Ferns are our latest plant obsession!
The lush green foliage and unique varieties within this plant family can’t be beat! Ferns have become one of the most popular indoor plants in the past few years, but did you know they were also quite favoured during the Victorian era? Perhaps one reason for their popularity over the centuries is their fantastical ability to turn our homes into a lush, tranquil place. Let’s take a look at what ferns need to be their beautiful best.
Lighting
Like most indoor plants, ferns do not like direct sunlight. In nature, ferns grow on the forest floor under the canopy of dense trees, so they have a natural tendency to prefer shade. Indoors, they’ll be happy in any room that gives them dim, indirect light.
Moisture
Ferns are not difficult to grow indoors provided you know and understand their need for humidity. That’s easy to achieve in summer, but humidity in our winter homes is scarce. Ferns LOVE moisture and as such are a great choice for humid rooms, such as the bathroom. In addition to regular watering, your fern will appreciate frequent misting and even a nearby tabletop fountain or humidity tray.
Drainage
The other critical issue for all ferns is soil moisture. While most tropical plants prefer to dry out between waterings, ferns want their soil to be consistently moist. If their soil becomes too dry, you’ll likely notice that their leaves will slightly yellow. Ferns grown indoors will do well in basically any container that provides good drainage.
Ferns, ferns, ferns – so many varieties!
Boston Fern
Easily the most popular type of fern, these lush, graceful green foliage reaches the same width as height, so make sure you give it plenty of space. Growing Boston ferns in hanging baskets allow the fronds to cascade, accenting their true beauty. Boston fern is a favourite hanging plant for summertime enjoyment. They’re also one of the most effective houseplants for removing air pollutants. Boston ferns need a cool place with high humidity and indirect light. If you notice yellowing leaves, it needs more moisture. In winter, bring the plant indoors and do your best to add as much humidity to your indoor environment as you can!
Rabbits Foot Fern
Rabbits Foot Fern is another fun variety with a quirky look. Its foliage is finely textured and delicate looking, but the best part is its fuzzy stems! They emerge from the plant’s base and cascade over the edge of the container – irresistible not to touch!
Kimberly Queen Fern
We love this beauty! The Kimberly Queen Fern is a robust variety that can grow to 3 feet tall. Since these plants grow vertically and can become quite tall, consider a larger container for them. Kimberly Queen Ferns are one of our favourite choices for outdoor summer planters – in the shade of course!
Staghorn Fern
One of our favourite fern varieties is Staghorn Fern. Its uniquely weird foliage extends out from the plant base and stretches forward in the shape of antlers. In the wild, Staghorn Fern grows on the bark of trees and catches its needed moisture from rain, dew and tree bark. These plants don’t require soil! Staghorn Ferns can be attached to barnboard or pieces of bark or driftwood, using sphagnum moss and wire to attach them. To water, you can either mist them or better yet, completely submerge the entire plant arrangement into a bucket of water, drain well, and rehang. You can also grow Staghorn ferns in a pot – just make sure it dries slightly between waterings.
Maidenhair Fern
This variety is quite delicate and needs slightly more maintenance. Maidenhair ferns require high humidity and constantly damp soil. Its fine foliage and colour contrasts in the stem make it an interesting little plant on its own. It tends to remain quite small, making it a popular choice for terrariums.
Bird’s Nest Fern
This plant has long fronds that are not divided like others. As the name suggests, the Bird’s Nest Fern looks similar to a bird’s nest as its long fronds grow and unfurl. We really love this fern because its thick leaves make it a fern that’s tougher than most. It’s considered non-toxic, making it safe to keep around your pets, and offers a vibrant pop of green to any space.
Foxtail Fern
Also known as Asparagus fern, these plants look fragile, but are quite hardy. Foxtail ferns are not true ferns, though they are commonly clumped into this plant family. These ferns can be enjoyed and grown indoors, as well as outdoors in the summer months as an excellent container plant.
