Best Indoor Ferns: 21 Stunning Varieties To Elevate Your Home

21 Stunning Indoor Ferns for Every Home

Ferns bring timeless beauty and lush, calming energy to any indoor space. From bold staghorn ferns to dainty maidenhairs, the incredible variety within the fern family means there’s a perfect match for every plant lover and home style. This detailed guide explores 21 of the best indoor ferns to grow as houseplants, covering their unique features, care needs, and styling ideas so your greenery can thrive indoors.

Why Choose Ferns as Houseplants?

Ferns are celebrated for their elegant, arching fronds and adaptability to home environments. They often thrive in lower light, humid settings and can soften the lines of shelves, tables, and hanging planters. More than just decorative, ferns can improve air quality and bring a peaceful forest ambiance to your home.

• Diverse foliage: From glossy leathers to feathery plumes, there’s a fern for every style.
• Air purification: Many ferns, like the Boston fern, are especially effective at removing toxins from the air.
• Versatile placement: Ideal for bathrooms, living areas, and even mounted displays.
• Pet-friendly varieties: Several ferns are safe for households with cats and dogs.

Best 21 Indoor Ferns to Grow

These 21 ferns are excellent choices for growing indoors, bringing unique textures and forms to your plant collection.

1. Leather Leaf Fern (Rumohra adiantiformis)

Appearance: Tough, glossy fronds with a deep green hue.
Height: Up to 3 feet.
Care: Thrives in bright, indirect light and enjoys consistent moisture and humidity. Looks stunning in large pots or hanging baskets, where fronds can cascade gracefully over the rim.
Notable: Popular with florists for its durability and lush look.

2. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium spp.)

Appearance: Horn-shaped fronds in shades from gray-green to light green. Grows epiphytically, producing a basal shield frond that attaches to surfaces.
Care: Prefers mounting on wood or hanging baskets, bright natural light, and regular misting.
Unique Feature: Absorbs moisture and nutrients from trapped water and organic material. Pet-friendly.

3. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Appearance: Long, graceful green fronds with a classic arch.
Height: 12-36 inches.
Care: Needs high humidity, evenly moist soil, and bright filtered light. Great choice for hanging baskets and bathrooms.
Health Benefit: Rated as one of the best indoor plants for air purification.

4. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.)

Appearance: Delicate, fan-shaped leaflets on thin black stems.
Care: Loves high humidity and moist, well-draining soil. Avoid letting it dry out.
Display Tip: Looks beautiful in terrariums or glass enclosures for added humidity.

5. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)

Appearance: Wavy, strap-like fronds emerging from a central rosette.
Care: Tolerates low to medium light and prefers consistently moist (but not soggy) soil.
Style: Adds a bold, architectural touch to tabletops or shelves.

6. Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)

Appearance: Small, round, leathery leaflets on slender stems.
Care: Drought-tolerant compared to other ferns. Best in bright, indirect light and lightly moist soil.
Size: Compact, making it suitable for desks and smaller spaces.

7. Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis)

Appearance: Finely divided fronds with striking furry rhizomes that creep over the edge of containers.
Care: Prefers moist, well-draining soil and bright, filtered light. Mist leaves to increase humidity.
Bonus: The furry “feet” are a conversation starter.

8. Kangaroo Paw Fern (Microsorum diversifolium)

Appearance: Paddle-shaped, glossy green fronds.
Care: Thrives in medium light and can tolerate occasional dry spells.
Feature: Ideal for hanging baskets or as a trailing plant.

9. Silver Fern (Cyathea dealbata)

Appearance: Silvery undersides of long, feathered fronds.
Care: Likes indirect light and high humidity.
Origin: Native to New Zealand; a symbol of Kiwi culture.

10. Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum)

Appearance: Sturdy, holly-shaped leaves that are thick and glossy.
Care: Can tolerate lower humidity than most ferns, making it suitable for drier homes.
Note: Works well as a floor plant or in mixed container gardens.

11. Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus)

Appearance: Feathery, cloud-like foliage (though technically not a true fern).
Care: Prefers indirect light and does best if soil is kept slightly moist.
Warning: Not pet-safe; mildly toxic if ingested.

12. Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium aureum)

Appearance: Blue-green, finger-shaped fronds with an attractive wavy margin.
Care: Happy in moderate light and evenly moist soil.
Decor: Adds a cool-toned pop to your plant collection.

13. Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)

Appearance: Upright, sword-like fronds.
Care: Requires evenly moist soil and appreciates high humidity.
Origin: Commonly found in Pacific Northwest forests.

14. Cotton Candy Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Cotton Candy’)

Appearance: Soft, finely divided fronds that are especially plush.
Care: Treat like a Boston fern for best results.
Tip: Eye-catching as a hanging specimen.

15. Crispy Wave Fern (Asplenium nidus ‘Crispy Wave’)

Appearance: Bright green, wavy fronds that stand upright.
Care: Thrives with consistent watering and indirect light.
Benefit: Hardy and adaptable, even for beginners.

