By definition, a fern is a vascular, flowerless plant with leafy fronds that produce spores for reproduction. Whether they add depth and dark green accents to your garden, spruce up a terrarium, or just remind you of scenes from Jurassic Park, ferns are truly remarkable plants.
Life As a Fern Plant
Ferns are some of the most ancient plants on planet Earth. Dating back over 350 million years ago, ferns were some of the first vascular plants. In fact, only club mosses are older. However, the ferns around today aren’t quite that prehistoric.
A Long History
Though most of the first groups of ferns have gone extinct, the ferns we know and love today began evolving around 70 million years ago – still quite impressive. These plants radiated during the Devonian period into the 10,000 fern species on earth today. They were even used as herbal medicine by ancient humans! Here, we’ll dive a bit deeper into some of the jargon and details of fern life before moving on to our master list of 50+ species of ferns.
Vascular Plants
The term ‘vascular’ refers to the connective tissue that allows a plant to transfer food and water throughout its systems. In other words, the evolution of vascular plants allowed for plants to live out of the water. The first vascular plants began developing roots, stems, and leaves. Ferns are some examples we have of the first vascular plants to make their way to land. Signs of prehistoric life are still present in modern ferns, including their reproductive cycle.
Fern Reproduction
The life cycle of a fern has a few distinct steps. Ferns evolved before plants had flowers or seeds, so how do they reproduce? Ferns actually have a multigenerational reproductive process!
First, the spores are released from an adult fern. The spores often need to land in a moist area which starts the gametophyte generation. During this time, the fern looks like a flat little heart. The male and female reproductive structures release the gametes, and fertilization occurs. Now the fertilized egg develops into a baby fern, which begins to grow upward into the fiddlehead. In a beautiful unfurling, the fiddlehead uncurls to reveal the fern or the sporophyte generation. After growing spores, they are released and the process begins again!
Bulbets and fernlets are the exceptions to this cycle. Forms of asexual reproduction, these are ways that some ferns will produce clones of themselves that plant themselves and grow into individual plants.
Fern Life Cycle, Fiddlehead example
Fern Jargon
Before we start our master list of ferns, here’s a list of some helpful definitions that we’ll use in the descriptions of each fern species.
Leaf Descriptors
- Frond – the leaf of a fern
- Broadleaf – describes ferns with fronds that are undivided or simple
- Compound Leaf – fronds are made up of many leaflets expanded from a stem or central point. This is the more common
- Pinnate – the leaflets of the frond are arranged on either side of the stem
- Twice cut – the leaflets themselves are divided and appear to be mini ferns
- Pinnae – each individual leaflet
Habitat Descriptors
- Terrestrial – grows on land with roots in the soil
- Aquatic – grows fully in water
- Epiphytic – grows on tree branches in the air without the need for soil or water
50+ Different Types of Ferns
Let’s jump into our 50+ different fern types. Read along to find the best fern for your home or garden.
Southern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris)
Identification Characteristics
Notable for its delicate leaf shape, the southern maidenhair fern grows in tropical and temperate regions throughout the world. It’s a great choice for your backyard garden as it is a very resilient plant. The fern grows in a clumping, arching pattern, and mostly spreads through rhizomes.
Leaf Shape
The fronds alternate their way up the fern’s stem. Each individual leaf is fan-shaped with a few lobes, reminiscent of a paw print.
Color
Light green
Size
10-24 inches tall
Growing Tips
The Southern Maidenhair fern is a great choice for both indoor and outdoor settings. They thrive in shade gardens with alkaline soil.
Giant Fern (Angiopteris evecta)
Identification Characteristics
Native to countries in Micronesia, Polynesia, Australia, and New Guinea, the giant fern is truly a tropical giant. The plant is massive, with giant fronds that grow from a large stem.
Leaf Shape
The fronds look, for the most part, like the quintessential fern leaf, and are twice-cut pinnately compound.
Color
Bright green with darker purplish, brown stems
Size
With fronds almost 20 feet long and 8 feet across, this fern takes up space! The trunk can grow up to three feet in diameter.
Growing Tips
While this plant is an asset in its native range, it has proved to be quite invasive where it is introduced. Because of this, the cultivation of giant fern is discouraged to prevent the disruption of native habitats. However, it can be used as an ornamental fern.
Bird’s-nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Identification Characteristics
If you’re in search of a hearty houseplant, look no further than Bird’-nest fern. In their natural habitats, they are epiphytic and grow in the canopy of the rainforest. The fronds extend from a central point, like rays from the sun. This center bowl is the plant’s secret hack, trapping decaying matter that will nourish the plant.
Leaf Shape
A broadleaf fern, the fronds are simple and extend from the center in long blades.
Color
Bright green
Size
The fern can be 3-5 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. Each individual frond can grow to be five feet long and eight inches wide!
Growing Tips
Bird’s-nest fern needs a well-draining potting mixture, indirect light, and high humidity. Being a tropical epiphyte, don’t be shy with a mister!
Basket Fern (Drynaria rigidula)
Identification Characteristics
The entire genus of epiphytic basket ferns all have a similar growth pattern. Some fronds are used as the sporophyte generation to support reproduction. These are large and green! The other fronds are the “sterile nest fronds,” and are small and brown. They form a basket around the base of the fern that serves to collect debris to provide the plant with nutrients.
