30 Types of Ferns To Grow Indoor and Outdoor: Pics, Names, Fern Identification

A few facts to be aware of are that some species of fronds are evergreen while others will have their leaves die back in winter and regrow in spring, and so are classed as herbaceous perennials.¹

Another crucial point is that all fern species do not actually have leaves. What many often describe as fern leaves are in reality fronds.

The distinction between the two is that ferns do not produce seeds like other plants as they do not grow any flowers.

They traditionally have a feathery look and the fronds, which grow pinnately from a central shaft, reproduce from spores that get carried away on prevailing winds. These tiny spores are encased in capsules called sori which are noticeable on the underside of the fronds.

The color, the way they are arranged, and the texture can help to identify the different ferns.

There are some spore capsules that have a different shape similar to a grain of rice which are very noticeable on the fronds by the pattern they make. These are called Spleenwort, and the sori are actually called sorus for reference purposes.

This pinnate appearance is not consistent throughout all the species as some of them have a division of the fronds that make them appear even more feathery and light.

These particular types of ferns are referred to as being finely cut as they look so delicate, and this can assist as a mode of identification. The stipe, which is the main stem supporting the fern from the ground up, and the rachis which branch from it, can also help by their color, shape, and also if they have fine hairs sprouting from them.

Types of Outdoor Ferns (Fern Identification, Fern Growing Zone, and Outdoor Fern Care)

One of the main advantages of installing ferns in an outdoor setting is the option of planting in unappealing areas where the sun doesn’t shine.

A vacant lot will often appear under a tree that has a wide canopy such as a Jacaranda Tree, a Honey Locust Tree (Gleditsia triacanthos),² or a Mesquite Tree. These types of trees cast long shadows and wasted spaces that can become an eyesore.

These empty gaps can sometimes occur no matter how hard a landscape is designed, a black spot where the sun just cannot reach, where most plants cannot survive.

Planting a mixture of the hardy fern varieties in that seemingly unwelcome spot would add shades of green, and loads of texture, and fill out the landscape.

Fortunately, even in what appears to be a less-than-inviting spot for other plants, ferns are very easy to grow and care for under those sunless zones.

Even the tender varieties can be summer grown in the garden and brought inside for protection when the harsh winters drop.

For best results: The roots prefer a constant moisture content in the soil while the rest of the plant thrives in a fully shaded location.

For best results: It is possible to grow directly in a pool of water, but normally wet soil close to a pond is sufficient, or close to a shaded marshy area. Dry climates can be tolerated as long as there is regular watering.

For best results: Planting by streams or in zones that are boggy or constantly wet, areas that other plants abhor, will see this fern grow tall. And like most ferns, it prefers to be in the shade instead of the sunlight.

For best results: Even if there are few nutrients in the water as long as there are high levels of phosphorous, this plant can thrive in marshes, canals, and streams.

For best results: Can be grown in full to partial shade, and well-draining soil serves the roots best.

For best results: Adaptable to different climatic situations, shade, moist soil, and humid conditions are best for this ornamental plant.

For best results: The advantage of these types of ferns is that they can be planted in rock gardens or borders that do not receive a lot of water.

For best results: Due to its height, planted along borders or rock gardens. And due to its adaptability, it can also be planted near ponds, as long as both locations have partial or full shade.

Types of Ferns for Shade (Pics, Names, Fern Identification)

Selecting the correct fern for a section of your landscape that receives no sunshine at all, not even dappled shade, can make a difference in how hard you will have to work to keep your plants from dying off.

There are some ferns that do very well in shaded areas, yet even they will need some partial sunshine every now and again.

(Sunset Fern Image: Cheng Te Hsu³⁷)

Certain types of ferns such as Dryopteris, Polystichum, or Asplenium that grow under dense canopies in shaded habitats are ideal, and even though they are sun dodgers they still look vibrant and sport a variety of different looks.

Here are just 5 examples that are helping just as much as trees to fight climate change.

For best results: Plant in loose, well-draining soil where there is definitely all shade all the time. Any prolonged exposure to sunlight will see the color fade somewhat, which would be a shame as that is one of its outstanding features.

13. Japanese Painted Fern

(Athyrium niponicum)

One of the varieties that do not grow above 2 feet, the pinnae are muted blue-green in color with a deep purple stem and midribs running through the center of each one, adding a touch of elegance.

Deciduous, it may not be one of the fastest growing ferns, but they are easy to grow, easy to care for, and worth the wait.

• Height: 1-2 feet
• Width: 1-2 feet
• USDA HZ: 3-8

For best results: Medium moisture soil is better than a constantly wet one, and these plants are excellent as companion plants to sow beneath trees that cast a big shadow.

For best results: Being one of the toughest ferns out there, it is accustomed to growing in crevices, ledges, and clinging to walls, sometimes in moist soil, but always away from the sun.

The difference from a typical fern doesn’t stop there. It has two types of fronds that are broader, devoid of leaflets, and are a lot thicker with interesting star-shaped tips.

For best results: Capable of being grown in soil, they are more suitable for growing attached to wooden planks, fences, or hanging baskets where there is a permanent shade.

Types of Ferns Indoor (Fern Houseplant Types and Different Types of Fern Houseplants)

Indoor plants don’t come much easier to grow than ferns.

For other plants, the lack of sunshine or constant exposure for 6-8 hours in one spot is often a problem for some plants. Moving the container several times to track the direct sunlight is what homeowners have become accustomed to, but that is a time-consuming endeavor.

With ferns that task is eliminated, no constant relocations necessary. Ferns are actually sun-dodgers, are so easy to care for, easy to prune to control their growth, and easy to appreciate for the wide variety of shapes, sizes, and textures they bring into a home.

