Adding ferns to your indoor garden can bring both beauty and health benefits. Ten varieties of ferns are recommended, including the popular Boston fern known for its air-purifying qualities and stress-reducing benefits, the low-maintenance staghorn fern, the delicate maidenhair fern ideal for humid spaces such as bathrooms, and the unique rabbit’s foot fern with furry rhizomes. It’s important to properly water ferns and provide them with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Most ferns prefer indirect sunlight, and they can be fertilized with water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season.

10 Beautiful Fern Varieties to Add to Your Indoor Garden Collection

Ferns are some of the most graceful and elegant plants you can add to your indoor garden. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they also have some amazing health benefits. Some ferns are said to purify the air, while others are believed to reduce stress and anxiety. Here are ten beautiful fern varieties that you can add to your indoor garden collection.

1. Boston Fern

The Boston fern is one of the most popular fern varieties for indoor gardens. This fern has long, feathery fronds that can grow up to three feet in length. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. Boston ferns are known for their air-purifying qualities, and they are also believed to reduce stress and improve air quality.

2. Staghorn Fern

The staghorn fern is a beautiful, exotic-looking fern with antler-like fronds. It can be mounted on a board or hung in a basket, and it requires bright, indirect sunlight and regular watering to thrive. The staghorn fern is a low-maintenance plant, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

3. Maidenhair Fern

The maidenhair fern is a delicate, lacy fern with small, fan-shaped leaves. It requires humid conditions and regular watering to thrive. The maidenhair fern is an excellent choice for bathrooms or other humid areas of your home.

4. Bird’s Nest Fern

The bird’s nest fern is a gorgeous fern with crinkly, paddle-shaped fronds. It requires indirect sunlight and regular watering to thrive. The bird’s nest fern is unique in that it can grow in soil or as an epiphyte, meaning it can grow on other plants without soil.

5. Rabbit’s Foot Fern

The rabbit’s foot fern is a unique fern with furry rhizomes that resemble a rabbit’s foot. It requires indirect sunlight and regular watering to thrive. The rabbit’s foot fern is an excellent choice for hanging baskets or planters.

6. Holly Fern

The holly fern is a beautiful fern with glossy, dark green fronds that resemble holly leaves. It requires indirect sunlight and regular watering to thrive. The holly fern is an excellent choice for a shady corner of your home.

7. Button Fern

The button fern is a lovely fern with small, round leaves that resemble buttons. It requires bright, indirect sunlight and regular watering to thrive. The button fern is an excellent choice for adding texture to your indoor garden.

8. Autumn Fern

The autumn fern is a beautiful fern with copper-colored fronds that turn a deep green as they mature. It requires indirect sunlight and regular watering to thrive. The autumn fern is an excellent choice for adding color to your indoor garden.

9. Japanese Painted Fern

The Japanese painted fern is a stunning fern with silvery-green fronds that are tinged with purple and burgundy. It requires indirect sunlight and regular watering to thrive. The Japanese painted fern is an excellent choice for adding color and texture to your indoor garden.

10. Blue Star Fern

The blue star fern is a unique fern with elongated fronds that are a beautiful blue-green color. It requires indirect sunlight and regular watering to thrive. The blue star fern is an excellent choice for adding a pop of color to your indoor garden.

FAQs

How often should I water my ferns?

Most ferns require regular watering to keep the soil moist. However, it’s important not to overwater your ferns, as this can cause root rot. Check the soil regularly and water when it feels dry to the touch.

What kind of soil do ferns need?

Ferns prefer a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A good potting mix for ferns should be light and fluffy, allowing for air circulation and proper drainage.

Do ferns need direct sunlight?

Most ferns prefer indirect sunlight, as direct sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves. However, some ferns, such as the bird’s nest fern, can tolerate some direct sunlight.

Can I fertilize my ferns?

Yes, you can fertilize your ferns with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package, as too much fertilizer can harm your ferns.

How do I know if my fern is healthy?

Healthy ferns should have bright, vibrant leaves with no signs of discoloration or wilting. They should also be producing new growth regularly. If your fern is looking limp or yellow, it may need more water or fertilizer.