Types of Indoor Ferns: 12 Best Ferns to Grow Indoors

Indoor ferns are one of the popular choices for houseplants due to their lush green foliage and ability to grow in low-light conditions. They add beauty and tranquility to any indoor space. If you’re considering adding ferns to your indoor garden, here are 12 of the best ferns to grow indoors:

12 Best Ferns to Grow Indoors

Buttonwood Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)

The Buttonwood Fern, also called the Cliff Brake Fern, is a compact fern perfect for smaller indoor spaces. Its rounded, leathery fronds give it a unique appearance and make it an attractive addition to any room. This fern prefers bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light levels. The soil should be well-draining and needs regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist. The Buttonwood Fern is known for its durability and ability to withstand periods of neglect, making it a great choice for busy individuals.

Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)

The Bird’s Nest Fern, scientifically known as Asplenium nidus, is known for its distinctive nest-like shape. This fern has broad, glossy fronds that unfurl from the center, resembling a bird’s nest. It thrives in medium to low light conditions, making it an excellent choice for areas with limited natural light. The Bird’s Nest Fern requires consistent moisture, but it’s important not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot. With its tropical appearance and easy care requirements, this fern is a popular option for indoor gardening.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

The Boston Fern, scientifically known as Nephrolepis exaltata, is a classic choice for indoor gardening. Its feathery fronds cascade gracefully, making it an ideal hanging plant. This fern thrives in bright and indirect light and requires consistent humidity to flourish. Regular watering and misting are essential to maintain its vibrant green color. Proper care allows the Boston Fern to grow up to three feet long, creating a stunning focal point in any room.

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Japanese Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum)

The Japanese Holly Fern is versatile and can tolerate various light conditions, making it suitable for various indoor settings. It features glossy, dark green fronds with serrated edges, resembling holly leaves. This fern is native to Asia and prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates lower light levels. Japanese Holly Ferns require consistently moist soil and should be watered when the top inch of the soil feels dry.

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.)

The Maidenhair Fern, belonging to the Adiantum spp. Family is another stunning option for indoor gardening. This fern is known for its delicate and lacy fronds, which give it a unique and elegant appearance. The Maidenhair Fern prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity levels. Keep the soil moist consistently but not soggy. With its airy foliage and compact size, this fern is perfect for smaller indoor spaces or as a tabletop decoration. Its graceful and feathery fronds can create a sense of tranquility and add a touch of sophistication to any room.

Silver Lace Fern (Pteris ensiformis)

The Silver Lace Fern, also known as the Sword Brake Fern, is a delicate and versatile fern that adapts well to indoor conditions. Its lacy, silver-green fronds add a touch of elegance and beauty to any room. This fern is easy to care for and can withstand lower light levels, making it the best choice for areas with less natural light. It prefers evenly moist soil and appreciates occasional misting to maintain its humidity requirements. With proper care, the Silver Lace Fern can thrive for many years indoors.

Staghorn Fern (Platycerium spp.)

One of the reasons why staghorn ferns are highly favored as indoor plants is their adaptability to different lighting conditions. They can grow in bright, indirect light, and low-light environments, making them suitable for various areas in your home.

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Another advantage of growing staghorn ferns indoors is their low maintenance requirements. These ferns are easy to care for, making them the best option for beginners or those with limited gardening experience. They prefer a well-draining potting mix and require regular watering, ensuring the soil remains slightly damp but not overly saturated.

Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Davallia spp.)

This unique fern gets its name from its furry rhizomes that resemble a rabbit’s foot. It is native to tropical regions and prefers indirect light. Rabbit’s Foot Ferns are relatively easy to care for, requiring regular watering to moisten the soil. They also appreciate occasional misting to provide the humidity they thrive in.

Button Fern (Pellaea spp.)

The Button Fern is a compact fern that features delicate, button-like leaflets. It is native to New Zealand and Australia and prefers bright, indirect light. Button Ferns are known for being relatively low-maintenance, making them a great choice for beginner indoor gardeners. They require consistent watering to moisten the soil and prefer well-draining soil.

Kimberly Queen Fern (Nephrolepis obliterata)

The Kimberly Queen Fern is a popular choice for indoor gardening due to its stunning appearance and low-maintenance nature. It features upright fronds that can grow up to three feet long. This fern is native to Australia and requires bright, indirect light to thrive. Kimberly Queen Ferns prefer consistently moist soil, so regular watering is essential. They also benefit from occasional misting to provide additional humidity.

Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium aureum)

The Blue Star Fern is known for its striking blue-green fronds resembling stars. This fern is native to tropical regions and thrives in medium to bright indirect light. It is a relatively low-maintenance fern that can tolerate some neglect. The Blue Star Fern can also remove toxins from the air, making it one of the great additions to any indoor environment.

Australian Tree Fern (Cyathea cooperi)

The Australian Tree Fern is stunning, with large, feathery fronds that can reach lengths of up to six feet. This fern is native to Australia and is well-suited for indoor growth. It prefers bright and indirect light and thrives in high humidity. The Australian Tree Fern requires regular watering to keep its soil moist but not waterlogged. With its graceful appearance and impressive size, this fern can be a focal point in any indoor space.

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Conclusion

These twelve indoor ferns offer diverse foliage textures, colors, and growth habits, allowing you to create a lush and vibrant indoor garden. Whether you are a novice gardener or an experienced plant enthusiast, a fern on this list suits your preferences and thrives in your indoor environment. Happy gardening!