Leaf Shape
Pinnately compound
Color
Medium green
Size
3-4 feet tall and wide
Growing Tips
This fern likes filtered light and well-draining soil. It makes a great houseplant!
Hart’s-tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium)
Identification Characteristics
Most commonly found in Europe, Hart’s-tongue fern is an evergreen plant. It’s named for its resemblance to a deer’s tongue. It grows in clumps.
Leaf Shape
Simple broadleaves, tapering to a point
Color
Bright green
Size
Fronds are 12-18 inches long
Growing Tips
Likes well-draining soil with medium moisture. Can be grown outside in partial shade or direct sunlight.
Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)
Identification Characteristics
Loving rich mesic forests everywhere, you can find lady fern around the world. Its scientific name ‘filix-femina’ literally translates to lady fern. The fronds are very lacey and taper to a point.
Leaf Shape
The fronds are compound and cut two or three times, to give them a very lacey appearance.
Color
Light green
Size
About 2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide
Growing Tips
With its naturally wide distribution, this is a great addition to your gardens anywhere. Lady fern proves a relatively easy fern to propagate, provided it has enough moisture. It will spread quickly, so be ready for a yard full of ferns.
Japanese Painted Fern
Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum pictum)
Identification Characteristics
A showy fern, Japanese painted fern is native to Eastern Asia but propagated around the world.
Leaf Shape
The fronds are triangular and twice cut.
Color
The leaves look somewhat purplish or burgundy, and like they’ve been frosted with silver or gold. The stem is easily identifiable as it is a reddish color.
Size
Between one and two feet in diameter.
Growing Tips
A great choice for your backyard, Japanese painted fern is both easy to grow and it won’t take over. To encourage its brightest colors, plant in a more shaded area as the sun will bleach the leaves. Because it won’t grow too big, it also makes a great house plant!
Brazilian Tree Fern (Blechnum brasiliense)
Identification Characteristics
Huge fronds tumble out from the center of the clump. This is on the smaller side of tree ferns, making it more manageable as a houseplant.
Leaf Shape
Pinnately compound
Color
Bright green; new growth fronds are bright red!
Size
3-5 feet tall
Growing Tips
These plants make a great addition to a greenhouse or indoor pot. Though they are evergreen, they are not frost-tolerant. These ferns like loamy soil with high humidity.
Silver Lady Fern (Blechnum gibbum)
Identification Characteristics
A hardy fern that grows in the Pacific Islands, Silver Lady Fern is a popular houseplant. Fronds extend from a black scaly trunk.
Leaf Shape
Pinnately compound. Pinnae arc into points.
Color
Bright green
Size
3-4 feet tall
Growing Tips
Likes bright indirect light, high humidity, and warmer temperatures.
Golden Zebra Fern (Coniogramme emeiensis)
Identification Characteristics
A slowly spreading plant, this is a true stunner! Delicate patterns on the fronds make for a stunning groundcover or houseplant.
Leaf Shape
Pinnae are stretched out hearts with pointed ends and rounded bases.
Color
Dark green with light green or yellow bands
Size
2 feet tall with 4 foot long fronds that grow somewhat horizontally
Growing Tips
This evergreen fern likes partial shade and regular moisture.
Tasmanian Cup Fern (Cyathea arborea)
Identification Characteristics
An evergreen tree fern, this is one of the world’s largest ferns! The fronds grow at the top of the trunk. This fern is commonly used to support orchids!
Leaf Shape
Twice-cut pinnately compound
Color
Light green fronds with a dark trunk
Size
Up to 40 feet tall, each frond can be 10 feet long
Growing Tips
Rarely cultivated. In its native range, it grows in open forests and along roadsides.
Australian Tree Fern (Cyathea cooperi)
Identification Characteristics
Also known by the scientific name, Sphaeropteris cooperi, this fern is so large, it more closely resembles a palm tree. The trunk itself can be a foot in diameter, so this easily falls into the category of tree fern.
Leaf Shape
The twice-cut fronds give this fern a large and lacey appearance
Color
Medium to light green
Size
15-30 feet tall
Growing Tips
This tree fern gives a tropical feel to any landscape. They grow best in areas with warm weather and high humidity (such as Florida). It will love to grow in a shaded garden with well-draining soil and is, overall, relatively low-maintenance.
Silver Tree Fern (Cyathea dealbata)
Identification Characteristics
Another star in the tree fern group, this plant’s silvery fronds were made famous by the New Zealand rugby team. However, these silvery colors only show up on mature plants. Until they are at least one year old, the fronds appear greener. With a thicker trunk, this fern can also withstand colder temperatures than other tree fern species.
Leaf Shape
Bipinnately compound fronds, tapering to a narrow end
Color
Silvery green
Size
Upwards of 30 feet tall
Growing Tips
This showy fern can brighten a landscape that prefers humus-rich soil and lots of moisture. It does best with indirect light and shelter from the wind.
Rabbit’s Foot Fern
Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Davallia solida var. fejeensis)
Identification Characteristics
An epiphytic fern, this plant couple of unique identifiers. Most notably are the furry rhizomes that grow at the base of the fronds. Giving the fern its adorable name, these will pour over the side of the pot.
Leaf Shape
Multi-pinnate fronds with rounded pinnae
Color
Medium green
Size
Fronds are between 18-24 inches long.
Growing Tips
Rabbit’s foot fern makes an excellent houseplant. Keep it in a pot or hanging basket with well-draining soil and occasional misting.
