21 Lush Types Of Ferns To Grow Indoor And Outdoor That Have Fantastic Foliage
While ferns are undoubtedly one of the most recognizable plant groups, their widespread popularity has led some to overlook the incredible diversity within this group. In reality, ferns come in an astonishing array of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them far from dull or uninspiring. This article will dispel any misconceptions about ferns being ordinary and instead showcase a selection of the most striking and unique species that can thrive both indoors and outdoors.
Key Takeaways
As you explore the vast array of fern plants, it’s clear that they can be incredibly diverse. While this diversity may seem overwhelming at first, there are some common threads that run throughout. To help you better understand these fascinating plants, here are a few key facts to keep in mind:Ferns boast an impressive range of frond shapes and sizes, offering something for every taste. The many genera of ferns provide a wealth of options to suit different environments and styles.
Not all plants labeled as ‘ferns’ are actually true ferns from a botanical standpoint – it’s essential to understand the nuances. Many popular fern species feature broad, fan-shaped fronds that add texture and visual interest to any space. Ferns tend to thrive in moist areas with moderate light levels, making them perfect for creating lush, verdant environments.
21 Astounding Types of Ferns to Grow Indoor and Outdoor that Look Great Wherever You Plant Them
Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora)
Starting our journey through the world of ferns, we’ll kick off with the vibrant Autumn fern. Its fan-shaped fronds are characteristic of many fern species, but what sets this one apart is its unique trait: new growth emerges with a warm bronze hue that gradually transitions to green as it matures. The subtle contrast created by the juxtaposition of mature and immature fronds adds an extra layer of visual appeal.
Like many of its fellow woodland dwellers, the Autumn fern flourishes in rich, moist soils beneath the shade of larger plants.
Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
At first glance, the bird’s nest fern may not appear to be a true fern due to its leaf-like foliage and unique growth habits. Two primary factors contribute to this assumption: the plant’s long, oval-shaped fronds and its tendency to grow upwards on tree trunks or branches rather than on the forest floor like many other ferns.
While it is often found in these wild settings, the bird’s nest fern is equally well-suited to indoor environments with moderate humidity and adequate lighting, where it can thrive as a charming houseplant.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns are known for their long fronds that can grow quite large and dangle over the edges of their containers. This unique growth habit makes them particularly well-suited to growing in hanging baskets, both indoors and outdoors. However, when growing a Boston fern indoors, it’s essential to compensate for the dry air common in indoor environments. As with other ferns, Boston ferns thrive in humid conditions.
To recreate this environment, running a humidifier in the area where you’re growing your plant can be an effective solution. Additionally, regular misting with a spray bottle can also help maintain the desired level of moisture and keep your Boston fern happy.
Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea)
The cinnamon fern is a striking addition to any garden, capable of delivering a unique visual experience all on its own. This plant boasts two distinct types of fronds that create an intriguing contrast. The infertile fronds, typically green and broad like those found in other ferns, provide a familiar foundation. Meanwhile, the fertile fronds – narrow, vertical, and resembling spires with their golden-brown hue – introduce a bold new dimension to the plant’s overall aesthetic.
Not only do these distinctive features make the cinnamon fern more vibrant than its peers, but they also add depth and texture to the garden landscape.
Eagle Fern (Pteridium aquilinum)
The eagle fern’s most striking features are its impressive size and widespread distribution. This large fern species can reach up to 4 feet tall at maturity, boasting substantial fan-shaped fronds that provide an ideal habitat for copious amounts of spores on their underside. These tiny reproductive units have played a crucial role in the plant’s remarkable spread, making it a common sight in nearly every region around the world where its preferred growing conditions are met.
Those conditions include well-draining loamy soil with a hint of acidity and either full or partial shade. As your eagle fern thrives in these conditions, be prepared for it to quickly colonize surrounding areas – so be sure to contain it within a designated space to maintain control over its growth.
Foxtail Fern (Asparagus densiflorus)
The foxtail fern’s unique appeal stems from its striking foliage, which makes a lasting impression. Its growth habit features numerous spike-shaped clusters that subtly arch before rising vertically towards the top. The feathery texture of these spikes is equally impressive when combined with their vibrant, neon green hue at the top, gradually transitioning to a richer, darker green towards the base.
One of the best aspects of this plant is its low-maintenance nature, allowing you to appreciate its beauty without excessive care requirements.
Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium)
While many popular fern species are perennials that go dormant each winter, the hart’s tongue fern is a rare exception – it remains evergreen year-round. This means that even during the coldest months, your garden can still boast vibrant foliage courtesy of this unique plant. But what truly sets the hart’s tongue fern apart is its striking appearance. Large and lush, its fronds evoke a tropical feel, despite the fact that this plant thrives in temperate climates rather than sweltering heat.
As an added bonus, the hart’s tongue fern is adaptable to a range of growing conditions, happily flourishing in zones 5-9 and tolerating both partial shade and full shade with equal aplomb.
