24 Unique Fern Varieties for Indoor Gardening

The graceful nature and lush greenery of ferns have made them popular houseplants for many years. Their distinctive leaves and capacity to flourish in dim lighting make them a popular option for indoor gardening. There is a vast range of ferns, each with its own unique traits, ranging from the traditional Boston Fern to the unusual Bird’s Nest Fern. Discover the beauty and life that 24 distinct kinds of ferns can bring to your home.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata):

Famous for its three-foot-long, arching fronds, the Boston Fern is a perennial favorite in houseplant gardens. An excellent option for improving indoor air quality, its verdant foliage serves to both beautify and purify the air within. This fern is easy to care for because it loves continuously moist soil and indirect light. It grows vigorously and fills out containers and hanging baskets wonderfully.

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.):

Elegance and sophistication are radiated by the Maidenhair Fern, which boasts wiry black stems and delicate, fan-shaped leaflets. This fern is native to the tropics and does well in damp conditions with indirect light that is bright. Its delicate beauty makes it a popular choice for houseplant gardens, despite the fact that it is more fussy about watering than other ferns. A pebble tray and frequent spraying will keep the humidity levels it needs.

Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus):

The rosette structure of the Bird’s Nest Fern’s broad, wavy fronds gives the plant its name, which is derived from the sound of a bird’s nest. This fern is perfect for those who want to cultivate indoors because of its low maintenance requirements and highly desirable tropical appearance. It does best in somewhat shaded areas with constantly moist soil, but will survive in areas with less light and the odd dry spell in between waterings. Any indoor area can benefit from the exotic touch that the Bird’s Nest Fern brings with its striking, architectural leaves.

Staghorn Fern (Platycerium spp.):

The striking antler-like fronds of the Staghorn Fern, which may reach lengths of several feet, make it a show-stopping specimen. As an epiphyte, the Staghorn Fern prefers to grow on surfaces other than soil, such as trees. This makes it unique among ferns. When brought indoors, its distinctive fronds look lovely displayed on a plaque or dangling from a basket. The Staghorn Fern is an impressive houseplant that brings a touch of arboreal beauty to indoor gardens, but it does demand additional care in terms of watering and humidity.

Kimberly Queen Fern (Nephrolepis obliterata):

Kimberly Queen Ferns are smaller and more upright than Boston Ferns, and they have glossy, dark green fronds. These ferns are hardy and compact. This fern is highly sought-after since it can withstand dim lighting, making it a great option for rooms that don’t get a lot of natural light. It requires always damp soil and can be helped by spraying it on a frequent basis to keep the humidity levels up. An indoor garden or workplace would be remiss without the Kimberly Queen Fern, thanks to its tidy, upright growing habit.

Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Davallia spp.):

The unique rhizomes of the Rabbit’s Foot Fern are so named because they slither across the ground like a rabbit’s foot. Because of its unusual appearance and desirable texture, this fern is a common plant in houseplant collections. Once established, it may withstand somewhat drier circumstances, but it thrives in dependably moist soil and bright, indirect light. The rabbit’s foot fern is a beautiful houseplant that brings a touch of mischief to interior settings because to its trailing rhizomes and delicate, lacy fronds.

Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum):

Highly regarded for its vibrant silver and burgundy leaf, the Japanese Painted Fern brings a burst of color and complexity to indoor gardens that are shaded. If you’re looking to bring some natural light into a gloomy interior spot, this fern is a great pick because it loves moist, well-draining soil and can tolerate both partial and full shade. The Japanese Painted Fern is the perfect addition to a home garden or other woodland-themed space, thanks to its gracefully arching fronds and vivid colors.

Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora):

The vibrant foliage of the Autumn Fern lives up to its name; it starts off with coppery-red tones and turns glossy green as it matures. Because of its hardiness and versatility, this fern is highly regarded and makes a great addition to indoor gardens. It thrives in moist soil and medium to full shade, but once established, it can withstand droughts. The Autumn Fern is a year-round indoor plant that brings a touch of seasonal beauty with its beautiful fronds and ever-changing leaves.

Button Fern (Pellaea spp.):

Along its wiry stems, the Button Fern displays its endearing, button-like leaflets, and it grows in a compact manner. This fern is great for first-time indoor gardeners because it is hardy and requires little attention. While it does best in indirect light and always moist soil, it will survive in partially shaded areas and brief periods of dryness in between waterings. The Button Fern is the perfect houseplant for terrariums and other miniature gardens due to its unique texture and crisp, compact foliage.

Silver Lace Fern (Pteris ensiformis):

The beautiful variegated foliage of the Silver Lace Fern, with its silver-striped leaflets, is much sought after because of the air of sophistication it brings to indoor settings. The combination of dependably wet soil, bright indirect light, and this fern makes it a perfect plant for indoor gardens. The Silver Lace Fern, with its gracefully arching fronds and elaborate patterning, is a beautiful and texturally interesting addition to any interior setting, whether it is showcased solo or with other plants.

Holly Fern (Cyrtomium spp.):

The leathery, serrated fronds of the Holly Fern are highly sought-after due to their resemblance to holly plants. Because of its hardiness and tolerance of reduced light levels, this fern is highly prized for use in indoor gardening. Misting it every so often will keep the soil at a constantly humid condition, which is ideal. Holly Ferns, with their architectural fronds and glossy dark green foliage, bring an air of refined elegance to any indoor setting.

Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium aureum):

The vibrant blue-green leaves of the Blue Star Fern is a well-known accent plant for indoor gardens. Indoors, where natural light is scarce, this fern will perform wonderfully because it requires little light and loves continuously moist soil. Any indoor garden or tropical-inspired space would benefit from the addition of a Blue Star Fern, thanks to its arching fronds and distinctive colors.

Squirrel’s Foot Fern (Davallia mariesii):

Furry rhizomes give the Squirrel’s Foot Fern its name, and they truly look like a squirrel’s foot. These ferns are perfect for adding a humorous touch to houseplant gardens. If you have enough of natural light indoors, this fern will thrive in indirect light and soil that is always damp. A beautiful addition to indoor spaces, the Squirrel’s Foot Fern is perfect for hanging baskets or terrariums because to its trailing rhizomes and complex, lacy fronds.

Australian Tree Fern (Sphaeropteris cooperi):

With its majestic fronds and exotic allure, the Australian Tree Fern is a sought-after accent plant for indoor gardens. This fern thrives in very humid conditions and needs a lot of room to spread out. The Australian Tree Fern, with its thick foliage and dramatic arching fronds, brings a little bit of the rainforest into, making it feel more tropical and peaceful.

Delta Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum):

While both the Maidenhair Fern and the Delta Maidenhair Fern feature delicate, fan-shaped leaflets, the latter has a more robust growth habit. This fern is perfect for indoor gardens since it loves strong indirect light and does well in soil that is moist and drains well. Whether planted singly or among other houseplants, the Delta Maidenhair Fern’s exquisite foliage and elegant fronds will bring a touch of class to any interior setting.

Kangaroo Paw Fern (Microsorum diversifolium):

The unusual fronds of the Kangaroo Paw Fern look like kangaroo paws, hence the name. This fern is perfect for whimsical indoor gardening. This little fern loves indirect light and always damp soil, making it perfect for container gardening or tabletop presentations. The Kangaroo Paw Fern, with its unique leaves and drooping branches, is a whimsical addition to any houseplant arrangement or stand-alone display.

Japanese Tassel Fern (Polystichum polyblepharum):

The glossy dark green fronds and unusual tassel-like growths of the Japanese Tassel Fern are highly sought-after ornamental plants for indoor gardens. This fern is perfect for indoor shady locations because it loves constantly moist soil and can withstand partial to full shade. The Japanese Tassel Fern is the perfect accent plant for a modern indoor garden or rustic woodland decor because to its exquisite foliage and unusual growth pattern.

Leatherleaf Fern (Rumohra adiantiformis):

A hardy option for indoor gardens, the Leatherleaf Fern is prized for its leathery, dark-green fronds and hardiness. Although it will eventually adapt to drier conditions, this fern does best in indirect light and soil that is constantly damp. Whether planted singly or in a mixed container, the Leatherleaf Fern’s small stature and glossy foliage will bring an air of refined sophistication to any indoor setting.

Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’):

A beautiful addition to indoor gardens, the Lemon Button Fern is highly sought after for its small stature and vibrant, lemon-scented fronds. If you have enough of natural light indoors, this fern will thrive in indirect light and soil that is always damp. Displayed singly or mixed in with other houseplants, the Lemon Button Fern’s rounded, button-like leaves and pleasant aroma bring a bit of whimsical charm to any indoor setting.

Silver Brake Fern (Pteris cretica):

Adding a dash of contrast to indoor gardens, the Silver Brake Fern is renowned for its rapid growth rate and silver-striped leaf. If you have enough of natural light indoors, this fern will thrive in indirect light and soil that is always damp. Silver Brake Ferns, with their arching fronds and exquisite patterning, bring texture and visual richness to any indoor area. They look great either planted alone or blended together with other plants.

Dwarf Tree Fern (Cyathea spp.):

In spite of its diminutive name, the Dwarf Tree Fern, with its lush, tropical foliage and towering fronds, may be a sight to behold when grown indoors. If you have enough of natural light indoors, this fern will thrive in indirect light and soil that is always damp. The Dwarf Tree Fern, with its lush foliage and dramatic arching fronds, brings a tropical feel to indoor areas, making them feel more tranquil and inviting.

Japanese Climbing Fern (Lygodium japonicum):

Because of its fragile, vine-like fronds, the Japanese Climbing Fern looks beautiful draping down baskets or shelves. If you have enough of natural light indoors, this fern will thrive in indirect light and soil that is always damp. Displayed singly or mixed in with other plants, the Japanese Climbing Fern’s elegant trailing leaf and distinctive growth habit bring an air of refined sophistication to any indoor setting.

Crested Wood Fern (Dryopteris cristata):

The crested fronds of the Crested Wood Fern are a desirable ornamental feature in houseplant collections. This fern is perfect for indoor darkened places because it loves moist soil and partial to full shade. Any indoor garden or woodland-inspired space would be graced with the Crested Wood Fern’s lustrous, dark green foliage and distinctive growth pattern.

Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea):

The Cinnamon Fern is a houseplant that brings a touch of spice and beauty indoors with its fertile fronds that are a rich cinnamon hue. This fern is perfect for indoor darkened places because it loves moist soil and partial to full shade. Cinnamon ferns are a beautiful addition to any indoor garden or woodland-themed space, thanks to their eye-catching foliage and distinctive hue.