Hay-Scented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula)
Identification Characteristics
Notable as one of the few fragrant ferns on this list, this plant gives off a smell of freshly mown hay when brushed. Common in New England, this is a deciduous fern that turns yellow in the fall.
Leaf Shape
Triangular fronds are multi-pinnate and have a delicate, lacey appearance.
Color
Yellow-green
Size
1.5-2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide
Growing Tips
Hay-scented ferns enjoy partial to full shade and moist, loose, rich soil. Best to plant in early spring.
Tasmanian Tree Fern (Dicksonia antarctica)
Identification Characteristics
Also called soft tree fern, this evergreen is native to Tasmania that grows to enormous sizes in the wild and can be cultivated for landscape use.
Leaf Shape
Fronds are tri-pinnate with dramatic divisions.
Color
Bright green
Size
20-30 feet tall with 10 foot long fronds.
Growing Tips
Young plants can be grown in containers, and older trees make a great choice for a more temperate landscape where they can be moved outside in the summer. They prefer partial sun with loose soil.
Crested Buckler Fern (Dryopteris cristata)
Identification Characteristics
Native to New England’s wetland habitats, this fern creeps along the ground.
Leaf Shape
Bipinnately compound fronds have pinnae that come to large rounded tips.
Color
Leathery green leaves
Size
1-3 feet tall
Growing Tips
Easy to grow in sun or shade. Because it natively lives in wetland ecosystems, the soil does need to be kept moist. Makes a great choice for a rain garden!
Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora)
Identification Characteristics
This arching plant is also known as the Japanese shield fern and is a great choice for a groundcover in a shade garden or wooded area.
Leaf Shape
Triangular bipinnate fronds
Color
Glossy green (immature fronds are orange to red)
Size
1.5-2.5 feet tall and wide
Growing Tips
Easy to grow in a backyard! This plant likes slightly acidic soils that are kept loose and moist. Like most ferns, they don’t do well in the wind, so keep them in a wind-protected area with partial to full shade.
Marginal Wood Fern (Dryopteris marginalis)
Identification Characteristics
This evergreen fern is native to North America. It grows in a vase-shaped clump and does not spread easily, making for a great ornamental piece.
Leaf Shape
Bi-pinnately compound with opposite pinnae
Color
Gray-green
Size
1.5-2 feet tall and wide
Growing Tips
Like most ferns, partial shade, lots of moisture, and loose rich soil will make a happy marginal wood fern.
Alpine Wood Fern
Alpine Wood Fern (Dryopteris Wallichiana)
Identification Characteristics
This award-winning fern is certainly eye-catching. It looks like the quintessential fern is almost every way. Fiddleheads unfurl to reveal neat pinnae taper to a delicate point. Easy to grow, you can have upwards of 50 fronds in just a few years. The perfect statement piece.
Leaf Shape
Triangular, bi-pinnately compound
Color
Rich green (immature ferns are light yellow)
Size
3-5 feet tall and wide
Growing Tips
This fern does best in partial to full shade in moist, well-draining soil. However, it can be drought-tolerant once established.
Siebold’s Wood Fern (Dryopteris sieboldii)
Identification Characteristics
Despite the same genus, this fern is distinct from its fellow wood ferns. Not feathery in the slightest, it’s leathery fronds look more like a tongue fern. It will slowly spread in woodlands with dappled light.
Leaf Shape
Simple, broad pinnae come to a point
Color
Blue-green
Size
18-30 inches tall
Growing Tips
This fern enjoys the heat and is a drought-tolerant species.
Horsetail Fern (Equisetum arvense)
Identification Characteristics
A living fossil, the horsetail fern is the last remaining genus in the class Equisetopsida, and they have not evolved much since the Paleozoic era. They don’t look much like ferns either! More resembling grasses or reeds, they have unbranching hollow tubes.
Leaf Shape
Green stems have brown needle-like appendages.
Color
Green with brown stems
Size
Growing Tips
Easy to grow in the right conditions, horsetail fern is a great choice for a backyard pond or aquascape.
Heart Fern (Hemionitis arifolia)
Identification Characteristics
Native to Asia, this epiphyte has been used for its medicinal properties. Its name, however, is derived from its unique shaped leaves (especially for a fern!). Heart fern loves a tropical environment and is a popular choice for terrariums and vivariums.
Leaf Shape
Simple heart-shaped leaves
Color
Shiny and dark green
Size
Fronds are 2-4 inches long, 6-10 inches tall
Growing Tips
Since heart fern stays small and loves water, it makes a great choice for a terrarium. It will be a happy houseplant in general, so find any small pot for this forest friend. Be sure to keep this plant moist!
Water Clover Fern (Marsilea crenata)
Identification Characteristics
This is a small aquatic fern that comes from Asia. It’s a carpeting fern, meaning it will spread out and doesn’t grow very tall. It natively grows alongside rice paddies and is popular as aquarium decor.
Leaf Shape
Simple, ovate pinnae in bundles that resemble clover
Color
Medium green
Size
Fronds are rarely wider than 1 cm
Growing Tips
A relatively hardy plant, water clover fern can tolerate a varied amount of light. So whatever you have the aquarium set to should work.
Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)
Identification Characteristics
With fronds that look like ostrich tail feathers, you can expect a delicate appearance to this fern. Native to areas across the northern hemisphere, this plant makes a great addition to a shade garden.
