Houseplant Guides

26 Best Types of Indoor Ferns to Grow at Home

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Published Jan 17, 2024Updated Jun 12, 202412 min read

Indoor Ferns are a lush and rewarding addition to any indoor space. Plus, you have plenty of options, each with vibrant, cascading fronds that stand out among other indoor plants. In this guide, I’ll share the best types of indoor ferns and essential growing and care tips for each.

1) Staghorn Fern (Platycerium)

Staghorn fern with broad, wavy green fronds in a pale blue square ceramic pot

Staghorn or elkhorn ferns are from the genus Platycerium, which makes up about 18 unique fern species. Staghorn ferns are unique compared to many other popular ferns in that they are epiphytes, living on trees instead of in the soil. They have pronounced sporophytes, their stags, and pronounced gametophytes, the shields. Both are separate parts of the staghorn fern’s life cycle.

They’re also great at purifying the air and look stunning in hanging baskets in addition to tabletop pots and planters.

LIGHT: Thrives in medium to bright indirect light.
WATERING: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out approximately halfway down between waterings. Increase the frequency if your plants are exposed to increased light conditions.

DIFFICULTY: Loves temperatures ranging from 55 to 85F. Try to avoid and areas that are prone to cool drafts.
TEMPERATURE: Young staghorn ferns can be fed monthly during spring and summer with an all-purpose houseplant feed. I only do this every other month or less in the winter. More mature staghorn ferns will only require feeding once or twice a year.
FEEDING: Young staghorn ferns can be fed monthly during spring and summer with an all-purpose houseplant feed. Only do this every other month or less in the winter. More mature staghorn ferns will only require feeding once or twice a year.
TOXICITY: Pet and human-friendly.

2) Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Boston fern in a white ceramic pot on a plain background

Boston ferns are one of the most popular varieties of this plant. Their scientific name is Nephrolepis exaltata, and they belong to the Lomariopsidaceae family. This is a hardy, evergreen perennial plant with long, textured fronds. They are versatile and easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for first-time fern owners.

NASA included Boston ferns in their clean air study, confirming that they helped remove formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air.

LIGHT: This variety does best with filtered light. Around two hours of indirect light works well.
WATERING: This plant needs regular watering and consistent moisture in the soil. If you lift your fern and it feels light, it needs watering. This plant loves humidity, so try regular misting or placing the plant in a high-humidity location like a bathroom.

DIFFICULTY: Easy. This is a hardier fern variety but requires ample humidity and particular light conditions. Keep an eye out for common Boston fern pests and diseases.
TEMPERATURE: This plant loves temperatures from 60 to 75F.
FEEDING: Boston ferns do not need much fertilizer. Feed your plant once a month or less in the summer months and repot every 18 months or so.
TOXICITY: Pet and human-friendly.

3) Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)

Birds Nest Fern in a dark gray pot with saucer

Bird’s nest ferns, or Asplenium nidus, are epiphytic plants. They grow in a clump that resembles a bird’s nest. This plant’s shape, size, and texture make it a great addition to any room. This plant is unique because it grows in palm trees, another reason it may have earned its name.

LIGHT: Does best in medium to bright indirect light.
WATERING: Thrives with weekly watering. Allow the soil to dry between waterings.

DIFFICULTY: Medium. Thrives in loose, fast-draining, and slightly acidic soil.
TEMPERATURE: Thrives in temperatures ranging from 65 to 75F.
FEEDING: Feed with a half-strength fertilizer every other week or less during the growing season.
TOXICITY: Pet and human-friendly.

4) Kimberly Queen Fern (Nephrolepis obliterata)

Kimberly Queen Fern in a navy blue pot on a wooden stool

Kimberly Queen Ferns, or Nephrolepis obliterata, is originally from Australia. This plant is more sensitive than the hardier ferns like the Boston fern, making it a bit more challenging to care for. However, this plant has beautifully textured fronds and adds a lovely aesthetic to any indoor environment.

LIGHT: Prefers bright, indirect light.
WATERING: This plant is sensitive to both over and under-watering. Water it regularly, but allow the soil to dry in between waterings.

DIFFICULTY: Difficult.
TEMPERATURE: Thrives in 60 to 75-degree temperatures.
FEEDING: Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
TOXICITY: Pet and human-friendly.

5) Rabbit Foot Fern (Davallia)

Rabbit's foot fern in a galvanized metal pot with moss

Rabbit Foot Ferns are a member of the genus Davallia, which includes about 40 other species. It gets its name from furry rhizomes that emerge from the base of the plant. These rhizomes grow atop the soil and have an appearance resembling rabbit feet.

