A guide to types of Fern house plant
There is a wide variety of ferns that can be grown as houseplants, each with its unique appearance and care requirements. Here's a guide to some popular types of fern houseplants:
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Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis'): This popular fern has long, arching fronds and delicate, feathery leaves. It requires bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil. High humidity is essential, so mist regularly or use a humidifier.
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Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.): Maidenhair ferns are known for their delicate, lacy fronds and wiry, black stems. They prefer bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil. Maidenhair ferns can be more challenging to grow due to their high humidity requirements.
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Staghorn Fern (Platycerium spp.): This unique epiphytic fern has two types of fronds: broad, flat basal fronds that attach to a mounting surface, and large, bifurcated fertile fronds that resemble stag antlers. Staghorn ferns require bright, indirect light and should be watered by misting or soaking the roots.
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Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus): This fern has large, wavy, tongue-shaped fronds that grow in a rosette, resembling a bird's nest. It prefers medium to bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil. Avoid getting water in the center of the rosette, as this can cause rot.
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Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia): Button ferns are known for their small, round leaflets on dark, arching stems. They prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out between waterings.
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Kangaroo Paw Fern (Microsorum diversifolium): This fern has long, leathery fronds with irregularly shaped leaflets, resembling kangaroo paws. It prefers medium to bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil. As an epiphytic fern, it can also be grown mounted on a piece of bark or a slab.
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Rabbit's Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis): This fern is named for its furry, creeping rhizomes that resemble rabbit's feet. It has delicate, finely divided fronds and prefers medium to bright, indirect light. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out between waterings, and avoid getting water on the rhizomes.
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Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium aureum): This fern has broad, blue-green fronds with a slightly waxy texture. It prefers low to medium light and consistently moist soil. Blue Star Fern is more tolerant of lower humidity than many other fern species.
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Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum): Holly ferns have glossy, dark green, leathery fronds with serrated edges that resemble holly leaves. They prefer medium to bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil. They are relatively low-maintenance compared to other ferns.
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Crested Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'): This fern is prized for its striking silver and green fronds with burgundy stems. It prefers bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil. As a smaller fern, it's perfect for terrariums or small containers.
Each of these ferns has its unique care requirements, but they generally prefer bright, indirect light, consistently moist soil, and high humidity. By choosing the right fern for your space and providing the appropriate care, you can enjoy the beauty and air-purifying benefits of these elegant houseplants.
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