Leaf Shape
Multi-pinnate fronds
Color
Bright green
Size
3-6 feet tall and 5-8 feet wide
Growing Tips
Ostrich fern needs regular moisture and a more shaded environment. Make sure to keep it in a protected area as it does not like the wind.
Kangaroo Fern
Kangaroo Fern (Microsorum pustulatum)
Identification Characteristics
Named for its resemblance to a Kangaroo’s paw, this epiphytic fern is fittingly native to Australia. The fronds have a leathery texture and a shiny appearance.
Leaf Shape
Broadleaf
Color
Bright green with dark green veins
Size
Up to 50 inches tall
Growing Tips
A popular choice for terrariums, the Kangaroo fern likes indirect light, high humidity, and regular watering.
Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia)
Identification Characteristics
The fragrant smell is the perk here! During the growing season, this plant gives off a faintly lemony smell. This fern is also super cute with its ovate leaflets. A smaller fern overall, it works well in terrariums or vivariums.
Leaf Shape
Long fronds with small circular pinnae
Color
Light green
Size
1 foot tall
Growing Tips
Keep in well-draining soil with high moisture. If growing in a terrarium, mix some rocks in the soil to promote drainage.
Boston Fern
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Identification Characteristics
The most popular fern for houseplant fans around the world, the Boston fern is relatively easy to care for and beautiful in appearance. The fronds grow straight up initially, but begin to arc over with age, giving the fern a cascading look
Leaf Shape
Long fronds with short serrated pinnae
Color
Medium green
Size
2-3 feet tall and wide
Growing Tips
While it can be grown outside in more tropical zones, Boston fern is most often kept as a houseplant. Grow in well-draining soil with bright indirect light.
Fishtail Fern
Fishtail Fern (Nephrolepis falcata furcans)
Identification Characteristics
This tropical fern is an epiphyte native to southeast Asia. The pinnae each look like a small fishtail as they break into segments.
Leaf Shape
Fronds are very long with short alternate pinna with segments at the end.
Color
Yellow-green
Size
Fronds are around 3 feet long.
Growing Tips
Best planted in a hanging container, these ferns will be more vibrant if grown in the shade.
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis)
Identification Characteristics
This fern has both sterile and fertile fronds. While the sterile, vegetative fronds die back in the winter, the shorter woody, fertile fronds last throughout the seasons. However, it gets its name from the vegetative fronds that tend to wild as the first fall frost.
Leaf Shape
Triangular with large pinnae
Color
Bright green
Size
3-4 feet tall and wide
Growing Tips
This plant likes partial to full shade with consistent watering. In ideal conditions, it will spread happily.
Carrot Fern (Onychium japonicum)
Identification Characteristics
Extremely lacy fronds resemble the greens of a carrot, giving carrot fern its common name. Native to Asia, they can be found in deeply shaded forests.
Leaf Shape
Multi-pinnate fronds. Pinnae are extremely thin and stringy.
Color
Light green
Size
18 inches tall and wide
Growing Tips
This deciduous, clumping fern grows best in full shade with moist, well-draining soil. Bring indoors for winter.
Interrupted Fern (Osmunda claytoniana)
Identification Characteristics
Growing in a vase, this fern can be found on wooded slopes, drainages, and sandstone ledges of North America and China. The common name is derived from the spore-bearing pinnae that sprout in the middle of each frond. They fall off after the spores are released in mid-summer.
Leaf Shape
Bi-pinnately compound
Color
Bright green
Size
2-3 feet tall and wide
Growing Tips
Interrupted ferns prefer humus, moist soils, and partial to full shade.
Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis)
Identification Characteristics
With a range across North and South America, this deciduous fern likes to grow near streams. Sometimes it even can be found growing in the water. With enough moisture, it can even grow to be 6 feet tall!
Leaf Shape
Broad fronds with distinctly spaced ovate pinnae.
Color
Medium green fronds turn yellow and brown in the fall.
Size
2-3 feet wide and tall
Growing Tips
Enjoys wet soil and partial shade. Royal fern can survive in full sun in cooler climates with enough moisture.
Cinnamon Fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum)
Identification Characteristics
Native to East Asia and North America, this fern gets its name from fibrous structures at the base of each frond. Unsurprisingly, these fibers are cinnamon-colored. Spore producing fronds quickly turn brown, while the sterile ferns stay green.
Leaf Shape
Triangular, pinnately compound fronds
Color
Bright green
Size
2-3 feet tall and wide
Growing Tips
Cinnamon ferns are happiest in moist soil and partial to full shade.
Blue Bear’s Paw Fern (Phlebodium pseudoaureum)
Identification Characteristics
A very tropical looking plant, this fern makes an excellent houseplant. Leathery fronds look unusual as far as ferns go. It’s also known as Blue Rabbit’s Foot Fern and some say it is reminiscent of snow mittens.
Leaf Shape
Pinnae are broad, undulating, and well-spaced.
Color
Silvery blue
Size
1-2 feet tall and wide
Growing Tips
This indoor fern likes well-draining acidic soil with consistent moisture and indirect light.
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)
Identification Characteristics
The classic epiphytic fern, staghorn ferns have a distinct appearance. The fronds extend from the basal leaf which envelopes the surface it’s growing on. The other leaves look similar to deer antlers, giving the fern its name.
Leaf Shape
Each frond branches into two or three segments that will branch a couple more times.
