8 Best Ferns to Grow Indoors: Creating a Lush Green Oasis

Key Takeaways:

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Ferns make excellent low-maintenance houseplants when given proper care
Provide indirect light, high humidity, and consistently moist soil for best results
Top indoor fern varieties include Sprenger Asparagus Fern, Bird’s Nest Fern, and Maidenhair Fern
Use pebble trays and misting to increase humidity for indoor ferns
Avoid placing ferns near heating vents or in direct sunlight

Bringing the lush beauty of ferns indoors can transform your living spaces into a serene green oasis. With their delicate fronds and air-purifying abilities, ferns make wonderful houseplants when given the right conditions. Let’s explore some of the best ferns for indoor growing and how to keep them thriving.

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Why Grow Ferns Indoors?

There’s something magical about the soft, feathery texture of fern fronds that adds a touch of enchantment to any room. Beyond their visual appeal, ferns offer several benefits as houseplants:

Natural air purifiers that remove toxins from indoor air
Create a calm, relaxing ambiance
Low-maintenance when basic needs are met
Thrive in lower light conditions than many other plants
Wide variety of shapes, sizes and textures available

If you’re ready to bring some lush greenery indoors, here are 8 of the best ferns to grow as houseplants:

1. Compact Sprenger Asparagus Fern

Fine green texture of Sprenger Asparagus Fern

This feathery fern is an excellent choice for beginners. The Sprenger Asparagus Fern forms a compact, tidy shape perfect for hanging baskets or tabletop containers. Its delicate, needle-like foliage creates an airy, soft texture.

Key care tips:

Provide bright, indirect light
Keep soil consistently moist
Mist regularly to increase humidity
Grows well in hanging baskets

2. Austral Gem Bird’s Nest Fern

Austral Gem Fern green foliage

The Bird’s Nest Fern features broad, rippled fronds emerging from a central rosette. This adaptable fern tolerates lower humidity better than most, making it ideal for indoor growing.

Key care tips:

Moderate to bright indirect light
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
Does not require high humidity
Avoid getting water in the central “nest”

3. American Maidenhair Fern

Green foliage of American Maidenhair Fern looks great indoors

With its delicate, lacy fronds, the Maidenhair Fern adds an elegant touch to any space. While it can be a bit finicky, the stunning foliage is worth the extra effort.

Key care tips:

Bright indirect light, no direct sun
Keep soil consistently moist
High humidity is essential – mist often
Protect from drafts and dry air

4. Japanese Painted Fern

Silvery blue-purple painted fern foliage adds light to indoor plantings

The Japanese Painted Fern offers striking silvery-blue and purple fronds that add a pop of color to indoor plantings. Its compact size works well in dish gardens or small containers.

Key care tips:

Bright indirect light
Keep soil evenly moist
Provide high humidity
Protect from hot, dry air

5. Regal Red Japanese Painted Fern

Regal Red Painted Fern with red-tinged leaves

For a bold splash of color, try the Regal Red variety of Japanese Painted Fern. Its fronds feature stunning shades of burgundy and silver. While a bit challenging to grow indoors, its unique coloration makes it worth the effort.

Key care tips:

Bright indirect light
Keep soil consistently moist
High humidity is crucial
Avoid temperature fluctuations

6. Jurassic Velociraptor Ribbon Fern

Green Ribbon Fern makes for a great indoor plant

The Ribbon Fern features long, narrow fronds that create a lush, cascading effect. Its fine texture adds visual interest to mixed plantings or as a standalone specimen.

Key care tips:

Moderate to bright indirect light
Keep soil evenly moist
Tolerates average indoor humidity
Ideal for hanging baskets

7. Australian Tree Fern

Up close shot of Australian Tree Fern foliage, a fern that can be grown indoors

For a dramatic focal point, consider the Australian Tree Fern. Its large, arching fronds create a tropical canopy effect. While it can grow quite tall, it makes an impressive indoor specimen in a large container.

Key care tips:

Bright, indirect light
Keep soil consistently moist
High humidity is essential
Allow room for vertical growth

8. Jurassic Stegosaurus Holly Fern

Jurassic Stegosaurus Holly Fern leaves are dark green and glossy and add height to indoor plant groupings

The Holly Fern features unique, spiky fronds reminiscent of its prehistoric namesake. Its stiff, glossy foliage adds interesting texture and height to indoor plantings.

Key care tips:

Moderate to bright indirect light
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
Tolerates average indoor humidity
Use well-draining potting mix

Tips for Growing Ferns Indoors

To keep your indoor ferns lush and thriving, keep these care tips in mind:

Light: Most ferns prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh direct sunlight which can scorch delicate fronds.
Humidity: Ferns love moisture in the air. Use pebble trays, room humidifiers, or regular misting to increase humidity.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Temperature: Most ferns prefer cool temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Avoid placing near heating vents or drafty areas.
Soil: Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix formulated for ferns or tropical plants.
Fertilizer: Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Grooming: Remove any brown or yellowing fronds to maintain appearance and encourage new growth.

By providing the right conditions and care, you can create a thriving indoor fern garden that brings a touch of lush, green serenity to your home. Experiment with different varieties to find the perfect ferns for your space and enjoy the natural beauty they bring to your indoor oasis.

Source: https://roweorganic.com
Category: Plants