Caring for Ferns as Houseplants

What makes ferns so attractive to plant lovers? Although they do not produce flowers, fruit, or strong fragrances, ferns remain a favorite choice for many outdoor gardeners because they are generally easy to grow and maintain in the landscape.

However, growing ferns indoors is a different experience. In the garden, they often require very little attention, but as houseplants they can be quite demanding. Ferns have very specific needs, and without proper care they may quickly decline. Despite this, many people continue to admire these graceful plants, placing them on windowsills, in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where their delicate foliage can bring softness and natural beauty to the home.

The tradition of growing ferns indoors became especially popular during the Victorian era. The Victorians developed a passionate interest in collecting, displaying, and cultivating ferns, a fascination so widespread that it became known as pteridomania. Many people grew their ferns in decorative containers or early terrarium-like Wardian cases, while wealthy households displayed them in large glass conservatories. Fern designs also became fashionable, appearing on fabrics, ceramics, jewelry, and other decorative items. At the same time, plant enthusiasts created hundreds of new fern varieties, many of which remain popular today.

Although the Victorian obsession with ferns eventually shifted toward orchids, indoor fern cultivation never disappeared. Today, there are countless fern species suitable for growing inside homes, making it possible to find a fern for nearly every indoor environment.

Caring for Ferns

Ferns are sometimes considered difficult houseplants because their growing requirements are quite particular. However, with careful planning and attention, they can thrive indoors. The key is to understand your home conditions and choose a fern variety that matches the environment.

For healthy growth, most ferns need high humidity, consistent moisture, enough space, bright but indirect light, and fertile soil that drains well.

Moisture Requirements

Maintaining adequate humidity is often the biggest challenge when growing ferns indoors. Many homes, especially those with central heating, have very dry air. Indoor humidity levels can drop to only 5–10 percent, while ferns usually prefer conditions closer to 40–50 percent humidity.

There are several ways to increase moisture around your plants. Regular misting can help, while placing fern pots on trays filled with water and pebbles is another effective method. However, the bottom of the pot should remain above the water rather than sitting directly in it, since constantly wet roots can lead to rot.

Another useful technique is placing a clay pot containing the fern inside a larger plastic container filled with a damp material such as peat moss. The clay pot absorbs moisture from the surrounding material, helping keep the soil from drying too quickly.

If additional humidity is necessary, a humidifier placed near the plants can be useful. When choosing one, select a model with a long operating time so it can run for many hours without needing frequent refills. Since humidifiers must be cleaned regularly to prevent mold, bacteria, and mineral buildup from affecting your plants, a simple design is usually the best choice.

Although fern leaves are often used as decorative greenery in flower arrangements, this does not mean that ferns enjoy being crowded indoors. Their delicate fronds can easily be damaged, and they need good air circulation to stay healthy. If you use a humidifier, placing a fan nearby can help distribute moist air evenly while preventing excess water droplets from remaining on the foliage, which can contribute to fungal problems.

Light Requirements

Finding the right amount of light is one of the most common challenges for indoor fern growers. Many people assume that because ferns grow in shaded outdoor areas, they can survive in dark corners indoors. In reality, indoor ferns need plenty of bright, indirect light.

Direct sunlight can damage their fragile leaves, causing them to become dry, brittle, and brown around the edges. Avoid placing ferns near strong southern sunlight, where intense rays can scorch the foliage.

Soil Mix and Containers

Ferns grow best in a lightweight, loose soil mixture that contains plenty of organic material while still allowing excess water to drain away. Most commercial houseplant soils work well if they contain materials such as peat moss or leaf compost. Adding coarse sand or perlite can further improve drainage.

Both plastic and clay containers can be used for ferns. Plastic pots generally hold moisture longer, while clay pots allow more evaporation. Choose a container that gives the roots enough room to grow, with about an inch of extra space available.

Because fern roots are usually shallow, shorter containers are often preferable. Most ferns grow slowly, but they should be moved into a larger pot when their roots become crowded and begin filling the container.

Choosing a Fern

Ferns are among the oldest plant groups on Earth, with a history stretching back more than 300 million years. Modern ferns, which descended from these ancient plants, include more than 10,000 known species. With such an enormous variety available, choosing the right fern can feel overwhelming. The following species are excellent options for beginning indoor gardeners.

Caterpillar Fern (Polypodium formosanum)

Also known as grub fern, this plant receives its name from its unusual blue-green rhizomes that resemble small insects. These fuzzy growths spread across the soil surface and may even extend over the edge of the pot.

Although it still requires proper moisture and care, caterpillar fern is considered more forgiving than many other varieties. If it becomes too dry, its fronds may brown and the rhizomes may shrink, but the plant can often recover once adequate moisture is restored.

Lacy Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis)

This fern is similar to the caterpillar fern because of its furry, animal-like rhizomes that grow above the soil. Its unusual appearance makes it especially attractive when displayed in hanging containers.

Rabbit’s foot fern is also known for being relatively resilient and can tolerate occasional periods of neglect better than many other fern species.

Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)

In its natural rainforest habitat, bird’s nest fern grows as an epiphyte, meaning it attaches itself to another plant rather than growing directly in soil.

Unlike many traditional ferns, it has broad, strap-shaped leaves that emerge from a central rosette resembling a bird’s nest. When grown indoors, it can handle occasional missed waterings and slightly lower humidity levels compared with more sensitive fern varieties.

Japanese Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum)

Japanese holly fern has glossy, pointed leaves that resemble holly foliage. It is a strong-growing species that can survive outdoors in shaded areas in USDA Zones 6–11.

As an indoor plant, it is more adaptable than many ferns. It tolerates lower humidity, brighter conditions, and cooler temperatures. It is also larger than many houseplant ferns, commonly growing around 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide.

Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)

Button fern is a compact species with small, round leaflets arranged along delicate stems. It grows horizontally and usually reaches only about one foot in height.

This fern requires consistently high humidity and should never be allowed to completely dry out.

Propagating Ferns

No matter which fern you choose, providing the correct care will allow you to enjoy its beauty for many years. If you want to create new plants, there are several ways to propagate ferns depending on the species.

The easiest method for many ferns is division, although this technique does not work well for bird’s nest ferns. Some fern species produce small plantlets called bulbils, which can be removed and planted separately.

Ferns that spread through underground or above-ground stems known as rhizomes can also be multiplied by cutting a section of the rhizome and planting it. Unlike flowering plants, ferns do not produce seeds. Instead, they reproduce through spores, which develop on the underside of their fronds and can be collected and grown into new plants.

Successfully growing ferns means helping preserve a plant family with an extraordinary history. Their ancient ancestors existed long before many familiar garden plants and even played a role in the ecosystems that supported the dinosaurs. Today, these elegant plants continue to bring timeless beauty into homes and gardens around the world.