Color
Light green, the basal frond will turn brown with age.
Size
Up to 3 feet across
Growing Tips
Staghorn ferns make a delightful and decorative houseplant. They are mounted on a wood slab with some sphagnum or peat moss to add a medium for the basal frond. They like bright indirect light and to be kept quite moist. To water, soak the entire plant! They absorb water through all their fronds. In between soaks, mist often.
Licorice Fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza)
Identification Characteristics
Found commonly in the Pacific Northwest, this fern grows epiphytically. Its favorite trees to grow on are big leaf maples, but you can also find them on rocks and logs.
Leaf Shape
Pinnately compound with alternating pinnae
Color
Dark green
Size
1-3 feet tall
Growing Tips
A great addition to a landscape, this fern is drought-tolerant and can sustain cooler temperatures.
Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
Identification Characteristics
Native to eastern North America, this evergreen fern adds beauty all year round. It is common in wooded slopes and drainages. As the name suggests, it can be found thriving at Christmas time.
Leaf Shape
Pinnae are a couple of inches long and come to a sharp point.
Color
Dark green
Size
1-2 feet tall
Growing Tips
Tolerant of dry and moist soil, you can plant outdoor ferns in your garden or keep it in a pot or hanging basket for indoor plants. Keep it in low light areas!
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)
Identification Characteristics
One of the most common ferns on the west coast, this fern grows from southern California up to Alaska!
Leaf Shape
Pinnate with leaflets alternating up the stalk with serrated edges
Color
Dark green
Size
Up to 6 feet tall
Growing Tips
Easy to grow with its high tolerance for different climates and soils, this fern doesn’t even need as much water as most. Great for your outdoor garden!
Long-eared Holly Fern (Polystichum neolobatum)
Identification Characteristics
Known to be one of the hardiest ferns, the long-eared holly fern is also quite lovely. And it will remain lovely throughout the seasons!
Leaf Shape
Bipinnately compound with pinnae coming to a tapered point.
Color
Shiny and dark green
Size
1.5-2 feet tall
Growing Tips
Once established, holly fern is quite drought-tolerant, but needs to be kept in the shade. It will tolerate snow and freezing temperatures too!
Japanese Tassel Fern (Polystichum polyblepharum)
Identification Characteristics
An evergreen fern from Japan and Korea, the tassel fern grows in vase-like clumps and spreads outward.
Leaf Shape
Bipinnately compound
Color
Shiny, dark green
Size
1-2 feet tall and wide
Growing Tips
Great for a shady area to decorate your landscape.
Whisk Fern (Psilotum nudum)
Identification Characteristics
Native to Hawaii, this plant is often called Moa. Some consider it to be more of a pesky plant, but others encourage its growth since it doesn’t overpower its neighbors. These look quite strange and defy expectations of a classic fern. Its scientific name translates to “bare naked” which refers to its lack of leaves. Instead, the plant looks like a maple tree in January or a whisk! The stems are triangular if you cut them horizontally which can be a helpful identification factor.
Leaf Shape
No fronds, branching stems with bright yellow spores.
Color
Dark to medium green
Size
Growing Tips
More humidity tends to create more lush plants, so misting is encouraged. They have more flexible lighting conditions but need warm temperatures.
Eagle or Bracken Fern (Pteridium aquilinum)
Identification Characteristics
Native across the Northern Hemisphere, this is a deciduous fern, commonly found in woods, fields, agricultural land, and marshes. With its extensive range, it has given rise to twelve distinct varieties depending on where in its range it’s found. New fiddleheads emerge in the spring.
Leaf Shape
Divided and distinctly triangular fronds with 2-3 times pinnately compound. (That’s a lacey plant!)
Color
Bright green
Size
3-4 feet tall and wide
Growing Tips
Bracken fern has a tendency to take over an area, so it’s rarely intentionally planted. Because of its resilience, it can be grown in areas with poor soil conditions.
Silver Brake Fern (Pteris argyraea)
Identification Characteristics
Beautiful showy fronds have made this plant so popular among fern lovers. It’s native to Southeast Asia and does best when grown in a climate similar to its tropical home.
Leaf Shape
Twice cut fronds with wide pinnae.
Color
Silvery centers surrounded with bright green edges
Size
1-2 feet
Growing Tips
A tropical species that makes a great houseplant, keep this fern friend in a more shaded area that won’t get too cold.
Cretan Brake Fern (Pteris cretica)
Identification Characteristics
Like others in its genus, brake ferns have spores that develop in an uninterrupted line on the margins of the pinnae. The many cultivated varieties have different colors, but otherwise similar characteristics. These evergreen ferns grow in clumps and produce wiry stalks.
Leaf Shape
Fronds are somewhere between pinnate and palmate, with a few pinnae near the tip of each frond spreading out from a central point like an open hand. The pinnae are thin and long.
Color
Often with a lighter center and dark margins, the leaves can be anywhere from green to purple in color.
Size
1-3 feet tall
Growing Tips
A popular houseplant with a few cultivated varieties, keep your Cretan Brake fern in peat-based soil. They grow best with bright, indirect light and moist soil. Occasional misting will keep your fern happy too!
Chinese Ladder Brake Fern (Pteris vittata)
Identification Characteristics
Native to East Asia, and introduced to North America, this plant has an interesting power. It seems to grow better with the presence of arsenic and actually compiles the deadly chemical in its fronds. Because of this, it could potentially be of use as a cleanup aid, though it is toxic to humans and other animals.
