What is a Fern and Fern Varieties
Ferns are ancient and functionally fascinating plants. First appearing on the Earth as long ago as 358.9 million years, these plants predate flowers - instead of reproducing through flowers and seeds, these unique plants produce spores underneath their leafy fronds. In our homes today, ferns can provide a texturally interesting contrast to the average house plant. Let’s dig into the damp soil and learn more about our favorite ferns!
This dry Boston Fern has turned almost gray, indicating that it is dehydrated and needs water ASAP!
Fern life cycle
Each of our fern varieties below will have some similar care. Ferns naturally grow in temperate, subtropical, and tropical climates. Found beneath tree canopies, attached to trees, or nestled between rocks, these plants thrive in moist areas, so providing them with extra humidity will ensure their success. Many ferns will fade to a grayish green when they are thirsty, making it easier to know when you are not providing enough moisture.
Ferns chosen for growing indoors are sensitive to hot, direct sunlight, though some will require more light than others. In general, their soil will need to stay moist - ferns are found in moist environments because the way they reproduce require moisture! Bottom watering will be best for ferns since their leaves tend to be sensitive to the salts found in tap water. This will also prevent the spread of water-borne bacterial and fungal diseases. Ferns are light feeders, so care should be taken when fertilizing infrequently.
Outdoor ferns are like their indoor friends, and they do not love a ton of sunlight, so try to choose a location outside your home that won’t allow your plant to ‘bake’ in the sun and risk burning the leaves. Especially since ferns love so much moisture, they can be more prone to burning if left in direct sunlight for too long.
Blue Star Fern ‘Davana’ in all her ruffled glory!
Blue Star Ferns
A beautiful contrast from plain green foliage, the Blue Star Fern offers matte blue-green leaves that will add a pop to your plant collection. Here at Wild Interiors, we grow two different members of the Polypodiaceae family - Phlebodium aureum, the common Blue Star Fern, and its brother, Phlebodium aureum ‘Davana’, a stunning ruffled version of the Blue Star Fern!
Special care
Both varieties of this species have similar needs. These ferns will do best when located in a warm spot with plenty of bright, indirect light, typically requiring a bit more light than other types of ferns. Blue Star Ferns are non-toxic to pets!
Bird’s Nest Fern ‘Avis’
Bird’s Nest Ferns
Bird’s Nest Fern is the common name given to two main species: Asplenium nidus and Asplenium antiquum. These ferns are named for their nest-like structure, with beautiful leathery leaves growing in a rosette formation. Depending on the variety, leaves can be flat, branched, or curly. A. nidus tends to be the more common species of Bird’s Nest fern, with varieties like ‘Avis’ having more rounded leaves and growing a bit larger. Asplenium antiquum is more often called a Japanese Bird’s Nest Fern, with varieties like ‘Victoria’ and ‘Crissie’.
Special Care
New growth happens from the center of a Bird’s Nest Fern, so care should be taken not to get wet in this sensitive area. Bird’s Nest Ferns are naturally epiphytic which means they do not have to be grown in soil - try mounting one to some driftwood if you’re feeling adventurous! Excessive light and temperatures lower than 70°F can slow the growth of these ferns, so keep them in a warm, medium to low light, humid environment. Bird’s Nest Ferns are non-toxic!
Scaly Crocodile Fern leaves.
Crocodile Fern
Commonly called the Crocodile Fern, Microsorum musifolium 'Crocodyllus' has scaly-looking leaves, staying true to its reptilian name! Also a member of the Polypodiaceae family, the Crocodile fern is more closely related to the Blue Star Fern, which is surprising since it looks so similar to the Bird’s Nest Fern with its rosette growth and wide, leathery leaves. Crocodile Ferns are also epiphytic, with shallow roots that prefer consistent moisture.
Special Care
The Crocodile Fern will tend to keep its bright green foliage when in the right lighting - too much light will cause them to become a little grayer. These ferns prefer consistent temperature, humidity, and soil moisture, so they are often chosen for use in terrariums! Unlike crocodiles, Crocodile Ferns are safe for pets!
Boston Fern “Ariane”.
Boston Ferns
Perhaps one of the most common indoor ferns, whose use as a houseplant can be tied to the houseplant plant boom of the Victorian era, Nephrolepis exaltata, or Boston Fern, can grow to be quite big and bushy. While N. exaltata ‘Ariane’ is one of the more recognizable ferns, N. exaltata ‘Fluffy Ruffles’ offers a fun, curly, miniature take on a classic - Fluffy Ruffles will stay smaller, topping out at about 12” over the ‘Ariane’ which can grow a bit bigger.
Special Care
These ferns do best in bright, indirect light, and like their soil to be consistently moist. When in less humid conditions or if their soil gets too dry, they will shed their leaflets, which can get pretty messy, so stay on top of watering! Boston Ferns are non-toxic to pets.
FERN FUN FACTS
Ferns can fall into the ‘fussy’ plant category because of their need for high humidity and moisture. For those who are looking for unique plants and have the time and patience to watch over these plants’ needs, ferns can be so rewarding! They can grow to be full, lush and give so much texture to your collection.
Looking for guidance on other plant care topics? Reach out to us @wild_interiors on Instagram or plantcare@wildinteriors.com.