Houseplants are becoming more and more popular in home design and décor, and one of the most popular selections is fern houseplants – lush, leafy plants that boast a calming wellbeing space while bringing a touch of the outdoors inside. But when it comes to selecting the best fern houseplants, you want to be sure that you are opting for varieties that are easy to grow and care for, as well as being incredibly aesthetically pleasing.
This article will explain the top 8 best fern houseplants for lush indoor foliage, helping you to hone in on the best variety for your plans and home. Let’s take a look at the best of the best.
Butterfly Fern
The first option on the list is the butterfly fern, also known as the ‘bird’s nest’ fern. This common houseplant is easy to grow and maintain, as well as being popular choice due to its beautiful shape and profile. It will bring cascade of a festive foliage to your interior, with tall upright fronds that arch gracefully and are often bright green in hue.
What to Know
When it comes to the butterfly fern, there are a few key pointers to keep in mind. Firstly, you will need fertile and damp soil to ensure its health and growth, as well as a direct location near a window that gets lots of sunlight. This is the best option for humid rooms and bathrooms and should be watered little and often.
Boston Fern
The striking Boston fern is next on our list, and for good reason, this fern is becoming increasingly popular for its benefits both indoors and outdoors. With its trailing fronds and air-purifying properties, this hardy plant can also work to help boost the air quality in your home, as well as its lush green look and feel.
What to Know
When it comes to the Boston fern, you should be aware that this type does best with plenty of relative humidity and bright indirect light. In terms of soil, the Boston fern will require highly organic material, making sure that the soil is well-draining and moist at all times. Otherwise, this type of fern will enjoy temperatures between 65 and 75°F, making it popular all year round.
Gem by Gemstar Fern
The Gem by Gemstar fern is one of the chicest and most beautiful on the market right now. This glamorous houseplant is a favorite amongst designers, boasting an unusual foliage boast of lime green and gold swirls, making it decorative and perfect for any style of home design.
What to Know
While this type is widely available, it is important to understand exactly how to care for it. This type is best positioned in a medium to low light area, and as with the Boston variety, you will need organic soil and plenty of humidity to thrive. When it comes to watering, it shouldn’t be too frequent, but you should regularly check the soil’s dampness.
Madagascar Dragon Tree
Bring the tropics to your home decor with the majestic Madagascar dragon tree! This stout houseplant offers gorgeous dark foliage that will bring a warm and cozy feel to any room.
What to Know
In comparison to other fern varieties, the Madagascar dragon tree is easy to care for indoors as long as it is kept in a location that isn’t too sunny and with soil kept damp but not overly wet. When it comes to feeding, you should look to feed it every three weeks or so, but you should always make sure to avoid overfeeding, as this can damage the health of the plant.
Asparagus Fern
The asparagus fern is a popular choice for its tendril-like fronds are a unique addition to any home. This will unwind from the center, creating deep green foliage that is quite unforgettable.
What to Know
The asparagus fern’s fronds are thinning so it should be given less water than other varieties and be sure not to allow its soil to get soggy. Place it in a bright, medium light area to allow it to reach its fullest potential and make sure to wet its soil during the hot summer months.
Reed Fern
This common houseplant literally looks just like a miniature palm tree! With its soft fronds and its beautiful natural pattern, the Reed fern is an attractive and popular houseplant.
What to Know
This fern needs the same growing requirements as the Madagascar dragon tree, ensuring to water rarely and to avoid direct sunlight. It typically grows best in a kitchen or bathroom, where temperatures and conditions are ideal for its growth.
Staghorn Fern
Staghorn ferns stand out for their unusual and distinctive mounting system, making them quite unique and even easier to care for. With its lush foliage and distinctive shapes, this type of fern can be hung both indoors and outdoors, making it flexible and popular.
What to know
Staghorn ferns like to be hung is a bright, indirect light location and sprayed frequently with water. While it prefers a humid environment, it is always worth keeping the soil damp and to occasionally test the wetness of the soil to avoid over-watering.
Boston Sword Fern
The final item on our list of the best fern houseplants is the Boston sword fern. This type will look fantastic when grouped together and boasts lush, deep green fronds that are very contrasty in comparison to other types.
What to Know
The Boston sword fern is a very hardy houseplant and can be tougher than other types, but it also a bit fussier in terms of care and needs. To ensure that your Boston sword fern thrives, make sure to provide bright, direct light and plenty of humidity for best results. Water it two or three times per week, and always make sure the soil is well-draining and never too wet.
As you can see, there are plenty of beautiful ferns to bring into your home that can offer lush indoor foliage with low maintenance and easy care. From the elegant asparagus fern and the striking Boston fern through to the hardy Boston sword fern, there are plenty of options for you to pick from. So create a mini rainforest inside your home with ease, help boost your wellbeing, and add some real character to your home.
