathrooms: Button ferns are excellent bathroom plants. They love humidity and can thrive in a bathroom's warm, damp environment. Placing your button fern near a window in the bathroom will give it the indirect light it needs, and the steam from your shower will keep it healthy.

In general, the button fern is a great choice for those looking for a unique and attractive indoor plant that can fit in smaller spaces. Its love for humidity makes it an excellent bathroom plant, and its soft fronds make it a lovely addition to any indoor plant collection.

3. Tricolor Fern: A Colorful Addition to Your Indoor Garden

Botanical Name: Pteris aspericaulis: The tricolor fern, scientifically known as Pteris aspericaulis Tricolor, is a beautiful plant that can add a pop of color to any indoor garden.

This specimen features elegant pinnate leaves that have a classic fern shape. Several vibrant colors make this plant stand out from the crowd, ranging from bright green to gold and red, all in one plant.

Sun Exposure: Bright, Indirect Light: To ensure the tricolor fern thrives, it's important to give it bright, indirect light. Placing it near a window with filtered light is an ideal location. Too much direct sunlight can harm the plant, so avoiding exposure to harsh rays is essential.

Soil Type: Well-Draining Potting Soil: The tricolor fern grows best in well-draining potting soil. The soil should be rich in nutrients and should be able to retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. This fern can be sensitive to soil conditions, so it's important to ensure the soil is high quality.

Soil pH: 5.0 to 7.0: Maintaining the correct soil pH is essential for the tricolor fern to thrive. The plant prefers soil with a pH range between 5.0 and 7.0. Using a pH meter can help you monitor and adjust the soil pH as needed.

Caring for Tricolor Ferns: Caring for tricolor ferns is similar to that of the Boston fern. This fast-growing plant requires high humidity, warm temperatures, and moist soil. It's best to divide and plant the fern in fresh, well-draining potting soil each spring to ensure it continues to grow and thrive.

4. Crocodile Fern: A Beautiful Addition to Your Indoor Garden

Botanical Name: Microsorum musifolium: Crocodile ferns, known for their unique leaves resembling a crocodile's skin, can make a stunning addition to any indoor garden. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when caring for your crocodile fern:

Sun Exposure: Indirect Light: Crocodile ferns prefer to be in an area with bright, indirect light. This helps replicate their natural habitat, where they grow under the shade of tropical trees. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves and cause damage.

Soil Type: Well-Draining Potting Soil: Well-draining soil is essential when planting your crocodile fern. This allows excess water to drain from the roots, preventing root rot. It is best to use standard potting soil, and it is recommended to add perlite or sand to improve drainage.

Soil pH: 6.0 to 8.5: Maintaining the correct soil pH is important for the overall health of your crocodile fern. The ideal soil pH range is between 6.0 and 8.5. To test the pH level of your soil, you can purchase a soil pH meter or test kit from a gardening store.

Caring for Your Crocodile Fern: To help your crocodile fern thrive, it is important to keep its soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. To maintain the humidity levels around the fern, you can mist it regularly or place a water tray near the plant.

A self-watering planter is the best way to keep your ferns healthy and happy. Looking for an easy way to water your ferns? Look no further than the self-watering planter from Planterhoma.

These planters are specifically designed to help keep your ferns healthy and hydrated. They come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit any space, and they're made from durable materials that will last for years.

Not only are self-watering planters great for ferns, but they're also perfect for any other type of houseplant. If you're looking for a low-maintenance way to take care of your plants, a self-watering planter is the way to go.

5. Autumn Fern: A Beautiful Addition to Your Home

Botanical Name: Dryopteris erythrosora: The autumn fern, also known as the Japanese red shield fern or copper fern, goes by the botanical name of Dryopteris erythrosora.

Consider the autumn fern if you're looking for a plant that will add life to your indoor space. Here's what you need to know about this lovely flower.

Sun Exposure: Indirect light: This evergreen fern does best in locations with indirect light. Due to its natural preference for shady areas, it may dry out its leaves when placed in an area with direct sunlight, as it is naturally found in shady areas.

Soil Type: Well-draining potting soil: The autumn fern thrives in well-draining potting soil. Be sure to avoid using heavy, clay-based soil or soil that retains too much water, as this can lead to root rot.

Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.0: The ideal pH range for the soil of an autumn fern is between 5.5 to 7.0. Testing the soil before planting can help ensure the proper acidity for optimal growth.

A Lush and Colorful: Unlike many other fern species that lose their leaves in the fall, the autumn fern sprouts new fronds in its characteristic copper color.

With its lush, leafy foliage, this fern can grow up to two feet in width and height, making it a great option for filling larger spaces in your home.

No matter how experienced you are with indoor gardening or how new you are, the autumn fern makes a great choice to bring greenery and life into your home.

6. Staghorn Fern: An Elegant Addition to Your Space

Botanical Name: Platycerium: The staghorn fern, scientifically known as Platycerium, is an attractive and captivating addition to or addition to your home or office space.

These ferns are epiphytes, which means they derive moisture and nutrients from the air, not soil. Here's what you need to know about the optimal growing conditions for Staghorn ferns:

Sun Exposure: Bright, Indirect Light: Staghorn ferns thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as it can scorch their delicate leaves. A spot near a window with filtered light or a well-lit room would be ideal for these plants.

