Fern: characteristics
Ferns are evergreen, non-flowering plants that have many different species. There are garden ferns (outdoor plants) and chamber ferns (houseplants). This guide covers Ferns as houseplants.
Ferns have a lush, tropical look, an air-purifying effect and are relatively easy to care for. They're popular for their striking, attractive leaves. Many chamber ferns, such as Boston fern and Maidenhair fern, have feather-shaped leaves. As these fern leaves hang gracefully over a pot, they're also perfect as hanging plants or as plants in tall pots. There are ferns with leaves shaped like deer horns (Elkhorn Fern) and ferns with upright leaves (Nest Fern).
Which plant family do Ferns belong to?
Ferns are among the oldest plants on earth. They are vascular plants (Tracheophytes), meaning that they have a vascular system by which water and nutrients are transported through the plant. Ferns are part of the order Polypodiales which comprises several plant families, including Polypodiaceae (the largest fern family), Dryopteridaceae and Aspleniaceae. These families are among the oldest plant families on earth, with a history dating back millions of years. Ferns thus do not belong to a single family, but to several plant families within the Polypodiales.
What types of Ferns are there?
There are many species of Ferns that thrive as houseplants. These species differ in size, shape, colour and growing conditions. These are the best-known species of indoor Ferns:
- Boston fern (Nephrolepis): this is one of the best-known species of indoor fern. Boston fern is easy to recognise thanks to its wavy and curled leaves. The leaves have a fresh green colour and lush appearance. Compared to other Ferns, this species can tolerate a bit more sunlight.
- Blue star Fern (Phlebodium): Blue star Fern is known for its air-purifying quality, blue-green colour and beautifully curled or smooth leaves. There are a variety of species of this type of Fern, but Phlebodium Aureum ‘Blue Star’ and ‘Davana’ are the most commonly found.
- Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium): the indentation of the leaves of this Fern resembles the antlers of a deer, hence the name Elkhorn Fern. This fern has a grey-green colour and is a real eye-catcher. Not only in a pot, but also perfect as ‘living antlers’ for in a hanging pot on the wall.
- Asplenium fern: this species is also known as the striped Fern. You can recognise it by its shiny and upright leaves with a playful, wavy shape. Thanks of the upright growth of the leaves, this species differs from most other ferns. Asplenium Crispy Wave and Asplenium Nidus are two species of Asplenium Fern that are commonly found in homes.
- Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum): this graceful fern has small, fan-shaped leaves that grow alongside black, feather-shaped stems. Maidenhair Fern's leaves have a soft texture and fresh green colour.
Ferns: location and care
Did you recently bring a Fern home from the garden centre? Check out our basic rules and tips on caring for houseplants here, see care tips below that apply specifically indoor ferns:
- Ferns thrive in a shady spot, but can also be placed in a lighter spot. Avoid anywhere with direct sunlight, as this will burn the leaves. Boston ferns can tolerate slightly sunlight than other types of chamber ferns.
- Don't water the Fern on top of its leaves, as this can cause shedding. Pour the water onto the side of the plant into the potting soil.
- Ferns are tropical plants. They like moist conditions, but not soggy soil. Always keep potting soil 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 humidity by occasionally spraying the plant with a plant sprayer, by placing it next to other plants and/or by increasing the humidity in the house (e.g. with trays of water).
- In growing season (spring and summer), you can give ferns extra nutrition. This may be universal houseplant food. Look for the right dosage on the packaging, because too much nutrition can harm your fern.
- To take your care to an even higher level, give your ferns low calcium water. For instance, use rainwater at room temperature instead of cold tap water, or reduce the amount of lime by letting tap water stand for a while (so the minerals settle).
Are Ferns poisonous?
No. Chamber ferns, or indoor ferns, are generally non-toxic to humans and pets such as dogs and cats. However, in case of intensive skin contact or excessive ingestion, it's always advisable to check for symptoms such as skin irritation or redness. If you're ever concerned, consult a doctor or vet.
Do Ferns purify the air?
Ferns contribute to good indoor air quality by absorbing pollutants from the air, increasing indoor humidity and, like all plants, producing oxygen during photosynthesis. This makes ferns relatively good air purifiers, but there are other houseplants that are usually more effective at removing toxic substances, such as Snake plant and Peace lily.
How to take cuttings from indoor Ferns
Would you like to propagate your Fern? The best time to do this is during spring, as the new plant is most likely to take root and grow during the growing season. Fern cuttings are usually taken by means of partial cuttings. Read all about taking plant cuttings in this article and see our step-by-step plan for taking fern cuttings below.
Please note: most Ferns can be propagated by partial cutting. Do the leaves of your fern grow from a single point point and thus you cannot divide the root ball, as is the case with Asplenium Nidus and Silver Fern? Then it will be necessary to propagate using a different method such as via spores, which can be complicated and time-consuming, so we don't explore it here.
How to propagate ferns: a step-by-step plan
- Carefully remove the mother plant from the pot and use your hands to remove as much potting soil as possible from the root ball.
- Divide the root ball into two (or possibly three) parts by carefully tearing the plant. Often, when repotting, the root ball is already falling apart a little, allowing you to see where's best to divide it. Note that each part must have roots and leaves to survive. Struggling to divide the plant with your hands? Then cut the root ball loose with a sharp, clean knife.
- Put the Fern cutting in a warm place (not in direct sunlight) and water it. Put the mother plant back in the pot and water the plant, some new potting soil and some plant food if necessary.
- Ensure high humidity around the cutting (and mother plant). Spray the plant regularly with a plant sprayer.
Tip: Is your Fern cutting (or mother plant) not doing so well? We advise watering the plant(s) from below. Put the pot (with holes at the bottom) in a layer of water and let the plant absorb it rather than watering from above.
Fern symbolism
Ferns symbolise growth, new life, indestructibility, fertility and protection. Ferns owe this symbolism to their ability to reproduce through spores and to their ancient history. Ferns are among the oldest plants in the world, meaning they survive, grow and are strong in difficult conditions. In some cultures, Ferns also symbolise magic. The plant used to be associated with magical powers and the search for luck.
Fun fact: the Maori (indigenous people of New Zealand) used to use Silver Ferns to find their way in the dark. This is because the underside of the leaves is silvery, reflecting the light of the moon and stars. The leaves appear to give off light, thus shining a little on the route. This Silver Fern - along with many other species - is common in New Zealand, where it's a national symbol of growth, direction and new life.
Where do Ferns originally come from?
Ferns are among the oldest and most diverse plants on earth. They originated over 300 million years ago in tropical rainforests that covered the earth at the time. They spread via spores (rather than seeds), which makes Ferns special. Over millions of years, Ferns evolved into different shapes and sizes. Over time, they spread from the tropics to temperate and cooler climates.
Ferns as houseplants first became popular in the 19th century, when Victorians started collecting exotic plants from various parts of the world. Ferns were increasingly brought to Europe and other continents and grew more often in temperate areas, forests and mountainous regions. Nowadays, Ferns are not only found in nature worldwide, but also as houseplants. They are loved for their lush leaves, fresh green colours and low-maintenance nature.