LIGHT: Requires bright, indirect light.
WATERING: It needs light, but frequent watering to keep the soil moist.

DIFFICULTY: Medium.
TEMPERATURE: Enjoys temperatures ranging from 70 to 75F.
FEEDING: Use a balanced fertilizer to feed this plant monthly during the growing season.
TOXICITY: Pet and human-friendly.

6) Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)

Maidenhair fern in a copper pot with silver marbled finish

Maidenhair ferns belong to the genus Adiantum, which includes around 250 other species. This is a more delicate variety of fern, but their beautiful, lacy appearance makes them worth the effort. Once you’ve learned how to maintain one of the hardier varieties, you can try this gorgeous, albeit sensitive, fern variety.

LIGHT: Maintain bright, indirect light, and avoid direct sunlight or low light conditions.
WATERING: Water often enough to maintain consistent soil moisture without leaving its environment soggy.

DIFFICULTY: Difficult.
TEMPERATURE: Thrives in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70F.
FEEDING: Feed this plant with half-strength fertilizer each month year-round.
TOXICITY: Pet and human-friendly.

7) Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorous ‘sprengeri’)

Asparagus fern in a white pot against a plain white background

Asparagus ferns, or Asparagus densiflorous ‘sprengeri’ has small, needle-like fronds. Unlike other ferns, this plant has thorns, so touching can be painful. This plant is commonly considered a part of the fern species as it requires similar care. However, it belongs to the Asparagus genus, meaning it is unrelated.

LIGHT: This plant can tolerate direct sun but prefers bright, filtered light.
WATERING: Water enough to keep the soil moist and mist its foliage to keep it bright and happy.

DIFFICULTY: Medium.
TEMPERATURE: This plant is more tolerant of high temperatures; around 70F is best.
FEEDING: Use half-strength fertilizer to feed this plant monthly.
TOXICITY: Pet and human-friendly.

8) Frosty Fern (Selaginella)

Frosty Fern in a terracotta nursery pot against a neutral background

Frosty ferns, or Selaginella, is the only vascular genus of plants in the Selaginellaceae family. They have scale-shaped leaves with a frosty coloring. They are a beautiful, wintery addition to any indoor environment, and their love of humidity means it does well in a terrarium.

LIGHT: This plant loves bright, indirect lighting.
WATERING: Water this plant enough to keep the soil consistently moist.

DIFFICULTY: Medium.
TEMPERATURE: Thrives in temperatures between 60 and 80F.
FEEDING: Feed with diluted fertilizer weekly during the growing season.
TOXICITY: This plant is toxic to cats.

9) Foxtail Fern (Asparagus declinatus)

Foxtail fern in a green plastic nursery pot against a white background

Foxtail ferns, or Asparagus declinatus, are a variety that also falls into the Asparagus genus, meaning they are not actually ferns. They have beautiful, thick, and curly foliage resembling a fox’s tail, which is likely where this plant gets its name.

LIGHT: This plant enjoys bright light and indirect light, so lightly shaded areas work well.
WATERING: This plant needs regular watering. Water at least once a week, letting no more than the top two inches of soil dry out between waterings.

DIFFICULTY: Medium.
TEMPERATURE: Avoid temperatures lower than 75F.
FEEDING: Fertilize once a month with a standard fertilizer.
TOXICITY: Pet and human-friendly.

10) Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia)

Lemon Butter Fern in a dark gray pot on a wooden table

Lemon Button ferns, or Nephrolepis cordifolia, is a small and delicate fern indigenous to Hawaii. It gets its name from a subtle lemony scent that it gives off during its growing season. This plant is a beautiful, low-maintenance option for anyone interested in adding a fern to their collection.

LIGHT: Anything from bright, indirect light to lower light conditions will do.
WATERING: This plant enjoys moist soil conditions, but it will tolerate its soil drying out every now and then.

DIFFICULTY: Easy.
TEMPERATURE: This plant loves warm temperatures of 60F and up.
FEEDING: Fertilize a few times a year, during the growing season.
TOXICITY: Pet and human-friendly.

11) Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum)

Holly fern fronds with glossy, spiny-edged green leaflets

Holly ferns, or Cyrtomium falcatum, are known for their serrated, holly-like foliage. This fern can tolerate low lighting and creates beautiful dark green fronds, making it a unique option for indoor plant collectors.

LIGHT: Thrives in anything from full shade to bright, indirect lighting.
WATERING: Water regularly whenever the topsoil feels dry.

DIFFICULTY: Medium.
TEMPERATURE: Enjoys anything from 50 to 70F.
FEEDING: Fertilize this fern during the growing season with diluted, balanced fertilizer.
TOXICITY: Pet and human-friendly.