Leaf Shape
The pinnae of each frond are very long, skinny, and spaced apart.
Color
Bright green
Size
3-4 feet tall
Growing Tips
Though this plant can grow easily in warm climates, its impact on ecosystems outside of its native range is not entirely clear. The state of Florida lists it as invasive.
Tongue Fern
Tongue Fern (Pyrrosia lingua)
Identification Characteristics
An evergreen fern, this plant gets its name for its resemblance to a long skinny tongue. The simple fronds have undulating edges that make it seem like it could have just licked an ice cream cone.
Leaf Shape
Simple, broadleaf fronds on this fern come to a sharp point.
Color
Green with a darker green center vein
Size
12-18 inches tall
Growing Tips
Tongue fern grows in hardiness zones 6-10 but makes a great houseplant anywhere. It can grow on rocky hillsides, logs, or in hanging baskets. Give it soil with good draining, and it won’t require too much work after that!
Leatherleaf Fern (Rumohra adiantiformis)
Identification Characteristics
Named for its propensity to resist wilting with thick leathery fronds, this plant is extremely popular among florists because it will last in flower arrangements.
Leaf Shape
Twice-cut fronds have pinnae with serrated edges.
Color
Green
Size
3 feet tall and wide
Growing Tips
Great as both a groundcover in the garden or in a hanging basket in your house, leatherleaf fern is easy to grow. It does require regular watering and partial shade, and it does best in hardiness zones 9-11. Cut back old fronds when new ones begin to grow.
Kidney Fern (Hymenophyllum nephrophyllum)
Identification Characteristics
Endemic to New Zealand, this is a broadleaf fern with an interesting adaptation to conserve water. Hot, arid weather causes them to shrivel up, and they reopen when precipitation returns. The leaves are extremely thin, only a few cells thick! It can grow on the forest floor along with tree trunks as an epiphyte.
Leaf Shape
As you might expect from the name, the fronds are kidney-shaped!
Color
Bright green, with a shiny almost translucent look
Size
Each frond is between 3-10 centimeters in diameter.
Growing Tips
Growing in the dense forests of New Zealand, this plant is not propagated commercially. The Maori people use it as a perfume and medicine.
Giant Chain Fern (Woodwardia fimbriata)
Identification Characteristics
The largest fern in North America, the Giant Chain fern is native to the West Coast. Depending on growing conditions, it can be either deciduous or evergreen. The name “chain” comes from the neat lines that the spores are arranged in along the underside of each frond.
Leaf Shape
Fronds are simple but with large, dramatic lobes that come to a point.
Color
Light green and turns yellow in colder parts of its range where it is deciduous.
Size
4-6 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide
Growing Tips
A great plant for landscaping, this fern enjoys sunnier areas and to be watered somewhat frequently (think at least once each week).
With upwards of 10,000 species of ferns worldwide, the 50 we’ve listed here barely scratches the surface. However, these are some of the most remarkable and memorable ferns, and many can be grown as houseplants or in your garden!
FAQs
Is there an indoor and outdoor fern? ›
The holly fern can grow both indoors and outdoors, but it is one of the easiest types of indoor ferns to grow. 5. Royal fern: Osmunda regalis is a deciduous fern that thrives in shady environments with damp, acidic soil.
How do I know which fern I have? ›When attempting to identify a fern, its important to look closely at one of the fronds, to turn it over and look at its underside for reproductive structures, and also to examine the frond's stalk making note of its color and texture.
Which fern is best for indoor? ›Boston Fern (Nephrolepsis exaltata)
It is considered by many to be one of the easier ferns to grow indoors. The only catch is that the soil must be kept consistently moist and the humidity relatively high, or else many of the fronds will turn brown and die.
Caring for Ferns Indoors
Keep ferns away from radiators, bright, hot, sunny windows, and use a pebble tray (right) to add moisture. Even after all of that, your ferns still might look unhappy. If so, consider moving them to a regularly-used bathroom with a shower or into a terrarium or wardian case.
You don't need a bright light in your house to grow ferns. Varieties like maidenhair and asparagus can grow well in low-light conditions. 3. Keep the soil moist.
Do indoor ferns prefer sun or shade? ›Most ferns prefer indirect light, which means you should avoid placing them where sunlight will hit them. In direct sun, fern fronds can get burned, resulting in a dry, crispy plant. Usually, a north- or east-facing window provides the right amount of light for ferns.
How many types of ferns are there in the world? ›There are about 12,000 different types of ferns in the world. They are different from other plants because they do not produce flowers or seeds. Fern fossils have been found that are around 360 million years old!
What is the rarest fern? ›The neotropical fern, Stenogrammitis myosuroides, has only ever previously been found in the mountainous cloud forests of Jamaica, Cuba and the Dominican Republic – more than 4,000 miles across the Atlantic.
How do I identify a fern indoor plant? ›Ferns are mostly well recognizable by their leaves, which are also called fronds. There are also exceptions to this “rule”. The leaves of some clover ferns (Marsileaceae) may look like those of white clover or sour clover. Also, not all ferns have pinnate fronds.
Do ferns need a lot of water? ›Most ferns like an evenly moist soil with regular waterings. Allowing the soil to dry out between waterings stresses these plants. Bushy ferns can be difficult to water. Try using a watering can with a long spout to direct the water to the center of the plant.
