Types of House Ferns

Ferns prefer the indirect light found in many homes

Ferns, suitable for hanging baskets or table tops, provide a lush indoor accent. Most ferns require high humidity levels, but some prefer drier conditions. According to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension, ferns grow best in well-drained, moist, organic soil, at temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees F, with monthly, light feedings.

Types

Rabbit's foot (Davallia spp.) and holly ferns (Cyrtomium spp.) grow up to 2 or more feet long and have thick, leathery fronds. Boston fern varieties (Nephrolepis spp.) have sword-like, divided fronds which reach lengths of 10 inches to 3 feet, while brake fern varieties (Pteris spp.) have divided fronds which grow up to 12 inches long. Maidenhair ferns (Adiantum spp.) have feathery, cascading fronds which grow up to 20 inches long.

Benefits

Ferns grow best in indirect light and will thrive in a home with little or no direct sunlight. Ferns with thicker textures, such as rabbit's foot, brake, and holly ferns, are easy to grow indoors because they do not require as much humidity as other ferns. According to the University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension, these ferns need watering only after the soil surface becomes dry.

Considerations

Many finely cut ferns, such as maidenhair and Boston ferns, are difficult to grow indoors because they prefer humidity levels at 50 percent or higher and require the use of a humidifier. According to the University of Vermont Extension, Boston ferns will drop leaflets when they become too dry, and maidenhair fronds will not recover after they wilt. If scale insects, mealy bugs, or spider mites appear, spray them off your fern with water to avoid pesticide damage to the plant.

References

• Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service: Indoor Ferns
• University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension: Indoor Ferns
• University of Vermont Extension: Growing Ferns Successfully Indoors
• University of Florida Extension: Ferns