12) Dallas Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Dallas’)

Dallas fern houseplant with arching green fronds in a bushy cluster

Dallas ferns, or Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Dallas’, are a smaller relative to the Boston fern. They are a beautiful, low-maintenance plant to care for and make a lush and lively addition to any room.

LIGHT: They prefer bright, indirect sunlight.
WATERING: Water this plant regularly to maintain moist, but not soggy soil.

DIFFICULTY: Easy.
TEMPERATURE: This plant does best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75F.
FEEDING: Feed monthly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
TOXICITY: Pet and human-friendly.

13) Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)

Japanese painted fern with silvery-blue fronds growing among green foliage — Credit: Etsy

The Japanese Painted fern, or Athyrium niponicum, comes from Eastern Asia. This colorful fern gets its name due to its silver fronds and dark red stems, making it an appealing option to grow at home. While most fronds offer an evergreen backdrop to your garden, this beauty will stand out like a work of art and liven up any space.

LIGHT: This plant cannot tolerate direct sunlight. It does best in shaded or medium indirect light.
WATERING: Water enough to maintain moist soil.

DIFFICULTY: Medium.
TEMPERATURE: Temperatures around 70F are great for this plant.
FEEDING: Use a houseplant fertilizer in the spring.
TOXICITY: Pet and human-friendly.

14) Royal Fern (Osmunda spectabilis)

Royal fern with pinnate green fronds and tall rust-brown fertile spikes — Credit: Etsy

Royal ferns, or Osmunda spectabilis, are large ferns that can grow up to one meter high. They produce large, light green foliage, adding a bold statement to your indoor decor.

LIGHT: This plant needs partly-shaded or fully-shaded light conditions.
WATERING: Water this plant often enough to maintain moist soil.

DIFFICULTY: Medium.
TEMPERATURE: The ideal temperature for this plant is 65 to 75F.
FEEDING: Fertilizer is not necessary for this plant.
TOXICITY: Pet and human-friendly.

15) Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium aureum)

Blue Star Fern fronds with lobed, silvery-green leaves in a pot — Credit: Bloomscape

Blue Star Ferns, or Phlebodium aureum, are known for their large fronds. This is a hardy indoor fern that makes a great houseplant. Since it is an epiphytic fern, it doesn’t need as much moisture as other varieties, making it a more tolerant houseplant than other species of this plant.

LIGHT: Low to medium lighting.
WATERING: Water this plant when the surface soil becomes completely dry.

DIFFICULTY: Easy
TEMPERATURE: Does best in temperatures ranging from 50 to 80F.
FEEDING: Use a well-balanced fertilizer once a month or less.
TOXICITY: Pet and human-friendly.

16) Australian Tree Fern (Cyathea cooperi)

Unfurling fronds of Australian tree fern, Cyathea cooperi, with brown fuzzy croziers

The Australian Tree Fern, native to parts of Australia (as you might have guessed), has large, feathery fronds that can grow several feet long. Its trunk is slender and covered in brown, coarse hairs. I love the fact these ferns are rapid growers (under the right conditions) and work really well as a centerpiece in an indoor garden.

LIGHT: Bright, indirect light throughout the day.
WATERING: Keep soil consistently moist

DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TEMPERATURE: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
FEEDING: Monthly during the growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
TOXICITY: It can be poisonous if consumed by pets or humans

17) Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)

Pellaea rotundifolia button fern with small round green leaflets on trailing stems

Native to New Zealand, the Button Fern is known for its unique round, button-like leaflets on arching stems. I think the dark green leaves contrast beautifully with its black stems.

LIGHT: Bright, indirect light throughout the day
WATERING: Let the top inch or two dry out before watering again

DIFFICULTY: Easy
TEMPERATURE: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
FEEDING: Every 6-8 weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season
TOXICITY: Non-toxic to pets

18) Cretan Brake Fern (Pteris cretica)

Cretan brake fern fronds with pale-striped narrow green leaflets

Originating from Europe and Asia, the Cretan Brake Fern has light green, arching fronds with a lace-like appearance. They can adapt to a variety of conditions, making them suitable for a range of interior living spaces.

LIGHT: Bright, indirect light throughout the day
WATERING: Keep soil consistently moist (it’s worth checking the soil every 3 to 5 days I find)

DIFFICULTY: Easy care
TEMPERATURE: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
FEEDING: Monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer
TOXICITY: Toxic to pets if ingested

19) Crocodile Fern (Microsorum musifolium)

Crocodile fern with wavy green fronds in a gray clay pot beside a variegated houseplant

Native to Southeast Asia, Microsorum musifolium showcases textured leaves that resemble crocodile skin. This fern enjoys a humid environment and is popular for its unique appearance. I find these ferns challenging to grow at home as they need lots of moisture but can be really rewarding.

