Ferns as houseplants
Ferns are very popular as houseplants, but with their striking leaves they also steal the show as garden plants. With their beautiful colours and shapes and thousands of different varieties, there's always a fern that suits you. Here, we explore five popular varieties of indoor ferns.
Blue star fern
Blue star fern is also known as Phlebodium. Its air-purifying qualities, beautiful blue-green colour and curly leaves make this fern a real must-have for any home. There are several species of blue fern, but the Phlebodium Aureum ‘Blue Star’ and ‘Davana’ are the best known.
Elkhorn fern
If you look at the shape of elkhorn fern, the origins of the name immediately become clear. Also called Platycerium, this fern is a real eye-catcher with a chic, grey-green colour. This plant shines in a pot, but have you considered wall mounting it to give the effect of real antlers? This adds a fun twist to your fern display!
Boston fern
Boston fern, also known as Nephrolepis, is easily recognised by its wavy leaves, bright green colour and lush appearance. This tropical houseplant is hardy and air-purifying. Compared to the other ferns, this plant can tolerate more sunlight than usual, but still prefers to be in a spot with no direct light.
Asplenium crispy wave fern
Asplenium crispy wave fern, with its evocative name, can be recognised by its shiny and upright leaves. The fresh green leaves have a playful shape and the exact shape varies from species to species. Asplenium Nidus, Asplenium Antiquum and Asplenium Crispy Wave are some well-known species that we often see as houseplants.
Maidenhair fern
The graceful maidenhair fern has fine leaves with a soft texture and fresh green colour, which create an airy, sophisticated look. This plant likes high humidity, so a spot with indirect sunlight in the bathroom is perfect.
How to take care of ferns
Are you the proud owner of a lush new fern? Then of course, you'll want your plant to thrive as much as possible. Check out our best tips and basic rules for looking after houseplants here and see the tips below specifically for the care of ferns:
- Don't water a fern directly into the middle of the plant, as this can cause leaves the drop. Instead, water directly into the potting soil.
- Ferns thrive in a shady spot, but can also stand to be in a lighter spot. Avoid a spot with direct sunlight, as this will burn the leaves.
- Ferns are tropical plants. They like moist conditions but not soggy soil. Make sure the soil remains slightly moist, but don't leave a layer of water at the bottom of the pot as this can cause root rot.
- Ferns like high humidity. You can increase the humidity by watering the plant from time to time, by placing it next to other plants and/or by increasing the humidity in your house (e.g. with trays of water).
- To take your fern care to the next level, don't water it with water taken straight from the tap. Reduce the amount of calcium in the water by letting it stand for a while (so the minerals settle), or use cooled, boiled water or rainwater.
Styling ideas for ferns in your home
Are you a fern lover looking for interiors inspo? Take a look at the styling ideas below and get inspired!
Living wall-mounted antlers
If you squint, elkhorn ferns resemble antlers (hence their name!). Place the plant in a wall-mounted plant pot and discover the surprising festive effect it creates. You'll enjoy this green trophy on the wall for a long time.
Ferns in glass jars
Fern leaves are so pretty, it makes sense to enjoy them to the max! Use a glass jar or pot to allow you to really get a good view of your plant. For a playful effect (and to increase humidity, which ferns like) plant different types of ferns together.
Framed fern leaves
Can't get enough of the gorgeous leaves of your favourite fern? Frame them and hang them on the wall. Cut some leaves of your favourite fern, dry them between a heavy book and frame them or use them in artworks. The leaves will last for months or even years.
More inspiration for creating a greener home
Discover how to create a green seating areas, choose some plants to place on your windowsill and get inspired by these 10 hanging plants for your home.