What is the easiest fern to care for? ›
Button fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)
What is this? This lower need for moisture makes button ferns one of the easiest fern types to grow. Provide well-draining soil and bright indirect light and allow the top of the soil to dry out a bit between waterings. Keep away from low-temperature areas and voilà!
Boston Fern – Nephrolepis Exaltata
The Boston fern is one the easiest of ferns to grow indoors, although it still is a needy species and does not like the initial move from one place to another or from outdoors to indoors. The arching fronds grow in a manner that makes them an ideal hanging basket plant.
Mist indoor Ferns twice a week. Water when the top of the soil feels dry. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Pay attention to signs of overwatering or underwatering.
Do ferns grow back if you cut them? ›Ferns do grow back after cutting, but the new growth will emerge from the rhizome below the soil. This means you should cut any damaged or discolored foliage down to the crown at the base of the plant to stimulate new growth.
Do potted ferns come back every year? ›Ferns are a hardy perennial plant that will grow back each year. Many gardeners bring potted ferns indoors to continue growing during the cold weather season. The great thing about a fern if it is planted in the ground is that there is nothing that needs to be done to winterize it.
How long can ferns last without water? ›It is estimated that resurrection fern could last 100 years without water and still revive after a single exposure to rain.
Do ferns attract mosquitoes? ›Indoors or out, an asparagus fern heavily infested with mosquitoes may be growing in or near a too-wet environment, which can promote mosquito breeding. Outdoors check the soil and nearby areas for signs of standing water or consistently wet soil.
Do ferns survive in pots? ›Ferns can also be grown in large containers. Most of the ferns readily available to gardeners are hardy, which means they will survive cold winters outdoors (check plant labels before buying).
Can ferns stay in pots? ›Both plastic and clay pots are suitable for ferns, with those in plastic pots requiring less frequent watering. Pots should be large enough to accommodate the roots with an extra inch of space for further growth. Fern roots tend to be shallow, so short containers are best.
Are ferns toxic to dogs? ›Yes, ferns are toxic to dogs.
Toxic ferns often have poisonous leaves and berries, which can cause diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting in dogs. Some dogs can also experience skin inflammation upon contact with these toxic varieties. We recommend that pet parents assume their ferns are poisonous if they are unsure.
Why is my fern dying? ›
A dying fern is usually because of underwatering or the humidity is too low which saps moisture from the leaves causing them to turn brown and crispy. Indoor ferns prefer a humidity of 50% and require the soil to be consistently moist to prevent the leaves turning brown and dying.
What to feed ferns in pots? ›Fertilizing Ferns in Pots
During the peak growing season, ferns should be fed monthly. Use a water soluble 20-10-20 or 15-5-15 fertilizer. During the winter season, fertilize once every 2-3 months. Do not fertilize at all if the plant is dormant.
Use Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food for larger Boston ferns and those grown outdoors, and Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food for smaller indoor Boston ferns. The amount you use to fertilize your fern will vary depending on its size, so be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
Can you water ferns with tap water? ›Tap water in most municipal areas is chlorinated, and many plants (like ferns, aroids, and many orchids) suffer from any chlorine in the water. The other issue I see a lot is dry air; it's important to keep their environment humid with misting!
Should you mist a fern? ›Using a mist spray three or four times a day will help to maintain luxuriant growth. Misting is good for broad-leaf ferns and those of simple-leaf forms. Use less spray on crinkled varieties, which tend to collect moisture and hold it, contributing to development of fungus.
What is a ghost fern? ›Ghost fern is one of the loveliest -- and most well-mannered -- ferns in the garden. A fancy hybrid of Japanese painted and lady ferns, Ghost ferns show off the best of both parents. It's a slowly spreading plant that develops lovely upright fronds brushed with silver. The plants can grow 24 to 36 inches tall.
What are ferns common names? ›The ferns are also referred to as Polypodiophyta or, when treated as a subdivision of Tracheophyta (vascular plants), Polypodiopsida, although this name sometimes only refers to leptosporangiate ferns.
What is the hardiest fern? ›One of the most robust and reliable ferns, Western sword ferns (Polystichum munitum) thrive in coastal settings and grow glossy deep green fronds 3-4 feet tall and wide. The fern gets its name from its elongated blade-like fronds and the plant can have as many as a hundred leaves. Hardy in Zones 5-10.
What is the oldest fern? ›Ferns are one of the oldest groups of plants on Earth, with a fossil record dating back to the middle Devonian (383-393 million years ago) (Taylor, Taylor, and Krings, 2009). Recent divergence time estimates suggest they may be even older, possibly having first evolved as far back as 430 mya (Testo and Sundue, 2016).
Are there outdoor ferns? ›Big, bold outdoor ferns add character and beauty to porches, decks, and terraces. These easy-care plants thrive in low-light conditions, making them an ideal choice for sheltered situations. Use outdoor ferns in hanging baskets, window boxes, urns, and planters.
What are new ferns called? ›
Fiddleheads. As new fronds emerge, generally in the spring, they unroll, these unrolling fronds are called fiddleheads. Fiddleheads of Alaska hollyfern (Polystichum setigerum) just beginning to unroll. Unrolling fiddleheads of a lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina).