LIGHT: Low to medium light
WATERING: Keep soil evenly moist (check the soil weekly at a minimum)

DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TEMPERATURE: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
FEEDING: Monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer
TOXICITY: Non-toxic to pets

20) Delta Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum ‘Fragrantissimum’)

Delta maidenhair fern fronds with small fan-shaped green leaflets and leafy plants behind

This variation of the Maidenhair Fern has delicate, fan-shaped fronds. It’s native to the tropics and is known for its soft, lacy appearance and sweet fragrance. They can be tricky to find but are an excellent addition to any indoor fern plant collection.

LIGHT: Bright, indirect light
WATERING: Keep soil consistently moist (check the soil weekly)

DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Difficult
TEMPERATURE: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
FEEDING: Monthly during the growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
TOXICITY: Non-toxic to pets

21) Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium)

Hart's tongue fern fronds with brown sori lines on the undersides

This European native fern is unique due to its undivided, tongue-shaped leaves. Unlike many ferns, Hart’s Tongue ferns have smooth-edged fronds, giving them a chic and modern appearance in my opinion.

LIGHT: Low to medium light throughout the day
WATERING: Keep soil moist but not soggy

DIFFICULTY: Easy
TEMPERATURE: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
FEEDING: Every 6-8 weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season
TOXICITY: Non-toxic to pets

22) Kangaroo Paw Fern (Microsorum diversifolium)

Kangaroo paw fern with glossy, deeply lobed green fronds

Originating from Australia, the fern’s fronds resemble the paws of a kangaroo. It has irregularly shaped, long, and leathery fronds. These ferns work great on window ledges and bright, sunny spots throughout the home or office.

LIGHT: Bright, indirect light
WATERING: Keep soil consistently moist

DIFFICULTY: Easy
TEMPERATURE: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
FEEDING: Every 6-8 weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season
TOXICITY: Non-toxic to pets

23) Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)

Lady fern fronds with finely divided, bright green pinnae

A native to Northern Hemisphere temperate regions, Lady Fern is popular for its delicate, lacy fronds that are bright green in color. In my experience, they require a little more work than other types of ferns but stand out for their elegant appearance.

LIGHT: Bright, indirect light
WATERING: Keep soil consistently moist (check weekly at a minimum)

DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TEMPERATURE: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
FEEDING: Monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season
TOXICITY: Toxic to pets if ingested

24) Rosy Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum hispidulum)

Rosy maidenhair fern with pink-tinged fronds and green pinnules

Native to the Australasia region, this fern is similar to the Delta Maidenhair but is characterized by its rosy-colored new growth. I find this coloring makes a lovely contrast against the classic forest green of most types of ferns.

LIGHT: Bright, indirect light throughout the day
WATERING: Keep soil consistently moist. Typically, you’ll need to water every 5 to 7 days.

DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TEMPERATURE: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
FEEDING: Monthly during the growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
TOXICITY: Non-toxic to pets

25) Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis)

Sensitive fern fronds with deeply lobed bright green leaflets

Native to North America and East Asia, it’s called “sensitive” due to its intolerance to frost. However, you shouldn’t have these issues if you’re growing one indoors. Its fronds are light green, coarse, and have a unique bead-like structure.

LIGHT: Bright, indirect light
WATERING: Keep soil consistently moist (you’ll typically need to water weekly at a minimum)

DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TEMPERATURE: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
FEEDING: Monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season
TOXICITY: Non-toxic to pets

26) Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)

Sword fern fronds with serrated leaflets curving over a shaded forest floor

Native to western North America, the Sword Fern has long, leathery, sword-like fronds that are deep green in color. It’s very adaptable and can tolerate various conditions, making this one of my go-to ferns for easy care.

LIGHT: Low to medium light
WATERING: Allow the top inch to dry out before watering (usually every seven days or so).

DIFFICULTY: Easy
TEMPERATURE: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
FEEDING: Every 6-8 weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season
TOXICITY: Non-toxic to pets

Wrapping Up

Ferns are a must-have as you grow and expand your indoor plant collection. They add texture and color to any environment, and their low-maintenance nature pleases novices and greenthumbs alike. From hanging planters to bathroom decor, numerous types of indoor ferns add an attractive, rugged accent to any indoor space.

Further reading: Discover the best types of plants for prosperity and wealth in feng shui.