Hay-Scented Fern (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)
The quintessential fern that comes to mind when thinking of a fern is undoubtedly the hay-scented fern. Its new fronds unfurl with a classic fiddlehead shape, gradually opening up during the early stages of the growing season before adopting a large, triangular form with intricate margins. The vibrant true green coloration of these fronds makes the hay-scented fern an excellent choice for providing lush background foliage in perennial groundcover arrangements.
As is typical of ferns, the hay-scented fern thrives on forest floors, where it readily spreads across moist soil, forming a dense mat of foliage.
Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum)
Unlike its hay-scented counterpart, the holly fern boasts an unexpected appearance that defies traditional fern expectations. The name ‘holly’ offers a hint at what sets it apart, but to fully dispel any uncertainty, let’s delve into its unique characteristics. The holly fern earns its name due to its evergreen foliage, which bears a striking resemblance to the glossy leaves of a holly shrub.
This unique feature not only sets it apart from other fern species but also makes it an ideal choice for gardeners working with full shade, where most plants struggle to thrive in the absence of sufficient light. In such conditions, the holly fern shines as a reliable solution for creating lush, year-round appeal in shaded areas of your yard.
Japanese Tassel Fern (Polystichum polyblepharum)
Among the most resilient evergreen ferns, the Japanese tassel fern stands out for its unique ability to bring a touch of greenery to even the chilliest winter months. While its foliage may initially resemble that of a typical fern frond, closer inspection reveals the true allure of this species. Each frond boasts a lustrous surface that catches the light, imbuing the plant with an air of elegance.
Native to regions in East Asia, including Japan, the Japanese tassel fern has adapted to thrive in zones 5 through 8, where it revels in partial to full shade and rich soil with good drainage.
Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)
The Japanese painted fern’s foliage takes center stage among its peers on this list, boasting an extraordinary capacity to inject vibrant hues into your garden. Rather than the conventional green fronds, this species often showcases a stunning spectrum of purple and silver, artfully interwoven throughout each leaf.
This striking color palette, coupled with the overall radiance of the foliage, solidifies the Japanese painted fern’s position as a top pick for anyone seeking an ornamentally significant addition to their landscape.
Java Fern (Leptochilus pteropus)
While other ferns on our list may share some similarities with each other, the Java fern stands out for its unique characteristics. One of the most notable differences is its requirement for an entirely aquatic environment to thrive. Unlike terrestrial ferns that grow in soil, the Java fern is adapted to life underwater, making it a staple in many fish tanks and aquariums. This plant’s growth rate is relatively slow, but its distinctive foliage is perhaps its most striking feature.
Characterized by long, broad leaves that resemble those of other aquatic plants, the Java fern’s appearance sets it apart from other species of fern.
Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)
A versatile addition to any garden, the lady fern thrives in partial or full shade. To optimize its growth, ensure moist and nutrient-rich soil conditions are met. When these conditions prevail, this adaptable plant can surprise with its impressive size, reaching a mature height and spread of 5-7 feet. Moreover, it spreads rapidly when provided with ideal growing conditions, showcasing its remarkable ability to grow and flourish.
Leatherleaf Fern (Rumohra adiantiformis)
The leatherleaf fern’s fronds are characterized by their large, triangular shape and numerous rounded leaflets with wavy margins. One of its most distinctive features is the shiny texture, which sets it apart from other ferns. This unique quality has earned it its common name. While leatherleaf ferns typically thrive outdoors in warm climates, such as those found in hardiness zone 9 or above, this plant can still be enjoyed by those living in colder regions.
By growing it indoors in a container, you can still appreciate the beauty of the leatherleaf fern even if your location falls outside its usual outdoor habitat.
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum)
The maidenhair fern is a charming, compact variety that thrives in both indoor and outdoor environments. Its triangular, fan-shaped fronds are reminiscent of other ferns, yet its unique texture sets it apart. The foliage is comprised of tiny, leaflet-like structures with triangular shapes, each measuring less than an inch across. At maturity, the maidenhair fern reaches a height of one to two feet and can spread slightly wider, often growing more expansive than tall.
Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)
The ostrich fern, a common sight in eastern United States broad-leaved temperate forests, thrives beneath deciduous trees like oaks and maples where filtered light and moist soils prevail. Its fronds, remarkably similar in size and shape to an ostrich’s feathers, boast a long central stem that veers ever so slightly away from the plant’s center. The frilly, feather-like texture of each frond only enhances its name’s accuracy and the beauty it brings to your garden.
Ribbon Fern (Pteris cretica)
Looking for a fern variety that breaks the mold? The ribbon fern is an excellent choice for adventurous enthusiasts. Its unique, ribbon-like foliage is just the beginning. What truly sets this plant apart is its diversity – there are several cultivated varieties to explore, each boasting distinct and captivating foliage colors. Some of these cultivars even feature creamy white variegation against a rich green backdrop, adding an extra layer of visual interest.
Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis)
At first, it’s easy to mistake the royal fern for another attractive fern species we discussed earlier. Both share similar contrasts in their foliage. However, upon closer inspection, the royal fern stands out due to its distinctive characteristics. The outer fronds feature long, rounded leaflets with a light green hue reminiscent of lime. The plant’s visual interest is heightened by large, prominent brownish-gold structures that rise vertically from the center.
This striking combination makes the royal fern well worth considering.
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum)
The staghorn fern’s impressive characteristics make it a unique and fascinating plant. While some may argue that its striking, stag-horn shaped foliage is the most noteworthy feature, we believe that its growth habit is what truly sets it apart. One of the most interesting aspects of this plant is its ability to grow on the side of a wooden plank or similar surface, much like it would naturally attach itself to tree trunks in its natural habitat.
This remarkable ability not only adds interest to its appearance but also allows growers to create visually striking displays by mounting the fern vertically.
Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)
The sword fern is a standout choice among ferns, boasting long, slender fronds with leaflets that stretch out in all directions, giving each one a broad appearance. Its vibrant green foliage remains a consistent feature throughout most of the year, only transitioning to a warm brown hue as the growing season winds down. A unique aspect of this fern is its ability to rejuvenate itself naturally at the start of the next growth cycle, eliminating the need for pruning or maintenance.
Vegetable Fern (Diplazium esculentum)
For those familiar with edible ferns, it’s no surprise that Vegetable Fern is one of them. When cultivating this plant for culinary purposes, be prepared to harvest young fronds in early spring. However, if you’re looking to incorporate this versatile green into your garden, simply allow it to mature and unfurl its long, narrow, fan-shaped fronds alongside other plants, creating a lush and harmonious atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Ferns to Grow Indoor and Outdoor
What is the Most Common Type of Fern?
The prevalence of a specific fern variety largely depends on one’s geographical location. Ferns native to various parts of the world can be found globally. If you reside in the United States, for instance, the hay-scented fern and ostrich fern are common natural occurrences. Nonetheless, despite these being prominent outdoor species, numerous other fern varieties thrive indoors as popular ornamental plants.
How Can I Identify My Fern?
When it comes to identifying a fern, its leaves are the most reliable feature to focus on. As we’ve highlighted throughout our previous discussion, the various types of fern foliage can be quite diverse and serve as a primary means of distinguishing one species from another. However, there are some fern species that can be particularly challenging to distinguish due to their remarkably similar appearances.
What is the Rarest Type of Fern?
While it’s challenging to pinpoint a single fern species as the rarest globally, various claims of rarity have been made about different types. A prime example is the Hawaiian endemic, which is not only scarce but also faces threats to its survival. Another instance is the newly discovered Irish species, which is extremely uncommon elsewhere.
What Fern Has Flowers?
Ferns are characterized by their unique reproductive process, which doesn’t involve producing flowers like many other plants. Instead, they release spores from the underside of their fronds into the air, allowing for the creation of new ferns over time. This distinct method of reproduction highlights the importance of foliage in ferns, making them visually appealing and beautiful in their own right.
What is a Fern Plant?
While there isn’t a universally accepted definition of what constitutes a fern, most people agree that these plants reproduce by producing spores rather than flowers. Ferns typically feature fronds that unfurl each year, although some species can maintain their leaves year-round as evergreens or return annually as perennials. Furthermore, the diversity of ferns within the plant kingdom means they can be found across various genera and species, making a strict definition even more challenging.
What Are Ferns Known For?
While individual species may exhibit unique characteristics, many fern varieties share certain commonalities. A primary trait shared by most ferns is their reproductive method, which relies on spores rather than seeds. Additionally, a hallmark feature of fern growth is the continuous production of fronds that unfold throughout the year. Furthermore, most ferns have adapted to thrive in environments characterized by high humidity and partial shade.
Should Ferns Be in the Sun or Shade?
Ferns have an inherent preference for shaded environments, with direct sunlight posing a significant risk to their survival. This peculiarity stems from their natural habitat, where they thrive in woodland settings beneath deciduous tree canopies. The filtered light and moderate humidity found in these areas are essential for fern growth, and it’s crucial to replicate these conditions when cultivating them.
Furthermore, ferns are often overlooked despite their ornamental value, leaving many gardeners unaware of the fascinating facts surrounding these plants. To ensure you’re not part of this group, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about ferns below.
21 Valuable Types of Ferns to Grow Indoor and Outdoor that Add the Perfect Greenery to Your Garden
Ferns are often misunderstood as being dull and uninteresting, but the truth is that they’re incredibly diverse. While many people assume that all ferns share a similar bland appearance, the reality is that there’s an incredible array of varieties to choose from. One of the best things about ferns is how easy they are to care for – they thrive in partial shade or full shade conditions, making them perfect for gardeners who struggle with other plants.
Not only are ferns low maintenance, but they’re also incredibly attractive and can add a unique touch to any garden. Whether you’re looking to add some visual interest to your outdoor space or simply want to try something new, ferns are definitely worth exploring.