Soil Type: Epiphytic: As mentioned, Staghorn ferns don't grow in soil. Instead, they grow on plaques, pieces of wood, or in a pot of sphagnum moss. Mounting them on a wooden board or plaque is a popular way to display these unique plants.

Soil pH: 6.1 to 6.5 (Water pH): Staghorn ferns prefer a slightly acidic environment with a soil pH of 6.1 to 6.5. Keep this in mind when watering them. Using water with a similar pH range is recommended to maintain the right growing conditions.

Caring for Staghorn Ferns: Staghorn ferns are easy to look after, and they only require a minimal amount of maintenance. To keep them healthy, water them once a week by soaking them in for around 10 to 20 minutes. Then, let them drain off excess water before re-mounting or returning them to their display location.

In general, Staghorn ferns are a stunning addition to any indoor space. Ensure you provide them with optimal growing conditions, and they'll thrive with minimal maintenance.

7. Japanese Painted Fern: A Shining Addition to Your Garden

Botanical Name: Athyrium niponicum: Japanese painted ferns are also known by their botanical name Athyrium niponicum, also known as Japanese lady ferns. This fern species is admired for its silvery, shimmering color, and arching growth. Its blue-toned leaves have a luminescent look that can add color to any garden or indoor space.

Sun Exposure: Indirect Light: To keep your Japanese-painted fern healthy and thriving, it's important to ensure that it's getting the right amount of sunlight.

This fern requires indirect light to grow properly. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn, so placing the plant in a dark location in your home or garden with partial shade is best.

Soil Type: Well-Draining Potting Soil: Japanese-painted ferns thrive in well-draining potting soil. When planting this fern, it's essential to use high-quality potting soil that is well-draining.

The soil should be moist but not soggy. Adding organic matter, such as compost, can improve the soil's texture and fertility, making it an ideal growing medium for the fern.

Soil pH: 4.5 to 6.5: Japanese painted ferns prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH level between 4.5 and 6.5. To ensure that the soil is within this range, it's recommended to use a pH meter to test the soil before planting. If the pH level is too high, you can lower it by adding sphagnum peat moss or elemental sulfur to the soil.

Furthermore, the Japanese-painted fern is a stunning addition to any garden or indoor space. Its shimmering, blue-toned leaves add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any setting.

8. Blue Star Fern: A Beautiful Indoor Plant

Botanical Name: Phlebodium aureum: The Blue Star Fern, also known as Phlebodium aureum, is a popular indoor fern that originates from the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.

Sun Exposure and Watering: To thrive, the Blue Star Fern requires a warm, shady, and humid location. In summer, it's best to keep these ferns somewhere with temperatures of around 20 °C. In winter, Blue Star Ferns prefer a cooler environment. However, it's important not to let the temperature fall below 12 °C. Keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering.

Soil Type: When planting your Blue Star Fern, use a mixture of potting soil and orchid compost or pine bark. This combination will provide the necessary nutrients and drainage for the plant to grow.

No matter what type of plants you have in your home, they will all need soil to grow. Leca balls are one of the best fern and indoor plants soil types. If you're looking for high-quality soil to help your plants thrive, we recommend giving Leca balls a try.

Leca balls are made of all-natural materials and help improve drainage. They also help to retain moisture and nutrients. Leca is highly absorbent, so they help keep your plants healthy and hydrated.

All in all, the Leca ball is the best soil for indoor plants. You can find them available for purchase on our website, Planterhoma.

Soil pH & Temperature: Generally, the Blue Star Fern prefers soil that has a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 for optimal growth. Temperature In the summer, keep these ferns in an area with temperatures of around 20 °C. In winter, Blue Star Ferns prefer a cooler environment but do not let the temperature fall below 12 °C.

Varieties: Blue Star Ferns can have simple or pinnate fronds. Interesting cultivars of this plant include ‘Glaucum’ with wavy leaflets and ‘Raadphle01’ with curly leaflets.

Overall, the Blue Star Fern is a beautiful indoor plant that can add a touch of nature to any space.

Final thoughts

Ferns are a great addition to any indoor garden; with the right care, they can add a beautiful, natural touch to any home. You can find the right types of ferns indoor for your garden, whether you are looking for a lush, full variety or a more subtle, lacy one.

The eight best indoor ferns for your indoor garden outlined above are a great place to start when deciding which variety to choose. With the right selection and care, you’ll have the perfect fern for your indoor garden in no time.

FAQs

What Kind of Fern is Best Indoors?

Many different types of ferns can be grown indoors, so it depends on your personal preference. The most popular varieties include the Boston, Blue Star Fern & Staghorn Fern.

How Do I Know What Kind of Fern I Have?

To identify what kind of fern you have, you will need to look at the fern's leaves, color, and shape. Additionally, you can consult a book or online resource to compare the characteristics of your fern with different species of ferns. You can also search for photos of the fern online or ask a local plant expert for confirmation.

What Are the Different Types of Fern?

There are many different types of fern, but some of the most common include the Boston fern, the Autumn Fern, and the Crocodile Fern.