16. Lace Fern (Asparagus plumosus)

Appearance: Airy, lacy foliage that appears delicate.
Care: Enjoys high humidity and regular watering.
Display: Lovely in hanging baskets or containers.

17. Bird’s Foot Fern (Pyrrosia lingua)

Appearance: Uniquely forked fronds resembling a bird’s foot.
Care: Tolerates a wide range of indoor conditions. Keep soil slightly dry between waterings.
Style: A collector’s favorite for its quirky foliage.

18. Crocodile Fern (Microsorum musifolium)

Appearance: Large, leathery fronds with a distinctive crocodile skin pattern.
Care: Thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity.
Unique: Adds a tropical flair to indoor jungles.

19. Duffii Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’)

Appearance: Compact with rounded leaflets.
Care: Tolerant of some dryness, but prefers consistently moist soil.
Note: Excellent for terrariums and small arrangements.

20. Delta Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum)

Appearance: Small, triangular leaflets and delicate black stems.
Care: Needs high humidity, moisture, and protection from drafts.
Bonus: Elegant addition to shaded shelves.

21. Silver Dollar Fern (Pteris argyraea)

Appearance: Silvery-white banded fronds.
Care: Grows quickly in indirect light and humid conditions.
Tip: Beautiful contrast plant in fern groupings.

Indoor Fern Care Guide

While individual species have nuances, most indoor ferns share fundamental care needs that, when met, result in healthy, lush foliage. Use these tips as a baseline for all your ferns and adjust as needed for specific types:

• Light: Indirect or filtered light is ideal. Avoid harsh direct sun which can scorch fronds.
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy. Ferns dislike drying out; water thoroughly when the surface feels barely dry.
• Humidity: Ferns thrive with 50% humidity or higher. Use pebble trays, regular misting, or a humidifier in dry climates.
• Soil: Use a rich, well-draining potting mix. A blend of peat moss, compost, perlite, and coconut coir is ideal for moisture retention and aeration.
• Fertilizer: During the growing season, apply a diluted liquid fertilizer (like seaweed or balanced houseplant food) monthly. Avoid overfeeding; too much fertilizer can scorch delicate fronds.
• Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when roots outgrow the current container. Handle ferns gently; many dislike root disturbance.

Common Issues and Solutions

• Brown leaf tips: Usually from dry air or under-watering. Increase humidity and check watering consistency.
• Yellow leaves: Overwatering and soggy soil cause root rot. Ensure your pot drains well and adjust watering habits.
• Pest problems: Ferns are susceptible to spider mites, scale, and mealybugs in dry conditions. Increase humidity and treat with insecticidal soap if necessary.

Styling & Displaying Indoor Ferns

Ferns naturally lend themselves to creative displays, adding a lush, serene feel to rooms. Here are some popular ways to present your ferns indoors:

• Hanging baskets: Perfect for trailing and arching fronds like Boston and Rabbit’s Foot Fern.
• Wall mounts: Staghorn ferns look stunning when mounted on wood and displayed like living art.
• Terrariums: Maidenhair, button, and duffii ferns thrive in glass enclosures with consistently high humidity.
• Grouped planters: Cluster different fern varieties for an indoor jungle effect, choosing plants with contrasting foliage shapes.
• Tabletop arrangements: Use compact varieties like button fern for desks, end tables, or kitchen counters.

Quick Comparison Table: Top Indoor Fern Varieties

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which indoor ferns are easiest for beginners?

A: Boston fern, bird’s nest fern, and button fern are generally hardy and more forgiving of typical care mistakes, making them great for those new to growing ferns indoors.

Q: How do I keep my indoor ferns from turning brown?

A: Consistent moisture and high humidity are key. Avoid letting soil dry completely, mist regularly, and place your fern away from heating or cooling vents that dry the air.

Q: Can ferns tolerate low light?

A: Many ferns, such as maidenhair and holly fern, adapt well to lower light but prefer bright, indirect sunlight for best growth and health.

Q: Are ferns safe for pets?

A: Most true ferns (like Boston and maidenhair) are pet-friendly, but always verify the specific type as some “ferns” like asparagus fern can be toxic if ingested.

Q: What’s the best soil mix for indoor ferns?

A: A loose, moisture-retentive mix of compost or rich potting soil, peat moss, coconut coir, and a bit of perlite or coarse sand strikes the right balance for most indoor ferns.

Conclusion: Grow Your Indoor Jungle

With their graceful lines and variety of forms, ferns are unrivaled for bringing woodland beauty inside. Whether you opt for the bold drama of a staghorn or the softness of a maidenhair, you’ll find a fern that suits your space and care style. Use this guide to select your favorites, create the right growing conditions, and watch your indoor garden flourish year-round.

Author

Srija Burman

 

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

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