Because they require little if any sunlight, their popularity is on the rise again even if they are still just left to their own devices to brighten up a forgotten corner of the room.

For best results: Desires a humid atmosphere. Where that is absent, regular misting will keep this plant healthy.

For best results: Keep out of direct sunlight to avoid scorching even though it enjoys a humid environment. Dappled or indirect sunlight will suffice and plant in moist soil in a container that has draining holes as the soil cannot be allowed to dry out.

For best results: Place it in a corner of the room where there is no direct sunlight, where few other plants dare to tread, and it will thrive. Maintain moisture in the soil until it is firmly established, and then it will require the minimum of attention.

For best results: Partial shade is acceptable but full shade is better and because of the pleasant aroma, these ferns make excellent houseplants, especially as the color changes from green to yellow in the fall.

Types of Maidenhair Ferns (Maidenhair Fern Outdoors)

Coveted for their delicate disposition, these types of ferns make excellent houseplants yet equally can grow in adverse locations outside just as long as there is adequate water availability.

Slow growing, they have small attractive fronds and are considered to be tougher than they look.

For best results: Partial or full shade is needed, with planting in well-draining soil. Water constantly throughout the growing phase every season.

For best results: Create a humid climate for these tropical rainforest plants by misting or placing them near bathrooms. Another tip is to place a pebble-filled saucer with water under the pot so the evaporated water will mimic the atmosphere that the plants need.

For best results: Full shade and well-draining soil are required. In drier instances, mulch around the base to retain moisture for longer periods.

For best results: Filtered sun or partial shade is the friend of this plant that is native to tropical forests in South America, and due to its heritage, it requires humid conditions and is best planted alongside ponds where the soil is rich and constantly moist.

Fern Plants: Hardy Ferns

USDA hardiness zones 2 and 3 are cold in the winter months, very cold, and knowing how to care for ferns in all climates will help in caring for them, and it will just take a bit of practice to be an expert.

Temperatures can plummet in these zones to as low as -40 to -50 °F and it would be normal to presume that states such as Alaska and Minnesota would be unsuitable for growing hardy ferns in any outdoor setting there.¹⁰

But it is possible.

These specific types of ferns detailed below are able to withstand these freezing conditions without their sap freezing and turning them into Fern popsicles.

Here are some examples of ferns that are able to survive under equally interesting and unforgiving landscapes.

For best results: Be sure to maintain moist soil, and keep it in the shade. It can be placed as a border plant, beneath overhanging trees and every year it will keep reappearing to repeat the cycle without fail.

For best results: As it grows in tight clusters, plant it as ground cover or on a border where this evergreen, perennial frond can have full shade and soil that is moist.

For best results: For this Fern, boggy is best. It grows robustly in areas along streams where there is a lot of shade and the ground is wet.

If the soil becomes too dry it will go dormant otherwise, it is a good addition to less-than-ideal growing conditions.

Growing Ferns From a Cutting and How To Make Ferns Grow Big

Before deciding which fern to choose, first, consider the growing zones for ferns. Where to grow is just as important as when to plant ferns for the best yield.

Once those have been decided, and even the fern names are chosen, cut the rhizome, not the stalk, so that a frond is still attached and insert it into a container with Sphagnum Moss.

Moisture with a spray of water and cover with a plastic bottle to create a humid atmosphere. How long it takes to grow ferns will depend on the species but to reach full maturity can take from 5 to 10 years.

As the fern grows, repot it into a larger container with new potting soil and fertilize it about every 3 months and provide enough water. This is the method to ensure how to make ferns grow big and stay healthy.

What Is a Hurricane Fern and How To Care for It?

Native to East Asia, this fern has large fronds and needs looking after. Hurricane Fern care starts with keeping the soil very moist and the ambient temperature high to replicate humidity.

Keep away from AC to avoid drying it out and the leaves from browning.

Common Pests of the Ferns and Natural Pest Control for Ferns

Nematodes are tiny worms hidden in the soil that sneakily infest the roots, causing the fronds to yellow or become deformed. To get rid of them you will need to know how to transplant ferns from one pot or location to another without causing any damage.

All the old soil has to be removed carefully from around the roots to prevent any reinfection as they can be very invasive in gardens and landscapes and difficult to completely eliminate.¹²

Fern mites, aphids, and mealybugs target the sap in the fronds voraciously and can cause irreparable damage.

Regular spraying with organic pesticides or soapy water with horticultural oil will help to keep them at bay and send them packing.

All Types of Fern Facts

Like most plants and flowers and trees, there is a degree of mysticism or symbolism attached to Ferns.

Fern symbolism revolves around healing, magic, romance, and sincerity. But let’s see what other facts are associated with these fascinating plants.

• Species of ferns have been around on Earth for nearly 400 million years.
• Ferns are some of the most varied plant species, from very small shrubs to towering giants in all shapes and sizes.
• There are houseplant identification apps available that will help to identify different types of Ferns. They provide the scientific names for ferns and how to care for them.
• Parts of the Maidenhair Fern are used to alleviate asthma, ease coughs, and even treat snakebites.
• Dixonia antarctica is a fern that grows in Australia and Tasmania to heights of 50 feet.
• Australia has entire forests that grow only fern plants.

The diversity of ferns extends to their longevity, with perennials lasting for years, their deciduous or evergreen natures that dictate how long their fronds survive.

Growing in a variety of settings, such as marshes, dry rock crevices, and woodlands, demonstrates that they can be hardy to withstand all weathers while appearing delicate at the same time.

Knowing which types of ferns will grow best for you just takes a little time and practice to ensure that these lovely and lush plants make any space more soothing and restful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Ferns