What is the hardiest indoor fern? ›Silver Brake (Pteris cretica) is a low-maintenance plant with attractive, silvery stripes on its fronds. These ferns grow about 2 feet tall and wide and are pretty in pots or hanging baskets. While they like daytime temperatures that range from 68 to 72 degrees F, they prefer a drop to around 50 to 55 degrees at night.
What type of fern closes when you touch it? ›More commonly known as the sensitive plant or touch-me-not plant, Mimosa pudica is a tropical shrub that closes its leaves when touched. The plant is native to Central and South America and features delicate, fern-like leaves with light purple pom-pom-shaped flowers. It's part of the legume family Fabaceae.
What is the rarest plant in the world 2022? ›Originally discovered in 2005 by a farmer in Madagascar, the Tahina Palm is extremely rare with only around 90 in the entire world. It is unique because it lives for roughly 50 years then produces an enormous amount of inflorescence. Then, shortly after blooming, the Tahina Palm dies.
Are Peacock ferns rare? ›Peacock Fern (Selaginella Willdenowii) is a rare fern ally we have in our collection which looks blue from certain angle with finely cut leaves. It's a shade loving plant and can be used for your terrariums.
What is the most beautiful plant in the world? ›Rose. The rose is considered the most beautiful flower in the world, which is why it's called the “queen of the garden.” It's one of the most popular flowers worldwide, and it comes in different sizes and colors. Also, they're very common throughout the world.
Is my fern male or female? ›Scientists previously knew that the factor that determines which sex a specific fern will end up as is a hormone called gibberellin. If the hormone is present in large enough quantities as the plant develops, the fern usually becomes a male, and if it isn't, it becomes a female.
How big do indoor ferns get? ›Height/Spread. There are very small ferns no more than 6 inches tall that are best suited to growth and viewing in a terrarium. Some of the larger ferns may grow into a 5-foot ball when mature and grown in a hanging basket.
Do indoor ferns like to be misted? ›Humidity Is Essential
None of the popular household ferns can tolerate dry conditions for long. Their fronds will quickly turn brown, and they will begin to drop leaves. Mist your ferns as often as practical, preferably in the morning.
They help in chlorophyll production, healthy plant growth, and resistance against diseases and pest. Both of them are required if you want to grow Lush and Green Ferns.
Do you water ferns from the bottom? ›
Ferns do not like to dry out (even for a few hours) so keep them well watered. A note on this; ferns prefer to be watered from the bottom. As above, ferns hate full sun; even midday and morning sun can be too much.
What do you feed ferns? ›Ferns are relatively light feeders compared to many other foliage plants. They prefer a balanced fertilizer, such as 20-10-20 or 20-20-20, with micronutrients applied at approximately 200 ppm nitrogen. Too much nitrogen can cause tip burn on the roots and leaves if the plant becomes dry.
Can indoor ferns go outside in summer? ›Yes, all of our indoor foliage plants can go outside during the warm summer months. That's where plants evolved, after all! They will absolutely adore the fresh outdoor air. One of the main things to keep in mind is the intensity of the outdoor sunlight when placing your plants outdoors.
Can all ferns be planted outside? ›There are different types of fern plants that can be grown indoors as well as outdoors. The indoor fern plants might need a little bit of more watering while the outdoor fern plants can thrive well in predominantly shady lawn and garden areas. Ferns are among the few species of non-flowering plants.
Can potted fern survive winter outside? ›If you purchase a fern like this, realize that it will not survive outside during a harsh winter. Your best bet is to bring a tender (not frost-hardy) fern inside and grow it as a houseplant during the winter months.
How often should I water my ferns outside? ›Outdoor Ferns
As a rule, they prefer 1 to 2 inches of water a week, but this also depends on the soil and the growth rate. Ferns grown in light, sandy soil require more frequent watering than those grown in dense clay soil.
A temperature below 30° Fahrenheit (-1° Celsius) is too cold for most ferns, and they won't survive. Some species of ferns can survive up to -50° Fahrenheit (-45° Celsius), but those are rare ones growing in climates of the Arctic or Antarctic.
How many hours of sun can ferns tolerate? ›SUN LOVING FERNS can take direct sun for about 4 hours per day (morning, mid or afternoon) and filtered the rest of the day.
What is the easiest fern to grow outdoors? ›Types of wood ferns ideal for outdoor growing include the autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora), crested buckler-fern (Dryopteris cristata), leatherleaf fern (Rumohra adiantiformis), and marginal wood fern (Dryopteris marginalis).
What month do you plant ferns? ›Plant ferns between May and September, ideally in humus-rich, well-drained but moist soil. Add leaf mould to the planting hole if you can – manure and compost can be too rich for them.
What is the most hardy fern? ›
One of the most robust and reliable ferns, Western sword ferns (Polystichum munitum) thrive in coastal settings and grow glossy deep green fronds 3-4 feet tall and wide. The fern gets its name from its elongated blade-like fronds and the plant can have as many as a hundred leaves. Hardy in Zones 5-10.
What kind of ferns come back every year? ›Perennial ferns are the perfect addition to any shade garden. They come in various shapes with interesting foliage looks and colors which pair well with other shade-loving perennials such as hosta, heuchera (coral bells), astilbe, and many others.
How do you winterize a potted fern? ›Fern Winter Care in Pots
Allow the plant to dry out before bringing it indoors. Choose a cool location such as a basement or garage to store the plant. It is best to keep the plant out of direct sunlight. The plant will be dormant for the season and will only need watering once a month.